The United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Hon. Vicky Ford, has visited the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) as part of her maiden visit to West Africa. The purpose of the visit was to acquaint herself with WACCBIP’s activities which have resulted in groundbreaking research outcomes in biomedical science space.
Welcoming the Minister and her delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo expressed appreciation for the Minister’s decision to pay a courtesy call on the University; she was hopeful that it was going to be the first of many such visits. Prof. Amfo stated that the University is proud of and holds WACCBIP in high esteem due to the cutting-edge research it continues to conduct in biomedical science. The Vice-Chancellor also indicated that even though WACCBIP was established with the support of the World Bank, its activities including its research have largely been supported by UK government funding over GBP 3,000,000, which the University really appreciates. She further stated that it was for this reason that the University, and WACCBIP continues to value its UK partners and funders; hence her delight to welcome the Minister and her delegation.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students' Affairs & Founding Director of WACCBIP, Prof. Gordon Awandare
Hon. Vicky Ford noted with joy, how she feels honoured to be at the Centre. She also indicated her admiration for research scientists. She expressed the belief that the international collaboration by the UK government across the world had been phenomenal, given the groundbreaking research being conducted at WACCBIP in the biomedical science space. This, she said, could further boost more collaborations with other UK universities and research institutions.
United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Hon. Vicky Ford
Prof. Gordon Awandare, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Academic and Student Affairs and Founding Director of WACCBIP, presented an overview of the Centre. He explained that WACCBIP started as an infectious disease centre but has now broadened its scope to cover a wide range of diseases. This, he said, was made possible through a strategic grant it secured from the Wellcome Trust through the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science (DELTAS) programme. Prof. Awandare also spoke about the key role that WACCBIP played in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He indicated that since the outbreak of the pandemic, WACCBIP has produced the most extensive data on genomic sequencing in West Africa.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Founding Director of WACCBIP, Prof. Gordon Awandare making a presentation during the visit
The Minister and her entourage were later conducted around some of the facilities and research laboratories at the Centre, where Hon. Vicky Ford had the opportunity to interact with the Research Assistants and staff.
Hon. Vicky Ford interacting with Research Assistants and staff
University officials who were present to witness the event included Prof. Elvis Tiburu who represented the Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Prof. Mark Yidana Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Dean, School of Biological Sciences and faculty and Research Fellows of both WACCBIP, the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology and Mrs. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate.
Hon. Vicky Ford’s entourage comprised Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, UK High Commissioner to Ghana; Uzo Gilpin; Health Adviser, British High Commission Ghana, and Mr. Colin Sykes, Economic and Trade Team Lead.
Hon. Vicky Ford touring some facilities
