The University of Ghana has reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Genomic Medicine Building at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC). This state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated on Friday, November 8, 2024, was made possible by funding from the World Bank and the collaboration of numerous local and international partners, representing a transformative leap for genomic research in West Africa.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Ghana’s Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who served as the guest of honor. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, chaired the event and hosted by Prof S.Fiifi Ofori-Acquah
Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Yennah, opened the ceremony, expressing gratitude to stakeholders, particularly the World Bank, for their instrumental support in realizing this landmark project.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo celebrated WAGMC’s recognition as an African Center of Excellence, highlighting the facility as a symbol of progress and dedication to genomic research. She emphasized that this Research Center will help position the University of Ghana as a global hub for genomic training and research, advancing impactful studies, innovative education, and community engagement.
The Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutum, commended the university’s leadership in national and regional development and praised Prof. Ofori-Acquah and his team for their dedication.
He emphasized the facility’s role in propelling Ghana and West Africa into the future of genetic medicine and biomedical science, noting that such achievements should inspire national pride and greater academic and scientific accomplishments.
A central theme of Dr. Adutwum’s speech was the need for outreach to make genetic medicine accessible to underrepresented youth. He expressed his desire for WAGMC to serve not only elite students but also those from less privileged communities, encouraging initiatives that introduce children from diverse backgrounds to fields like genetics and biomedical sciences.
The $1.5 million Genomic Medicine Building, spanning 2,800 square meters, houses a 220-seat auditorium, bio-repositories, smart classrooms, a genetic counseling clinic, and specialized laboratories. Designed to support WAGMC’s core areas—genetic research, postgraduate training, and community outreach—the facility will focus on genetic conditions prevalent in Africa, such as sickle cell disease, aligning with WAGMC’s mission to address regional health challenges through advanced genomic studies.
Attendees were impressed by the building’s modern laboratories and training spaces, which will advance WAGMC’s role in genomic medicine. Prof. Ofori-Acquah expressed pride in this achievement, calling it “a significant milestone toward making the University of Ghana a leading center for genomic training and research in Africa.”
Below are some pictures from the ceremony
Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | www.univers.ug.edu.gh
