The University of Ghana has inaugurated the West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) facility on the University’s main campus.The WACCI center seeks to train the next generation of plant breeders and scientists to address challenges in agricultural and also impact productivity for the growth of agribusiness for socio economic development in the African continentThe facility which was inaugurated on Friday 24th August 2018 is considered to be a multipurpose structure as it is expected to function as a research facility, enterprise hub and a lecture facility. The center has a state of the art Tissue Culture lab, Growth Room, Seed Science lab, Dell Hpc Server and other facilities.
Photo Credit: Eddie Sekyere Jnr.
The inauguration ceremony was organized in the WACCI Building’s auditorium. Goodwill messages were received from representatives from AAU, World Bank and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Chairing the program, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu, expressed elation on the completion of the Center Building which was the second building to be commissioned under his tenure of office.
Professor Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu
Photo Credit: Eddie Sekyere Jnr.
He further pledged his commitment to ensuring that the needs of the centre were fully met.
The Minister for Finance, Honorable Ken Ofori-Atta, who was also in attendance stressed on the importance of the opening of the facility; adding that its role in aiding Ghana attain economic stability is undoubted.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta
Photo Credit: Eddie Sekyere Jnr.
“We concede that a concerted effort – where Government, academia, farmers and suppliers play key roles. That is why the WACCI’s are so crucial to a Ghana beyond Aid” he said.
The Minister also reiterated government’s commitment to the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) Project.
The said project that aims to promote regional specialization among participating universities in a area that address regional challenges and strengthen the capacities of the Universities to transmit quality training and applied research.
“In view of this, Ghana is committing some US$60 million to the ACE Impact Project for the establishment of a new Center of Excellence.” he added.
Some Agriculture students of the University of Ghana, after the ceremony, expressed their excitement to Univers News.
Photo Credit: Eddie Sekyere Jnr.
According to them, the new building will afford them the chance to study in a more congenial atmosphere.
