Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Sciences

As part of efforts to establish a university-wide system for ethical clearance for research, the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) Management Board in 2014 approved the establishment of an Ethics Committee for the Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana.

The Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Sciences (ECBAS) is an independent body that reviews and approves research protocols in bio-safety, environmental issues, genetically modified organisms and other applied sciences related research thematic areas.

The ECBAS has a permanent secretariat situated at Block C of the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) building. The ECBAS follows a structured protocol that clearly outlines terms of reference, membership, meetings and criteria for protocol reviews. These are clearly spelt out in the ECBAS Standard Operation Procedures (SOP).

The main officers of the ECBAS comprise the Chair, Vice Chair and the Administrator.

An Investigator who intends to commence a research project shall apply for review to the ECBAS. The application shall include:

• Completion of a New Protocol Submission Form (NPSF)
• Submission of 1 copy and a soft copy of the research protocol/proposal and all supporting documents (i.e. Proposal, interview guide, questionnaire, NPSF, consent form, letters, CV etc.) to the ECBAS Administrator at the RID office. All soft copies should be sent by email to ethicscbas@ug.edu.gh
• A cover letter signed by the Supervisor and Head of Department (applies to student investigators only)
• The Principal Investigator's CV
• An informed consent form
• Copies of all questionnaires, interview guide and other data collection instruments that will be used
• Insurance Policies (if applicable)
• Any other relevant documentation