FHEE Holds Seminar on Ethical Review

The Faculty of Home Economics Education (FHEE), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has organised a seminar on the theme “Ethical Review in Responsible Research to Accelerate Sustainable Development” for its postgraduate students.

The seminar, held at the Student Centre Seminar Room III, North Campus, Winneba, taught students about having their work ethically examined and the value of the evaluation.

Dr. Theresa Amu

The Ag. Dean of FHEE, Dr. Theresa Amu, underlined the need for researchers to prioritise ethics when carrying out and presenting their study. She pleaded with researchers not to take their respondents for granted and always consider the aftermath of the research on them.   

A senior lecturer at the Department of Geography Education, UEW, Dr. Yaw Asamoah, advised participants to take into consideration the research guiding principles as early as possible at the conceptualising stage to appreciate and regard human standards.

Dr. Yaw Asamoah

He defined research ethics as abiding by proper conduct in academic writing and the sharing of findings. He urged researchers to build and maintain a rapport of trust with research participants. He pleaded with students to make sure that the respondents were fully informed of the research's purpose and its inclusion before it began.

Dr. Asamoah emphasised the requirement that researchers consistently obtain the consent of respondents to participate in the study before obtaining their pictures, videos, and recordings. He pleaded with students to keep all information safely stored so as not to compromise the responders' confidentially.

Ms. Nana Abena Apatu

An administrator at the Ghana Health Service Ethics Review Committee, Ms. Nana Abena Apatu, highlighted the committee’s mandate of monitoring and ensuring that approved studies were conducted according to the highest ethical standards and the approved protocol. She beseeched participants to strictly follow the Ethics Review Committee format.       

Dr. Theresa Amu made a presentation on “Ethical Review Processes in Home Economics Research”, whereas Prof. Phyllis Forster presented on the “Institutional Ethical Review Mechanism in UEW”. 

Prof. Phyllis Forster