DIWA staff are dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to the problems of poverty. Staff support grant-writing, program implementation, event coordination, and other critical activities for the Center.

Prof. Charles Amoatey
Program Director

Prof. Charles Amoatey
Program Director
Prof. Amoatey is the Program Director of the Development Impact West Africa (DIWA) Initiative. He holds a PhD. in Transport Finance, MSc in Infrastructure Planning, MBA in Finance and International Management and BSc in Civil Engineering. Charles has supported several public sector agencies and international agencies in setting up M&E systems and development of policies. His interest is in evaluation of social programs.
- Email:camoatey@gimpa.edu.gh

Richard Otoo
Research and Evaluations Manager

Richard Otoo
Research and Evaluations Manager
Richard is Evaluations and Research Manager for the Development Impact West Africa project. His research interest is in Institutionalization of Evaluation Practice and Evaluation Methods. He is currently a PHD candidate from the University of Witwatersrand and holds an MPhil and Post graduate diploma in Evaluation Methods from University of Stellenbosch South Africa as well as MSc Development Finance from University of Ghana.
- Email:rotoo@gimpa.edu.gh

Nissi Adu-Boakye
Training and Administrative Manager

Nissi Adu-Boakye
Training and Administrative Manager
Nissi Adu-Boakye currently holds the position of Training and Administrative Manager at Development Impact West Africa (DIWA). Nissi asserts that Impact Evaluation plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of a program. Therefore, it is imperative and essential for individuals to possess the requisite abilities and resources in order to effectively carry out a comprehensive impact review. Nissi possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Monitoring and Evaluation. She derives great pleasure from engaging in the activities of reading literature and appreciating musical compositions.
- Email:nadu-boakye@gimpa.edu.gh

Maya Ranganath
Dir. of Policy and Inclusion, CEGA

Maya Ranganath
Dir. of Policy and Inclusion, CEGA
Maya provides strategic oversight for DIWA, ensuring alignment with CEGA’s mission to advance evidence-informed policymaking and capacity building.
She leads CEGA’s policy impact and JEDI strategies, overseeing initiatives on Global Networks, Poverty and Psychology, and Forced Displacement. As part of CEGA’s leadership, she helps shape the organisation’s strategic direction.
Previously, Maya was a Research Associate at J-PAL South Asia, supporting an agricultural RCT in Gujarat and a state partnership in Tamil Nadu. She also worked with Women in Cities International on adolescent girls’ safety and inclusion.
She holds an MA in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University and a BA in International Development from McGill University.

Amy Shipow
Program Manager, CEGA

Amy Shipow
Program Manager, CEGA
Amy oversees DIWA’s programme management, coordinates fellowship activities, and fosters strong partnerships between DIWA researchers and CEGA Faculty Affiliates.
She also supports CEGA’s Global Networks portfolio, including CIDR, WGAPE, and the CEGA Fellowship. With seven years of experience in global health and development, Amy previously managed the Public Health Institute’s COVID-19 contact tracing initiative. She has led participatory research on sexual and reproductive health as a Qualitative Research Specialist at the Busara Center in Kenya and Associate Director of Research at the Health Development Initiative in Rwanda.
Amy holds a dual Master’s in Social Work and Public Health from UNC and a BA in Human Development from UC San Diego.
- Email:amyshipow@berkeley.edu

Namita Karnik
Senior Associate, CEGA

Namita Karnik
Senior Associate, CEGA
Namita supports CEGA-DIWA fellowship activities and programme implementation, providing resources to help fellows and grantees foster thought leadership within their home institutions.
She also contributes to CEGA’s Global Networks portfolio and is passionate about advancing global development through evidence-based, innovative solutions. Before joining CEGA, Namita worked as a Research Analyst at The Economist Group, focusing on sustainability and global health projects funded by UN-Habitat and the Inter-American Development Bank.
She holds a Master of Development Practice with a certificate in Data Science from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, a Master of Public Policy from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Mumbai.

Samuel Botchway
Research Fellow

Samuel Botchway
Research Fellow
Mr. Botchway, a Research Fellow for the Development Impact West Africa (DIWA) Project, holds a Master's Degree in Population Studies in addition to his role. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Resource Development with Archaeology from the University of Ghana, Legon. As a research assistant, he contributes to various tasks including data collection, analysis, and literature review to support research initiatives within the project.
- Email:sbotchway@gimpa.edu.gh

Richmond Kudjordji
Communication Manager

Richmond Kudjordji
Communication Manager
Mr. Kudjordji serves as the Communications Manager for Development Impact West Africa (DIWA). He holds an MPhil in Management Information Systems and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Information Studies, both from the University of Ghana. With expertise in strategic communication and digital engagement, he leads DIWA’s communication strategies, oversees content creation, and enhances stakeholder engagement to promote evidence-based policymaking.
- Email:rmawulls@gmail.com