Prof. Eric Danquah, Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), has taken a pivotal step in advancing African agriculture by meeting with Hon. Ken Ofori Atta, the Minister for Finance. Their discussion centred on The Africa Academy of Agricultural Sciences (TAAAS), an ambitious initiative aiming to transform African agriculture through local scientific expertise and global partnerships.
Ms. Eva Mends Chief Director for the Ministry of Finance (left), Hon. Ken Ofori Atta, Minister for Finance (middle) and Prof. Eric Danquah, Founding Director of WACCI (right)
This meeting follows a series of strategic conversations led by WACCI and the University of Cambridge Crop Science Centre with influential organizations including the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Bayer, the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the African Union Commission. The goal is to strengthen and sustain excellence in Africa's agricultural centres.
Prof. Danquah presented WACCI's notable achievements over the last sixteen years and underscored the need to elevate the centre into a global hub for training African agricultural scientists within the continent. This development is key to ensuring long-term food and nutrition security in Africa.
The Hon. Minister, recognizing the significant strides made by WACCI, reaffirmed the government's dedication to enhancing agricultural development through science, technology, and innovation. He welcomed further dialogue to actualize these plans, marking a critical step towards reinforcing Africa's agricultural sector through enhanced scientific capacity and international collaboration.
