Prof. Eric Danquah, Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), has urged the government to invest in universities, emphasising that the country cannot achieve sustainable development without strong academic and research institutions.
Prof. Danquah made these remarks during a working visit by the Parliamentary Select Committees on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, and Foreign Affairs to WACCI on July 30, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to gain firsthand insight into WACCI’s agricultural research and training programmes and to understand the role of AGRA in the Centre’s development.
Addressing the delegation, Prof. Danquah highlighted WACCI’s achievements over the past 18 years, including the release of over 290 improved crop varieties and the training of 120 PhD graduates, many of whom are driving innovations in food security across Africa.
“By training scientists in Africa, we are retaining talent. Most of our alumni have stayed to work in their countries, directly benefiting millions of farmers,” he stated, underlining WACCI’s contribution to reducing brain drain and strengthening local capacity.
He also highlighted WACCI’s efforts to make agriculture and agribusiness attractive to young people, especially through its Enterprise Hub, which has supported several startups and innovations over the years.
Prof. Danquah credited much of WACCI’s success to AGRA’s pivotal support. He said that the Centre was established in 2007 through a partnership between AGRA and Cornell University. AGRA has remained a committed partner, provided scholarships for 53 WACCI PhD students and also funding the Centre to scale up its research and training efforts.
He commended the government for operationalising the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), noting that it would enable scientists to secure long-term sustainablefunding.
“We are hopeful that researchers can now run with their ideas and deliver impact in real time,” he added. Prof. Danquah further urged Parliament to prioritise meeting the global target of allocating 1% of GDP to research funding.
Hon. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for Ablekuma South, expressed admiration for WACCI’s work. “We are impressed by your achievements and remain committed to supporting institutions like AGRA that contribute to Africa’s agricultural transformation,” he said.
Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred, Chair of the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee and MP for Wa East, stressed the need for greater collaboration between researchers, government, and Parliament.
“To drive real change, we must work together. We, as Parliamentarians, pledge to serve as Ambassadors of Goodwill for WACCI, advocating for stronger budgetary support and evidence-based policy decisions,” he stated.
Also present at the event was Dr. Betty Annan, AGRA Country Director, along with WACCI faculty and staff.
