Abstract:
Underpinned by the recent upgrade of CoEs in Ghana to tertiary status and their distinct lack of an
established IR, this study sought to ascertain the feasibility of establishing IRs in the CoEs in
Ghana. Six colleges were selected from the five main zones of the CoEs. The multiple case study
design was employed and operationalized through a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods
with questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. 286 questionnaires were fully
administered and augmented with 13 interviews for the analysis. The Google Sheet was employed
in analyzing the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was adopted for the qualitative data.
The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents were aware of IRs. Again, it
emerged from the study that, there was a high possibility of establishing IRs in the CoEs in Ghana.
Besides, the study revealed that the staff of the CoEs stand to benefit massively from the creation
of an IR. Although technological infrastructure for the formation of IR exist, findings of the study
showed that many other pre-requisites were lacking. This include Library/ICT systems skills,
System and networking skills, and Research skills were needed. The findings of the study again
made it clear that despite the many challenges an establishment of an IR can face, funding is the
most paramount. Based on the study findings the following recommendations were put forward:
Awareness creation on IRs among stakeholders of the CoEs in Ghana; Making the establishment
of IRs in the CoEs a national policy; Making the benefits of IRs known to the CoEs in Ghana;
Emphasis on expertise to manage IRs; and the Provision of adequate funding. These
recommendations will hopefully help facilitate the establishment of IRs in the CoEs in Ghana.
