Ethics Committee for Humanities

Application Submission

All applicants must submit a soft copy only of the application dossier to the ECH Administrator via ech@ug.edu.gh.

📥 ECH Forms to Download

📘 Standard Operating Procedure and UG Ethics Policy

✅ Guidelines for Submitting New Protocols

An investigator who intends to commence data collection for a research project shall apply to the ECH for ethical clearance. The application dossier shall include the following:

1. A cover letter, with all enclosures or attachments listed, signed by the Principal Investigator (PI). This applies to all levels of applicants. See a sample here: Sample Cover Letter from PI.
2. An introductory letter signed by the Head of Department. This applies to student investigators only.
3. An introductory letter signed by a UG faculty member. This applies to external investigators, including students and researchers, only.
4. Completion of the ECH-approved New Protocol Submission Form (NPSF). No part of the NPSF must be left unanswered. If an item does not apply, kindly input “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. If the requested document is part of the submitted dossier, input “Attached” to the item. Applicants must adhere to all instructions in the NPSF.
5. Completion of the ECH-approved Consent Forms. All responses to the various sub-headings on the forms must be presented in paragraphs and not bullets. Applicants must adhere to all instructions on the consent forms.
6. All projects involving minors, that is, participants below 18 years, vulnerable participants, or participants unable to give informed consent, must include a Guardian/Parental Consent Form.
7. A 10-page research proposal, excluding the reference page(s).
8. References must be presented on a new page.
9. The work plan must be presented on a new page.
10. The budget and budget justification must be presented on a new page.
11. Each instrument must be presented on a new page.
12. Each CV must be on a separate page. It is mandatory to submit the CV of all persons mentioned on the NPSF, except supervisors.
13. The order for submitting CVs for Co-Investigators may preferably follow the order of mention in the New Protocol Submission Form.
14. All documents submitted must be characterised by page numbers.

📝 Format for 10-Page Full Proposal for Ethical Clearance

📂 Order of Arrangement of Documents for Ethical Clearance

A complete application pack, or dossier, should include the following documents in this order:

1. Cover Letter from PI
2. Applicable Introductory Letter(s)
3. Other relevant letters
4. New Protocol Submission Form, using the ECH-approved template
5. Consent Form(s), using the ECH-approved template
6. Proposal, using the ECH-approved composition
7. Work Plan
8. Budget and Budget Justification
9. Instruments, such as Interview Guide or Questionnaire
10. CVs of PI and Co-PI, where applicable

University of Ghana Approved Charges for Ethics Committees

Payment Process

1. Contact the ECH Secretariat, where an invoice will be generated.
2. Proceed to make payment at the designated bank indicated on the invoice or at ORID’s Accounts Office, located on the ground floor of the LECIAD Building.