The Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) at the University of Ghana was created in response to several drivers, enablers and outcomes identified as key to the nation’s development at the request of the government of Ghana. The Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) employs interdisciplinary and participatory approaches to train future scientists, managers and decision makers who will contribute to the protection, management and development of the country natural resources. This is captured by the Institutes mission statement: “To meet the nation's needs for broad-based education, training and research in the science, policy and management of environmental and sanitation processes in the wider African and global context”.

The Research Centre Accra is led by IESS director Prof. Chris Gordon who is also a member of the Earth System Governance Scientific Steering Committee.