RING Stakeholder Workshop Advances Governance and Connectivity for Rural Innovation

RING Stakeholders Group Photo

On July 24th, 2025, the University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub hosted a significant workshop to propel the development of the Rural Innovation Network Ghana (RING). The gathering brought together key stakeholders committed to fostering a sustainable and effective platform for rural innovators, researchers, government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners.

Mr. Gameli Adzaho- RISA Country Director Ghana

The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Professor George Acheampong, Project Director at UGBS Nest, and Mr. Gameli Adzaho, the Country Technical Lead for RISA Fund. Their words set a collaborative tone, emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear legal and operational framework for RING.

A core session was led by Ms. Katherine Aglobitse, a legal consultant, who outlined the proposed governance structure for the network. Drawing on the RING handbook and models from the THINK network, she detailed an organized framework that defines membership, decision-making processes, and financial management. The framework stipulates that members will be registered in a formal book and required to remain active to maintain their membership status. Active participation is expected to be a cornerstone of engagement, with members being placed into subcommittees aligned with their interests and expertise.

Ms. Katherine Aglobitse- Legal consultant

The governance structure envisions an executive board working closely with a secretariat, with members serving set terms, and the possibility of re-election or replacement through voting. Decisions at meetings will be made by a quorum, with each member possessing one vote, and the chairperson holding a casting vote in case of ties. Finances will operate on a non-profit basis, with funding sourced from grants, partnerships, and donations, overseen by a financial secretary responsible for budgeting.

Audience

The workshop also addressed conflict resolution, proposing a short-term mediation committee to help parties reach resolutions before sanctions such as warnings or expulsions are considered. Emphasizing integrity and adherence to ethical standards, the framework underscores the importance of upholding RING’s values, avoiding bias, and ensuring the proper use of resources.

Participants engaged actively, raising questions about member registration procedures and clarifying who qualifies as an active member. Discussions highlighted the necessity of hybrid meetings - both in person and online - to accommodate members from diverse locations, with a consensus that regular operational and monthly meetings should be scheduled to keep the network vibrant.

In addition to these governance discussions, the workshop featured the nomination of interim leaders who will guide RING’s growth in the coming months. To enhance connectivity and information sharing, the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub unveiled the new Stakeholder Integration Portal on its website. Participants provided valuable feedback and suggestions to improve the portal’s accessibility, especially to rural communities, ensuring that vital resources, updates, and opportunities are easily within reach.

This workshop represents a crucial step toward formalizing and strengthening RING, with a firm foundation laid for a sustainable, inclusive network that will empower rural innovators, promote collaboration, and accelerate rural development across Ghana. The ongoing efforts aim to build a resilient platform for rural enterprise growth, rooted in governance, transparency, and active stakeholder engagement.

RING Stakeholder- Executive members