about us

Ms. Sylvia Afrah Kyere

Operations Manager

Sylvia Afrah Kyere is the Operations Manager at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology and an MPhil in Human Resource Management from the University of Ghana. Her professional experience at CBCR reflects a strong commitment to efficient administration, effective organisational coordination, and supporting the Centre’s mission and activities.

In her current role, Sylvia is responsible for supporting the effective day-to-day operations of the Centre and coordinating a wide range of administrative and organisational activities. Her responsibilities include human resource and personnel administration, workshop coordination, preparation and management of official correspondence and institutional documentation, procurement and logistical arrangements, records and asset management, and supporting the implementation of the Centre’s programmes and activities.

She also provides administrative and operational support for research projects and collaborates with staff, researchers, partners, consultants, and other stakeholders to facilitate the smooth execution of Centre activities. Her role requires effective coordination across multiple functions and attention to the administrative and logistical requirements that support CBCR’s research and conservation initiatives.

Department: Operations

Mr. Bright Dzade

Accountant

Mr. Bright Dzade is an experienced accounting professional with expertise in financial management, budgeting, reporting and corporate finance.

Department: Account/Finance

Ms. Sandra Agyei

Office Assistant

Ms. Sandra Agyei has extensive experience in administration, corporate services and organisational management.

Department: Administration

Emerita Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu

Operations Manager

Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu holds a First Class BSc. Zoology Degree from the University of Ghana, a PhD from Edinburgh University and is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is a biodiversity and environmental specialist, well known nationally and internationally as one of the leaders in environment and nature conservation in Africa, and has received meritorious awards in recognition of her contribution to wildlife research, training and capacity development in Africa.

Prof. Ntiamoa-Baidu’s international experience includes serving as Director for WWF International Africa and Madagascar Programme, based in Switzerland (1998–2008); Advisor on biodiversity issues for the Corporate Responsibility Forum of BHP Billiton, the largest global extractive industry (2010–2019); member of Council of BirdLife International for nearly 10 years and Vice President for Africa up to 2012; and member and subsequently Chair of the Ramsar Convention’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel (1993–1999).

She was one of the five African environment experts selected to meet President Clinton, then President of the United States, in 1998, and spokesperson for environment and biodiversity at the World Summit Civil Society Hearings in New York in 2005. Among her many contributions to environment and nature conservation are the establishment of the Ghana Wildlife Society, a national NGO, and the Centre for African Wetlands.

As an academic, she combines senior-level university administrative experience, having risen to the level of Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research, Innovation & Development, with teaching, extension service and research, as well as capacity development for young faculty. Her passion for mentoring and supporting early-career faculty has resulted in raising several million US dollars in grant funds to support PhD/MPhil candidates and scholars of the University of Ghana and other West African universities. Her research has focused on wetlands and waterbirds, as well as general wildlife ecology, and she has over 80 publications on various aspects of biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Prof. Ntiamoa-Baidu has extensive management experience and expertise, ranging from institutional development to mobilisation and management of resources. Her experience includes managing multicultural teams located across wide geographical areas, developing and managing large programmes, fundraising for programmes funded by multiple donors, policy formulation, and programme and project evaluation. She is currently the Board Chair of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) and Principal Representative of the Government of Ghana on the Ghana/USA Power Compact, and Chair of the 2019 Ghana Presidential Emoluments Committee.

Department: Research

Kofi Amponsah-Mensah

Ag. Executive Director

Research Fellow Qualifications: BSC, Zoology, PhD Zoology, University of Ghana Skill sets: Ecological monitoring/sampling techniques, Bat trapping and population monitoring, QGIS, Wildlife Radiotracking techniques, Photography Interests: Bat ecology, Bat conservation, wildlife/Bushmeat trade issues, Conservation issues Twitter: @mak2kofi

Department: Research

Email: mak2kofi@gmail.com;mak2kofi@yahoo.com

Dr. John E.K Akubia

Research Officer

Dr. John Edem Akubia is a Geographer and Environmental Scientist with a PhD in Spatial and Environmental Sciences from the University of Trier, Germany, an MPhil in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana (IESS), and a BA in Geography and Rural Development from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

His research focuses on applying geospatial science and environmental data to understand changes in land systems, landscapes and ecosystems, and their implications for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management. His research interests include land systems, land-use and land-cover change, biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring, landscape ecology, climate change adaptation and mitigation, nature-based solutions, and the application of GIS, remote sensing, Earth observation and GeoAI to conservation and ecosystem restoration research.

He has worked on research and applied climate and environmental projects in Ghana and Europe, including studies of urbanisation and ecological sustainability, ecosystem and land-use change, greenhouse gas and carbon monitoring, climate risk assessment and modelling, and geo-environmental data systems. His broader research interest lies in integrating field observations, Earth observation and spatial data science to generate evidence that supports biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and environmental policy.

Department: Research

Mr. Emmanuel Nii Attram Taye

Assistant Research Officer

Emmanuel Nii Attram Taye is a Conservation Biologist with a strong academic and professional background in biodiversity conservation. His work integrates wetland ecology, ornithology, and biodiversity science to advance conservation outcomes in Ghana and beyond.

