Dr. Ronnie Coffman to Chair WACCI’s ISAB

Dr. Ronnie Coffman to Chair WACCI’s ISAB

Dr. Ronnie Coffman, International Professor Emeritus of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University, has replaced Dr. Eugene Terry, Senior Technical Advisor, TransFarm Africa as Chairman of the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI).

This occurred during a recent stakeholder engagement meeting hosted by WACCI at the Hotel Silver Spring, Maryland. The event, themed “Seeds of Tomorrow: Cultivating Global Partnerships for Africa's Agricultural Renaissance," aimed to foster discussions among key decision-makers, actors, and drivers in agricultural development, highlighting WACCI's commitment to driving agricultural transformation and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. 

Dr. Coffman right and Dr. Terry left 

In brief remarks, Dr. Terry expressed confidence in Dr. Coffman's ability to lead the Centre through its next phase of growth and impact. He also paid homage to Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, the Founding Director of WACCI, and the dedicated staff of the Centre. “I want to take this opportunity to pay homage and recognize the dedicated leadership that Eric has provided for this institution throughout its lifetime. WACCI could also not have been more fortunate to have had Eric navigate the challenging pathways to excellence " he added. 

Dr. Terry 

In recognition of Dr. Terry’s years of service, outstanding contribution, and visionary leadership, a citation of honour was presented to him. “Dr. Coffman’s leadership marks a pivotal chapter in our journey toward agricultural excellence,” Prof.  Danquah added. With Dr. Coffman at the helm, WACCI is poised to strengthen its partnerships and collaborations, driving agricultural innovation and sustainable development across the African continent and beyond.

Prof. Danquah presenting a citation to Dr.Terry