The establishment of the China-Africa Partner Research Institute at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, in collaboration with Zhejiang University, China, is expected to advance research in rice breeding and genetics.
This was revealed at the launch of the Institute on June 30, 2023, at the WACCI Auditorium at the University of Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership Institute, Prof. Eric Danquah, the Founding Director of WACCI, expressed high hopes about the benefits the Institute will bring to the University of Ghana.
Professor Eric Y. Danquah, Founding Director, WACCI
“The China-Africa Partner Research Institute would become one of the leading institutions for rice breeding partnerships globally. There is a potential for UG researchers to apply for grants in China, which would enhance research and scientific exchange between the two countries,” he stated.
He added, “The purpose of the China-Africa Partner Research Institute is to establish a formal platform for researchers of Zhejiang University and the University of Ghana to develop collaborative research to support and grow the rice industry in all of Africa.”
Prof. Guoping Zhang, leader of the implementation team from Zhejiang University, commenting on the prospects of the new Institute, expressed his belief that through the combined efforts of WACCI and Zhejiang University, significant achievements could be made in addressing global food security challenges.
He said, “I believe we have great prospects; we can make great contributions to world food security and world happiness.”
Professor Guoping Zhang, Director, Institute of Crop Science, Zhejiang University, China
While looking forward to the successful implementation and operationalization of the Institute, Prof. Zhang praised the WACCI team for their dedication to agricultural training and research over the past 16 years.
“Through the combined efforts of WACCI and Zhejiang University, significant accomplishments could be achieved worldwide,” he emphasized.
Representing the Provost, College of Basic and Applied Science (CBAS) at the launch of the China-Africa Partner Research Institute was Dr. Naalamle Amissah, Head of the Crop Science Department at the University of Ghana.
She highlighted that the partnership will be a win-win for the University of Ghana and Zhejiang University. “I will say that you have come to the right Centre. Most definitely, it is a win-win partnership, and I am excited about the future of food and nutrition security,” she disclosed.
Dr. Naalamle Amissah, Head of Department, Crop Science, Rep of the Provost, CBAS
In terms of rice research progress, Dr. Amissah remarked that “this is the right place to be, this collaboration will enable the Centre and the University of Ghana to attain higher heights in the field of food security and nutrition.”
During the launch, various individuals from both institutions shared goodwill messages and expressed their excitement about the collaboration.
Professors, industry representatives, a doctoral candidate from Zhejiang University, faculty members as well as administrators from WACCI and the University of Ghana, were present at the launch of the China-Africa Partner Research Institute.
A group photo of participants at the launch
Background
The launch of the China-Africa Partner Research Institute is in response to the call for proposals of the exchange program of the China-Africa Partner Research Institutes, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) China.
Following this, Zhejiang University and the University of Ghana agreed to a partnership to pave the way for the development of joint split-site post-graduate training programs in the field of crop improvement and biotechnology, thereby enhancing knowledge sharing and capacity building between the two universities.
The Institute will serve as a formal platform for researchers to collaborate and jointly develop research projects aimed at supporting the growth of the rice industry in Ghana and other African countries.
Among other things, the collaboration will also support researchers of Zhejiang University and the University of Ghana to apply for government grants for joint research and development projects, scientific exchange programs, with the implementation to be spearheaded by the administrative departments of both universities.
The implementing department for the University of Ghana will be the West African Centre for Crop Improvement while the Zhejiang University will have its College of Agriculture and Biotechnology as implementing department.