Meet Our Leadership Team
Discover the experienced professionals driving NECREDI’s mission forward.

Ochieng Obunga
Interim Chair
Ochieng Obunga is the Interim Chair of the Network for Early Career Researchers in Digitalisation and Internationalisation (NECREDI).
He is a Master of Art in Literature student at Moi University, Eldoret with an interest in urban popular culture and postcolonial African literatures. Obunga is also a writer, literary editor, and critic who has for a decade contributed to the Kenyan Dailies. His short fiction has appeared in The East African magazine and anthologies, such as Daddy’s Daughter and Other Stories.

Marcia Boakye-Frempong
Secretary
I’m an MPhil candidate in Food and Nutrition at the University of Cape Coast, where my research looks at how early nutrition influences cardiovascular health in Ghanaian infants. I use solid quantitative tools, ethical practices, and digital analysis methods like SPSS to create evidence that really makes a difference.
My background as a long-time educator and mentor in senior high schools, along with experience handling sensitive data in administration, drives my passion for making research more accessible and impactful for everyone involved.
As Secretary of NECREDI (under ANIE), it is my desire to help build spaces where early-career researchers can connect, team up on digitalisation innovations, and explore international opportunities that amplify Africa’s voice in global academia. Whether you’re diving into digital research workflows, looking for cross-border partners, or growing your capacity as an Early Career Researcher, I’m here to support you and make those connections happen.

Addo Opoku Bernard
Member
Mr Opoku is a Ghanaian academic and research-oriented professional with a strong interest in accounting, internal auditing, and public sector financial management. His work focuses on internal audit effectiveness, service performance, corporate governance, and management support systems within public institutions, particularly in Ghana.
Bernard works with the Ghana National Fire Service, Internal audit Department at the National Headquarters Accra, He holds a rank of Divisional Officer Grade III. He possesses a strong academic background in accounting and finance, with qualifications including an HND in Accountancy, BTech Accounting with Computing, and an MBA in Finance and Accounting.
He is also a Chartered Economist and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Ghana.
Bernard is currently pursuing a PhD in Accounting and Finance at Accra Metropolitan University, Ghana. His professional and academic interests focus on financial management, internal audit effectiveness, public sector accountability, and institutional performance improvement.

Armella Elsie Habimana
Member
I am currently a Master’s student at Bujumbura International University, specializing in Integration, Investment, and International Trade. Alongside my academic journey, I work as a Relationship Officer in the banking sector, where I manage client relationships and contribute to business development and financial services operations. I am an active member of the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform under the East African Community (EAC), where I engage in initiatives promoting regional integration, youth empowerment, and economic cooperation. Additionally, I have participated in conferences organized within the EAC framework, contributing to discussions on regional development and trade.
I am also a YALI alumna, a program that strengthens leadership skills and fosters networking among emerging African leaders.

Benjamin Peter Oballa Obak
Member
Benjamin Peter Oballa Obak is a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Crop Production at the Faculty of Agriculture, Upper Nile University, South Sudan. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Production (Agronomy) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences at the School of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Juba.
Benjamin has participated in several regional and international trainings and conferences, contributing to his professional growth and exposure to contemporary agricultural research and practices. He is also a member of NECREDI, reflecting his commitment to academic collaboration and research development in the agricultural sector.