His doctoral thesis assessed ecological character change and stakeholder perceptions of the Densu Delta Ramsar Site thirty years after its designation, integrating ecological monitoring with socio-ecological perspectives to inform conservation policy. Emmanuel’s earlier work on the breeding ecology and foraging behavior of Black-Winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) in Ghana has been recognized internationally.

Emmanuel has presented his work locally and internationally, including at the International Wader Study Group Conference, the Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference and the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB). He has published on waterbird ecology, wetland conservation, and biodiversity trends.

As a Research Fellow, Emmanuel has contributed to ecological monitoring, supervised students, and engaged in collaborative projects bridging science and policy. His publications include studies on waterbird ecology, wetland conservation, and long-term trends in coastal waterbird populations.

Emmanuel Taye is committed to advancing biodiversity conservation through rigorous research, evidence-based policy engagement, improving the livelihoods of communities and stakeholders, and mentoring the next generation of conservation scientists.

Department: Research

LinkedIn: View LinkedIn Profile

Email: Emmanuel.taye@cbcr-ug.org | e.taye32@gmail.com

Mr. Kwasi Adjepong Darkwah

Assistant Research Officer

Kwasi Adjepong Darkwah is a statistician with expertise in monitoring and evaluation, advanced data management, and statistical analysis. His research interests focus on the development and application of advanced statistical methods to analyse data, generate robust evidence, and support evidence-informed policy and advocacy. He has proficiency in R, Stata, EViews, SPSS, and Python, with experience applying these statistical and analytical tools to manage, analyse, interpret, and visualise research data.

Department:Research

Mr. Nicholas Badger

Research Assistant

Badger Nartey Nicholas is a Research Assistant at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), University of Ghana. He holds an MPhil in Applied Parasitology and a BSc in Biological Science from the University of Ghana. His research interests lie at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, environmental microbiology, water quality, antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, parasitology and One Health.

His MPhil research investigated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of surface water sources used for potable purposes in Ghana, with particular emphasis on microbial contamination and associated public-health risks. His research experience includes water-quality monitoring, microbial assessment, freshwater ecology, herpetofaunal surveys, wildlife monitoring and relocation, environmental impact assessments, and biodiversity field research.

At CBCR, Nicholas has contributed to multidisciplinary field and laboratory projects involving freshwater ecosystems, herpetofauna, wildlife conservation, environmental monitoring, and human-wildlife-environment interactions. His laboratory experience includes microbial culture, membrane filtration, microscopy, parasite identification, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.

His broader research goal is to understand how environmental change, microbial contamination, wildlife-human interactions and biodiversity dynamics influence disease transmission and antimicrobial resistance, and to generate scientific evidence that supports both biodiversity conservation and public and environmental health.

Department: Research

Ms. Pearl Odumang

Research Assistant

Ms. Pearl Odumang is a Research Assistant

Department: Research

Mr. Alfred Nuoh Ali

Chief Technician

Mr. Alfred Nuoh Ali is the Chief Technician at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research. He oversees the smooth running of the Centre’s technical operations and is responsible for the management, maintenance, and proper use of tools and equipment for laboratory, and field activities. Mr. Nuoh also serves as a field researcher. His extensive field experience includes bird identification, bird ringing, tern trapping, waterbird monitoring, marine turtle monitoring, and biodiversity surveys. With over three decades of experience in field research activities, Mr. Nuoh brings extensive practical knowledge to the Centre’s research and conservation programmes. His experience in field techniques, species identification, monitoring, and equipment management has made him an important technical resource for biodiversity research and conservation activities at CBCR.

Department: Research

Mr. Joseph Sassah

Chief Driver

Mr. Joseph Sassah serves as the Chief Driver at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR). He is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services in support of the Centre’s administrative, research, and field activities. His responsibilities include transporting staff and researchers, supporting field trips and official assignments, and ensuring the proper care and maintenance of Centre vehicles. Through his role, Joseph contributes significantly to the smooth coordination of the Centre’s activities, particularly those requiring field mobility and logistical support. He is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of staff and other authorised passengers while maintaining professionalism and responsible vehicle management.

Department: Supporting Staff

Mr. George Martey

Driver

Mr. George Martey serves as a Driver at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), University of Ghana. He provides transportation support for staff, researchers, and other authorised personnel undertaking official assignments and Centre activities. His duties include supporting fieldwork, meetings, workshops, and other activities that require reliable transportation. George contributes to the effective implementation of the Centre’s programmes by ensuring timely and safe transportation and assisting with the logistical requirements of official movements.

Department: Supporting Staff

Mr. Martin Aberinga

Gardener

Mr. Martin Aberinga serves as a Gardener at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), where he is responsible for maintaining the Centre’s gardens and outdoor spaces. His duties include caring for plants and lawns, trimming and pruning vegetation, clearing overgrown areas, and ensuring that the Centre’s surroundings remain clean, neat, and well-maintained. Through his work, he contributes to creating a pleasant, healthy, and welcoming environment for staff, researchers, students, and visitors.

Department: Supporting Staff