About Us
Who We Are
A multidisciplinary research and policy institute dedicated to evidence-based solutions for Africa's development challenges.
5+
Years of Impact
About CAAR
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
The Centre for Advanced and Applied Research (CAAR) is a multidisciplinary research and policy institute dedicated to generating innovative, evidence-based solutions to pressing development challenges. The Centre focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application by producing high-quality, policy-relevant studies that drive sustainable development and institutional transformation in Ghana and other African countries.
CAAR operates at the intersection of climate change, sustainable development, governance, economic development, and socio-economic policy, providing cutting-edge research, consultancy, and capacity-building services to governments, universities, private sector institutions, development partners, and communities.
Drawing inspiration from leading research and innovation centres across Africa and globally, CAAR emphasizes applied research, practical impact, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that knowledge produced is actionable and responsive to societal needs. We also provide research support to students in Ghana and African students in the Diaspora.
Our Mission
To conduct cutting-edge research, providing insights and analysis to inform policy and promote economic well-being.
Our Vision
To build transformational leaders as a catalyst for economic progress, improving lives through impactful research and collaboration.
Our Leadership
The Team Behind CAAR
A dedicated group of researchers, policy experts, and administrators committed to delivering research that matters.
Barrister Mfah Amadu
Founder
Barrister Mfah Amadu is a climate change researcher, international development professional, and Executive Director of the Centre for Advanced and Applied Research (CAAR SCHOLARS). His work focuses on climate change, energy transition, sustainability, research implementation, and youth capacity development across Africa. He has led and supported multidisciplinary research projects, coordinated international academic collaborations, and organized training programmes that have empowered over 1,000 students and young professionals across Africa and beyond. As a UNFCCC Technical Expert Reviewer, he is committed to advancing evidence-based policy, strengthening research capacity, and creating opportunities for the next generation of African scholars and climate leaders.
James Kwame Ahiabu
Co-Founder
James Kwame Ahiabu is an Economist, Investment Professional, Financial Educator, and Strategic Leader with over four years of experience in equity research, investment analysis, corporate finance, and financial modeling. He holds a degree in Economics and is a Certified Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA®), with expertise in investment research, valuation, portfolio management, and economic analysis. James has gained valuable international exposure through virtual internship and experiential learning programs in Asset Management, Investment Banking, and Real Estate Private Equity with leading global institutions, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi, PGIM Asset Management, Project Destined, and Fund Launch. These experiences strengthened his understanding of global financial markets, investment strategies, private equity transactions, and institutional asset management. Leveraging this knowledge, James founded Geometric Young Investors Group Ltd., a financial education and investment-focused organization dedicated to developing financially informed leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. Through the company, he has trained and mentored more than 10 young professionals in investment analysis, financial modeling, and capital market fundamentals. Currently, James serves as the Finance and Economics Domain Leader for Ghana with Aspire Institute, a global leadership initiative founded by Harvard University scholars and educators. He also serves as the Youth Minister for Finance under the Youth Model Cabinet of the Youth Empowerment Consortium (YEC). His areas of expertise include Monetary Economics, Public Sector Finance, Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Real Estate and Private Equity Investment, Applied Economics, and Artificial Intelligence for Business Productivity.
Rebecca Hughes
International Coordinator
Rebecca Hughes serves as the International Coordinator for CAAR Scholars. She holds a degree from the University of York, United Kingdom, where she specialized in Global Development and International Relations. Rebecca is passionate about sustainable development, with a particular interest in coastal and seagrass ecosystem restoration in developing countries. Her work and interests focus on advancing environmental conservation, climate resilience, and community-based restoration initiatives that support sustainable livelihoods.
Our Fellows
CAAR Fellows
Emerging and established researchers embedded in our work - advancing knowledge across all six research clusters.
Emmanuel Norvisi Quaye
Junior Research Fellow
Norvisi has applied his expertise in Qualitative & Quantitative Research Design and Analysis, alongside experience in desk research and documentation, field data collection, and community development initiatives, to support projects including the eCeid Project by the Bank of Ghana; the Language Development & Preservation Project by Stanford University/Uliza; the Mobile Money & Inclusion Project by Uliza; and the UGSpeech Project by the Department of Computer Science, University of Ghana. He has also participated in an international academic research project on Waste Management and Environment; a collaboration between the University of Ghana and the University of York, UK. He is passionate about work that advances language and culture, education, climate change, sanitation, sustainability, and gender, particularly at the intersection of development, inclusion, and social impact. He believes that research-informed knowledge strengthens service to humanity and serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and meaningful social change.
Sennedy Arhinful
Junior Research Fellow
Sennedy Arhinful is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Advanced and Applied Research (CAAR) with strong interests in climate change and environmental sustainability, governance and social policy, and artificial intelligence. A dedicated youth and student leader, he brings extensive experience in purposeful leadership and advocacy, particularly in peacebuilding, mental health, youth development, and access to quality education. He serves as Ghana Country Director and Peace Ambassador for the Pan African Organisation for Peace and Conflict Resolution (OPPRC Ghana) and volunteers as a facilitator with Edify Ghana, where he delivers the Made for More leadership training in basic schools across Ashaiman. His work champions ethical, Christlike leadership and community service. Beyond his leadership and advocacy roles, Sennedy is a prolific reader and writer, committed to advancing knowledge and inspiring positive change.
Jerry Kwowura Atanga
Junior Research Fellow
Jerry Kwowura Atanga, a researcher, biochemist, and emerging leader committed to advancing impactful solutions in community development and public health. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Ghana, where he serves as a Teaching Assistant and Researcher. His interests span environmental health research, sustainability, and data-driven approaches to development. He also has experience in digital communication and remote-ready professional work, with exposure to interdisciplinary roles that bridge science, technology, and administration. Jerry is an alumnus of the Aspire Leaders Program and remains dedicated to applying scientific thinking and ethical leadership to promote sustainable development and positive change across Africa.