Research management professionals from the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have launched a professional platform to institutionalise the research management profession into a formalised network of professionals.
The launch of Ghana Research Management Professionals’ Platform (GRMPP) took place on Wednesday 15th October 2025 at the International Programmes Office, UG and was chaired by Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development). Present at the function were some dignitaries: Mrs. Emelia Agyei Mensah, Registrar (UG), Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director, Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) and Prof. Nancy O. Quarshie, Deputy Director (RID). Partners from sister Universities included Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, Deputy Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy, UCC, Dr Anna Tiwaa Buabeng-Boateng, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy UCC, Mr. Bernard Barnie and Mr. Amos A. Eghan, Office of Grants and Research, KNUST.
The Strengthening Research Management Structures in Ghana,(STReMS-GH) project was initiated by a working group of 2025 alumni of the University Administration Support Programme (UASP), leading to the birth of the GRMPP. With membership from the three ARUA institutions in Ghana i.e. UG, KNUST and UCC, members include; Prof. Jemima Anderson, Dean, IPO (UG), Mrs. Hannah Eyison, Grants and Research Manager (KNUST), Dr. Alex Dankyi (UCC) Mrs. Dorcas Opai-Tetteh, Senior, Research Development Officer (UG), Ms. Deborah Akyeampon Research Development Officer (UG), Ms. Afia Adoma Boakye, Assistant Registrar (UG), Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor (KNUST). Building on shared experiences from their participation in the International Research Exchanges (IREX) Board Fellowship, the idea of GRMPP was mooted. Together, the team strategised on consolidating peer learning to building a network of professionals to validate the role of research administration in Ghana. The launch of GRMPP is the culmination of dedication and hard work by the STReMS-GH team.
Prof. Jemima Anderson welcomed guests to the launch. In outdooring GMRPP, Prof. Asante expressed delight at the opportunity for UG to play host to a novel milestone, having long advocated for formal recognition of Research Managers. He noted that the collaboration between UG, KNUST and UCC is evidence that shared knowledge in research and collective dedication to higher education transcend competition. He acknowledged the critical steps that had made the launch of GRMPP possible, appreciating the support of the Carnegie Corporation, and the IREX Board.
He urged research administrators to embrace the opportunities that membership of the GRMPP portend for research and personal development.
Mrs. Hannah Adom Eyison, Co-lead of the STReMS project) provided an overview of the research management ecosystem in Ghana, identifying challenges which GRMPP seeks to address, bolstered by a mission to ‘foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional development among research management professionals across Ghanaian research institutions”. She outlined the core activities of network, including training workshops, webinars, networking events, developing an online repository, facilitating joint grant sourcing and project implementation.
She traced the journey that brought GRMPP to fruition and outlined the objectives and activities of the network, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the STReMS-GH team and the invaluable support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
In his solidarity message, Prof. Dodoo-Arhin commended the partners, stating that their collaboration is testament to the success of working together. He noted that the platform’s objectives resonate deeply with UG’s strategic goal of impactful research. He conceded that research managers were the unseen and unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes to ensure compliance and maintain high standards of research practice.
Other goodwill messages were delivered on behalf of KNUST and UCC.
In performing the symbolic launch, Prof. Asante entreated members to make their work benefit the research enterprise for the greater good of society.
Research managers present engaged in an interactive session during the Open Forum segment which was moderated by Dr. Alex Boadi Dankyi (UCC) on the pitfalls and prospects of managing research with a view to charting a constructive path in future. An interim group of executives (Mrs. Eysion, President, Dr Boadi Dankyi and Mrs. Dorcas Opai-Tetteh, Treasure) were inaugurated to steer the foundational affairs of the platform. Three other members were nominated to serve as organisers for the various universities. i.e. Dr. Anna Tiwaa Buabeng-Boateng, UCC, Mr. Bernard Barnie, KNUST, and Mrs. Sylvia Antwiwaah Sarbah,UG.
Outlining the next steps, Prof. Anderson noted that the transition from a group of UASP fellows to a community of practice was a significant step to advance the cause of the RM profession. She noted that the support of senior management at UG through their presence and support provided a sense of validation to GRMPP.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Ms Deborah Akyeampon (UG) expressed gratitude all stakeholders who made the launch a successful event. Long live GRMPP, Long Live Research Management.
