Visit of the World Bank to the University of Ghana ACE Centers

Introduction

On Friday, 31st May 2024, a delegation from the World Bank visited the University of Ghana to tour the three Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) located on the Legon campus. The delegation was led by Mrs. Ekua Bentil, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, and included Dr. Namrata Tognatta, Education Specialist.

Accompanying the World Bank delegation were representatives from the Regional Project Management Unit at the Association of African Universities (AAU). Additionally, representatives from the National Facilitation Unit in the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) were present, including Dr. Edmund Nibenee Aalangdong, Head of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Compliance, Mr. Mohammed Fatau Awal, Head of Procurement and Mr. Frank Nketia, Finance Director

The centers visited were the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), and the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP).

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of these centers and discuss the sustainability of the projects beyond the funding from the Bank.

Meeting with West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI)

WACCI was established in 2007 at the University of Ghana, Legon, with support from AGRA and international partners, the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) addresses food security challenges in West Africa through advanced research in plant breeding and biotechnology.

WACCI aims to enhance agricultural productivity and food security by developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties, providing advanced training for graduate students and researchers, and promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies. Its core activities include research focused on the genetic improvement of staple crops like maize, rice, cassava, and cowpea, utilizing biotechnological tools to accelerate breeding, and conducting field trials to ensure the local adaptability of new varieties.

WACCI also offers a Ph.D. program in Plant Breeding, provides short courses and workshops on plant breeding and biotechnology, and facilitates collaborative training with international research institutions.

Additionally, WACCI engages with local and international universities, research institutes, government agencies, and private sector organizations, supporting joint research projects and exchange programs.

WACCI has significantly contributed to agricultural development in West Africa by training numerous Ph.D. graduates and releasing improved crop varieties, thereby enhancing food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in the region.

Key Speaker: Prof. Eric Danquah Yirenkyi.

Prof. Yirenkyi (Founding Director of WACCI) highlighted the achievements of WACCI, particularly in training scientists who have returned to Africa. He stressed the importance of retaining these talents to avoid brain drain and enhance agricultural productivity through modern science and crop engineering. Some key points from his address included:

• Retention of Scientists: Emphasis on creating conditions to retain trained scientists within Africa to prevent loss to other continents.
• Agricultural Innovation: Discussion on engineering crops for improved resilience and productivity using modern scientific techniques.
• Funding Needs: A call for significant funding to support ongoing and future projects, suggesting that each project should receive one million dollars over five years.
• Recognition and Awards: Mention of WACCI's global recognition and awards for its game-changing projects.

Meeting with West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC)

WAGMC aims to advance genetic medicine in the West African region by conducting groundbreaking research on the genetic basis of diseases, providing comprehensive education and training for healthcare professionals and researchers, and improving healthcare outcomes through the application of genetic knowledge. Its core activities include research on identifying genetic markers for common diseases in West Africa, developing new diagnostic tools, and creating targeted treatment protocols. WAGMC offers programs and workshops to build capacity in genetic medicine among healthcare professionals and researchers, fostering collaborative efforts to advance genetic medicine. Additionally, the center engages with local and international research institutions, government agencies, and healthcare organizations to promote the application of genetic insights in improving healthcare delivery.

Welcome Tour:

The delegation was welcomed to WAGMC's state-of-the-art auditorium, a testament to the center's commitment to providing top-notch facilities for its activities. Although the facility still had some unfinished aspects, it was already being utilized for significant events such as awards ceremonies and important meetings, underscoring its vital role within the center.

Prof. William Ofori Acquah the esteemed leader of WAGMC, delivered a heartfelt welcoming remark. He began by expressing his gratitude for the delegation's visit and highlighted the center’s recent milestones.

Prof. William Ofori Acquah spoke passionately about WAGMC’s dedication to fostering collaborative efforts in the field of genetic medicine. He noted that such partnerships are essential for advancing research and improving healthcare delivery. He also emphasized the center's commitment to excellence and innovation in all its endeavors.

Following Prof. Acquah’s address, the delegation was given an overview of WAGMC's key initiatives. These include groundbreaking research projects aimed at identifying genetic markers for common diseases in West Africa, developing new diagnostic tools, and creating targeted treatment protocols. They highlighted several ongoing projects that have already shown promising results, demonstrating the center’s potential to make significant contributions to global health.

Discussion Points:

• Genetic Counseling and Research: A senior staff of WAGMC elaborated on WAGMC's focus on identifying genetic conditions and developing tests for these conditions. He emphasized the importance of genetic counseling in managing these conditions.
• Community Engagement: WAGMC's efforts to raise awareness about genetic conditions through community outreach, including roadshows during festivals.
• Future Plans: WAGMC aims to become a hub for genetic counseling and clinical services, expanding the knowledge base and practical application of genetics in healthcare.

Challenges and Collaborations:

• Research and Equipment: The need for advanced equipment to conduct genetic tests locally, which are currently sent to South Africa.
• Collaboration with MOH: Engaging with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Allied Health Council to ensure the integration and recognition of genetic counseling programs.

Meeting with The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP)

WACCBIP aims to enhance research capacity and improve health outcomes in West Africa by conducting advanced research on the cell biology of infectious pathogens, providing comprehensive training for scientists and healthcare professionals, and promoting collaborative efforts to address infectious diseases.

Its core activities include researching the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging viral infections, developing new diagnostic tools and treatments, and understanding host-pathogen interactions.

WACCBIP offers graduate programs, postdoctoral fellowships, and workshops to train a new generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the center collaborates with local and international research institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into practical health solutions and to foster joint research projects and exchange programs.

Key Points:

• Research Impact: WACCBIP's mandate is heavily focused on research, particularly in malaria. The center has established strong partnerships and has made significant contributions to the field.
• Graduate Training: The center has supported numerous students through internships, master's, and PhD programs, with a focus on gender diversity.
• Biotech Development: Highlighting the lack of a robust biotech industry in Ghana, which hampers the translation of research into practical applications. WACCBIP is looking to foster local biotech development to capitalize on research findings.

Future Aspirations:

• Vaccine Development: Collaboration with national initiatives to develop vaccines and other biomedical products.
• Funding Needs: Emphasizing the need for scholarships and funding to sustain student enrollment and research activities, especially in the absence of World Bank funding.

Key Discussion Points with World Bank:

• Sustainability and Funding: The need for continuous funding and scholarships to maintain the centers' operations and training capabilities.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggestion to redirect national scholarships towards supporting local ACE centers instead of sending students abroad.

Conclusion

The visit by the World Bank delegation to the ACE centers at the University of Ghana highlighted significant achievements, ongoing challenges, and future aspirations.

The discussions underscored the importance of sustained funding, local capacity building, and policy support to ensure the continued success and impact of these centers.

The collaboration between the centers, government bodies, and international partners remains crucial in advancing the goals of higher education and research in Africa.