WACCI Director Advocates Science and Innovation to Transform Ghana’s Food Systems at HTU Conference

The Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) and Chair of the Governing Board of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, has urged Ghana to transform its food systems through science and innovation.

He made the call during his keynote address, themed “From Genes to Generations: Rethinking Food Systems for a Sustainable Africa,” at Ho Technical University (HTU) during the Food, Agriculture, Technology and Sustainability Conference.

Highlighting Africa’s potential, Prof. Danquah noted that the continent holds 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land yet continues to spend nearly US$70 billion annually on food imports. He stressed that “Africa must choose science-led agriculture or remain trapped in low productivity. Seeds, science and systems will determine the continent’s destiny.”

Prof. Danquah intimated that Ghana’s agricultural transformation must be anchored on modern breeding, robust seed systems, climate-resilient innovation, strong market linkages and deliberate investment in research and higher education.

He encouraged young people to embrace agricultural science, innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that Africa’s next breakthroughs will come from youth equipped with the right tools and opportunities.

Using cassava as an example, Prof. Danquah illustrated how strategic investment in research and development (R&D) can drive a circular economy and national prosperity, citing Thailand’s cassava industry, which generates US$3.33 billion annually.

He commended Ho Technical University for its growing leadership in applied sciences and technical innovation and urged its leadership to pursue strategic partnerships to strengthen research capacity and global competitiveness.

Calling on policymakers to prioritise research and innovation, Prof. Danquah said, “The prosperity of nations is written in their research budgets. This is the moment for Ghana to invest boldly in science, technology and innovation.” He also praised the government for establishing the Ghana National Research Fund, noting that it affirms a commitment to building a modern research ecosystem capable of driving agricultural and industrial transformation in Ghana.

The conference, held at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium of HTU, brought together leading academics, policymakers and industry experts to deliberate on sustainable agricultural practices, food technology and environmental stewardship. Among the attendees were the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku; the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu; the Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga; the faculty of HTU; representatives from public and private institutions; development partners as well as students from HTU and senior high schools.