Establishment and development of a Resource Centre Network in Ghana

The vision behind developing a resource centre network (RCN) in Ghana was that of a dynamic knowledge-driven network of organisations providing improved pro-poor WASH services. The RCN was to become the lead sector knowledge driver, facilitating the learning process and advocating for knowledge sharing within all sector organisations.

The effort to develop a resource centre network took off in October 2002 following the signing of a formal agreement between IRC and TREND within the framework of IRC’s Resource Centre Development (RCD) Programme. The initiative in Ghana involved 2 key components, namely:

1. Strengthening of TREND Group – the principal partner in the RCD programme and a lead partner in the RCN Consortium, and
2. Supporting the efforts to have Knowledge Management and Information Management institutionalised within the Sector through the facilitation of a Resource Centre Network.

The process involved 4 key resource centres led by TREND and WaterAid. A larger representative Group of 10 (called the Task force on Knowledge Management) served as a steering group for the RCN’s effort. Between May 2004 and December 2006, the process went through 2 phases of a typical RCN development process:

1. Investigation and analysis, resulting subsequently in an approved and funded Business Plan (BP) for the Resource Centre (RC); and
2. Phase II which involves the development of the RC and delivery of products and services.

However, despite the positive developments with the RCN, the process has not exactly followed a steady growth pattern. The initial effort in 2004 went through a chequered process and ultimately grounded to a halt by December in 2006. RCN activities remained on hold throughout 2007 until mid 2008. In 2008, with the inception of new externally funded knowledge generating projects like the TPP, WASHCost and SWITCH, among others, and with the support of IRC’s West Africa Regional Programme (WARP), the RCN has been fully revived. A Secretariat for the RCN has been established and a Coordinator has been appointed.

Activities

The secretariat has been put in place and currently fully functional. The RCN Core Group has been constituted and regular meetings instituted. The group has clearly defined its vision, mission and objectives with the strategy of making quick wins in order to gain sector recognition. To achieve this, the RCN has committed itself to delivering quality services and knowledge products to meet the information needs of the entire sector. These include:

• a Sector Newsletter;
• a Sector Website (www.ghana.watsan.net);
• production of information materials like a Brochure, Fact Sheets and Short Briefing Notes in response to frequently asked questions;
• training and capacity building, especially in the area of documentation and information management;
• establishment of Media Platform – as part of its advocacy role, the RCN is working closely with various media to introduce an interactive programme called ‘WASH Agenda’, where exclusively WASH issues will be discussed;
• provision of Enquiry Services where the secretariat will directly provide quick response to specific problems and queries;
• establish a library facility where key publications will be available to sector agencies and District Assemblies (DAs);and
• working closely with sector agencies and umbrella groups like CONIWAS to organise sector dialogue on topical issues.

The target group for RCN Ghana services/products include, sector ministries and key agencies, parliamentary select committee on WASH, NGOs, CBOs, private sectors, networks and development partners.