The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana commemorated the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) with a research symposium themed “Seed to Impact – Highlighting the Journey from Seed Funding to Tangible Outcomes.” The event highlighted groundbreaking research by WACCI faculty and celebrated the role of scientific research and innovation in advancing agriculture across Africa
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), emphasised the importance of the DRSA in recognising Africa’s contributions to science. “This day reminds us of the transformative power of African-led scientific research. WACCI’s efforts in crop improvement are commendable and a shining example of what we can achieve through investment in science,” he said.
Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) delivering the opening address
In his opening remarks, Prof. Eric Y. Danquah, Founding Director of WACCI , shared highlights of the Centre’s impact over the past 18 years, emphasising its role in training Africans to solve Africa’s agricultural challenges.
He noted that WACCI has helped reduce brain drain by creating opportunities for scientists to stay and work on the continent. “Most of our alumni have remained in Africa, developing improved crop varieties that address food and nutrition security challenges in their home countries,” he stated. To date, WACCI-trained scientists have developed 279 improved crop varieties across 10 African countries.
Prof. Danquah further highlighted the Centre’s recent selection as a hub for the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) project, describing it as a testament to WACCI’s continued commitment to pioneering homegrown agricultural solutions.
He called for increased investment in research and to enable Africa Universities to retain its brightest minds. “We must invest in our research institutions and higher education to keep the talent that can transform agriculture,” he stressed.
He commended the government for operationalising the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) , noting that it will enable scientists to access timely funding. “We are hopeful that researchers can now run with their ideas and deliver impact in real time,” he added.
Prof. Eric Danquah, Founding Director of WACCI
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, emphasised the importance of supporting institutions like WACCI, which are advancing research and training the next generation of agricultural scientists.
“The work being done at WACCI is pivotal to our national development agenda. Continued investment in such centres is essential to unlocking the full potential of our agricultural sector,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting WACCI in their efforts to drive sustainable agricultural transformation.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo
A key highlight of the symposium was a series of presentations by WACCI faculty, who showcased ongoing research on staple and underutilised crops including cassava, frafra potato, tomato, cowpea, maize, and rice supported through WACCI seed funding. These presentations outlined the significance of each crop, the challenges being addressed, and the strides made so far.
Dr. Daniel Dzidzenyo, Deputy Director for Administration, Teaching and Learning, presented his research on “From Root to Wealth: Cassava as Ghana’s Engine for Industrialisation and Food Security.” He described cassava as a vital food security crop and a major livelihood source, with the potential to significantly transform Ghana’s economy.
Dr. Daniel Dzidzenyo Deputy Director for Administration, Teaching and Learning
Dr. Naalamle Amissah, Associate Director for Inclusion, Gender and Diversity, presented her research titled “Unlocking the Value of Frafra Potato: A Pathway to Staple Crop Status.” Her research has resulted in the release of five high-yielding frafra potato varieties, now available for cultivation in Ghana. She also highlighted its potential to enhance food and nutrition security in Ghana.
Dr. Naalamle Amissah, Associate Director for Inclusion, Gender and Diversity
Dr. John Saviour Yaw Eleblu, Coordinator of Research Programmes, presented his research titled “Smart Seeds, Bold Returns: Cowpea Innovation as a Driver of Transformation.” He revealed that cowpea is one of the most nutritious crops and, if properly invested in, can significantly contribute to food and nutrition security.
He explained that the lack of structured markets continues to hinder farmers’ ability to secure funding and expand production. To help address this, his research has led to the development of nine innovative cowpea-based products, created in collaboration with food scientists at the University of Ghana. Dr. Eleblu underscored the need for sustained investment in cowpea breeding, stressing its potential to drive nutritional security and economic growth.
Dr. John Saviour Yaw Eleblu, Coordinator of Research Programmes
Dr. Agyemang Danquah, Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Development, presented on “From Season to Season: Transforming Ghana’s Tomato Industry.” He revealed that one of the key challenges facing tomato cultivation in Ghana is the low yield of existing varieties. A significant outcome of WACCI’s tomato breeding programme has been the release of three high-yielding hybrid tomato varieties, the first of their kind in the country. “These hybrids, when scaled up, can drastically cut down our overdependence on imported tomatoes and transform the local tomato industry,” he stated.
Dr. Agyemang Danquah, Deputy Director of Research, Innovation and Development
Dr. Pearl Abu, Team Lead of the Maize Breeding Programme, presented on “Seed to Impact: Driving Transformation in Maize Improvement for Ghana.” She noted that the research aims to develop high-yielding and climate-resilient yellow and white maize varieties to support food security and agro-industrial growth in Ghana. As part of the progress made, her team has identified maize lines with high association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a soil microbe known to improve plant nutrient uptake and stress tolerance.
Dr. Pearl Abu, Team Lead of the Maize Breeding Programme
Dr. Mavis Owusuaa Osei-Wusu, Team Lead of the Rice Breeding Programme, presented on “Seed to Impact: Climate-Smart Rice for Ghana’s Food Future.” She noted that her research seeks to develop high-yielding, climate-smart, and disease-tolerant rice varieties to enhance food security in Ghana and across the region.
Dr. Mavis Owusuaa Osei-Wusu, Team Lead of the Rice Breeding Programme
Dr. Abdon Tenkouano, Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya, in his closing address, commended WACCI for its impactful contributions to agricultural transformation. Africa can become self-reliant and reduce its dependence on food imports if we invest in crop breeding and support institutions like WACCI,” he said. “With the right investments, we can build a strong pipeline of plant breeders to drive food and nutrition security across the continent.”
Dr. Abdon Tenkouano, Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya
About DSRA
The Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) is observed annually on June 30 to honour Africa’s rich scientific legacy and emphasize the centrality of science, technology, and innovation in driving the continent’s development. WACCI’s DSRA symposium underscores its mission to advance research that improves crop productivity, enhances nutrition, and secures sustainable livelihoods across Africa.
Also present were Aurore Rusiga, Country Director World Food Programme ; Johnson Masagotin Singir, Science and Technology Network Manager at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Embassy; Dr. Mariano Beillard, USDA Regional Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs; Dr. Godfred Jawsaw, MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Agriculture, Cocoa and Food; Hon. Fred Sebastien Deh, MP for Kpando; and Farmer Anthony, President of the Ghana Chamber of Agribusiness.
