Under the auspices of the Pro-Vice Chancellor’s Office and through the efforts of the Department of Centre for Academic Research and Engaged Scholarship (CARES), Valley View University has inaugurated its maiden Institutional Review Board (IRB) with certification by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

The board was initiated on Thursday, May 23, 2024, and is slated to begin its term on June 1, 2024.

It was established to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited by students, faculty and staff to participate in research activities conducted under the guidelines of the University.

The board also aims to ensure that local and international standards of research protocols are achieved by, among other things, minimizing research misconduct and, if possible, eliminating it.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. John E.O. Williams, Chairman of the board noted "This is an indication that Valley View University has come of age and is prepared to take the next steps to build upon its research credentials. Setting an IRB solidifies the commitment of this great institution to ethical research conduct."

"As members of the IRB...we will endeavor to uphold our responsibility with diligence and dedication," he added. 

Vice Chairperson of the board and Director of the University’s Centre for Academic Research and Engaged Scholarship (CARES), Dr. Cecilia Amponsem-Boateng indicated the board is “instrumental in safeguarding the rights and welfare of research participants, thereby maintaining the trust and credibility that our institution has built over the years."

Professor William Kofi Koomson, Vice-Chancellor of Valley View University who presided over the swearing-in of the board, commended “the leadership of CARES for this milestone.”

The board's review work shall be conducted strictly under the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and distributive justice as outlined in the Belmont Report, noted the VC.

Mandate:

The board is mandated to oversee students, faculty and staff submitting their research proposals to the IRB for review. 

It will ensure adequate standards are followed to protect participant integrity, privacy, rights, and confidentiality. 

The board will also measure and address any ethical concerns regarding proposed research based on best practices. 

Membership of the Board:

The 13-member board comprises: 

1) Dr. John E.O. Williams — Chairperson 

2) Dr. Cecilia Amponsem-Boateng

3) Madam Rachel Amoah — Administrator

4) Madam Dorothy Baffour Awuah — Member

5) Dr. Kodom Michael — Member 

6) Mr. Quaye Ebenezer — Member 

7) Dr. Amoako Prince P. — Member 

8) Dr. Boateng Irene A. — Member 

9) Dr. Nabila Martha Sebiyam — Member

10) Madam Cudjoe Millicent Dzifa — Member 

11) Mr. Adare Albert — Member 

12) Dr. Robert Akpalu — Member 

13) Dr. Andoh Samuel — Member

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