The University of Ghana (UG) and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TUTCM) have entered into a partnership to research into traditional/plant medicines used to manage non-communicable diseases.
An agreement to this effect was signed in Tianjin, by Professor John Gyapong the Pro- Vice-Chancellor in charge of the Office of Research Innovation and Development, (ORID) and Professor Xiumei Gao, Vice President of TUTCM. The ceremony took place when a UG delegation led by Prof. Gyapong, visited TUTCM recently. Other members of the delegation were, Professor Alexander K. Nyarko, Dean, UG School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Professor Sammy T. Sackey, Director, Institute of Applied Science and Technology ; Professor Laud K.N. Okine, Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science; Dr. Phyllis Addo, Head, Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences; Dr. Regina Appiah-Opong, Head, Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences. The UG delegation was received warmly at TUTCM.
The agreement was signed following initial addresses by Professor Gao on behalf of TUTCM and Professor Gyapong on behalf of UG. Gifts were exchanged followed by scientific presentations from both sides. Professor Alexander K. Nyarko and Professor Laud K.N. Okine made the presentations on behalf of UG.
After the presentations, members of the UG delegation were conducted around the various laboratories at the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and introduced to the faculty and ongoing research activities. Apart from the technical sessions, the delegation also visited the city of Hangzhou and other interesting sites.
TUTCM is one of the leading Chinese Universities in Traditional Chinese medicine. It is a place where the ancient and modern blend, as they apply modern scientific tools to study traditional Chinese medicines used to manage cardiovascular diseases. The partnership between TUTCM and UG began in 2010 as part of a Chinese Governments’ Vision 20-20 agenda for Chinese Institutions to partner African Institutions. In addition to research, the arrangement covers faculty and student training. Four M.Phil and PhD students from the University of Ghana are currently on a training programme at TUTCM.
Prof. Gyapong (right) presenting a gift to an official of TUTCM
UG delegation being conducted around one of the laboratories at the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine
