June 2021 V 3.0 Research Magazine ORID Office of Research, Innovation & Development TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Medicine Pricing in a Market Economy – Improving Access to Essential Medicines 2 Optimization and Deployment: Nutrient-Rich Biodegradable Matrix for Crop Protection 3 Trends in Fungal Biotechnology; The Farce and Facts of Mushroom Cultivation in Ghana 5 Forest and Horticultural Crop Research Centre; Applied Science and Agriculture 7 New Rice Variety to Boost LocalRice Production 8 Integrating Research and BusinessDevelopment 9 Funding News 20 Awards / Appointments MEDICINE PRICING IN A MARKET ECONOMY – IMPROVING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICINES Equitable access to affordable medicines remain Medicines Pricing Committee at the Ministry of key to achieving successful health outcomes. Health. It includes a systematic review of available Successful implementation of medicine pricing evidence on experiences of implementing policies are a key determinant of such equitable medicines pricing policies in sub-Saharan Africa, access and are formulated as part of the National which together with indings from analysis of Medicines Policy initiated by the Ministry of policy documentation and in-depth interviews Health. with key stakeholders, will inform series of At the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Augustina Koduah stakeholder workshops. These workshops will and her colleagues, Dr. Irene Kretchy and Dr. serve three purposes: Anthony Danso-Appiah (School of Public Heath) i. Communicate results of systematic review and are embarked on a project Improving Equitable empirical analyses, Access to Essential Medicines in Ghana ii. Develop a shared understanding of through Bridging the Gaps in Implementing determinants of effective policy Medicines Pricing Policy (AMIPS), implemented implementation and in collaboration with Prof. Irene Akua Agyepong iii. Facilitate production of an action plan and (Ghana Health Service), Dr. Tolib Mirzoev and research agenda for pricing and access to Prof. Tim Ensor (University of Leeds, UK). medicines. The scientists are collaborating with policymakers Key emerging indings from the policy analysis and other key stakeholders to investigate why conducted so far, include the following: presumed effective medicines price control Ÿ Four policies are largely driven by interest policies are not being implemented as planned groups involved in the design and and consequently prices of medicines in Ghana are implementation of medicine pricing in Ghana. relatively high compared to international Ÿ Key systemic problems which led to high reference prices and other countries in the region. medicine prices are: involvement of multiple Dr. Koduah and colleagues are focused on organizations in the supply chain, delayed understanding the implementation of four speciic payments for contracts and fragmented policies: procurement contracts. i. Supply chain master plan Ÿ Policy approaches to managing medicine ii. Framework contracting for high demand pricing include the National Competitive medicines Tender processes and the National Health iii. Value added tax (VAT) exemptions for Insurance Scheme price restrictions. essential medicines; and iv. Ring-fencing medicines for local The outcomes of the AIMPS project will be critical manufacturing. to the longer-term research agenda to inform improvements in equitable access to essential The study seeks to: medicines in Ghana and beyond. a) Develop an in-depth understanding of The research is being funded by the UK National major determinants of effectiveness of Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and pre- implementing medicine pricing policies in sponsored by the Ofice of Research, Innovation different contexts and Development (ORID), University of Ghana. b) Understand key main facilitators and More information can be found at barriers to the implementation of https://bit.ly/34YVtXv and bit.ly/AMIPS_UoL medicine pricing policies in the Ghanaian context; and c) Facilitate development of a feasible action plan to improve implementation of four key policies and co-production of policy- relevant research agenda. Dr. Augustina Koduah The study team adopted a multidisciplinary and mixed-method approach and is working closely with key stakeholders, including the National 1 OPTIMIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT: NUTRIENT-RICH BIODEGRADABLE MATRIX FOR CROP PROTECTION Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important staple two selected farmer fields in the Zabzugu food in the world with an estimated production District (Guinea Savannah Zone), Nkoranza rate of 72.58 million tons worldwide in 2018 out District (Transitional Zone), and Krachi- of which over 91% were produced in West Nchumuru District (Semi-deciduous forest), in Africa. Ghana is the second largest producer of both major (dry) and minor (rainy) seasons. yam in the world with over 7.8 million tons after Nigeria, with about 47.5 million tons. Yam The experiments were laid in a randomized production is however limited by parasitism of complete block design (RCBD), replicated four nematodes, majorly the yam nematode times and treatments included: (Scutellonema bradys), Pratylenchus spp., and i. Untreated banana paper Meloidogyne spp resulting in dry-rot disease, ii. Treated banana paper matrix with thus making the yam unmarketable and abamectin inedible. iii. Farmer's practice Individual plots had 36 mounds (6 rows and 6 A new research protocol being proposed to columns), and total number of plots per field establish field trials in Ghana, aims to evaluate was 12. and validate the efficacy of the “wrap and plant” technology for plant-parasitic nematode management on yam. The project, initiated by Results obtained from the nematode density the North Carolina State University under Dr. assessment trial, during harvesting and after Charles Opperman (Project Director), is funded storage, organoleptic and sensorial qualitative by The Grand Challenges Explorations Phase analysis, and socio-economic studies are III proposed to the Bill & Melinda Gates expected to be shared with the farmers to Foundat ion t i t led “Optimizat ion and enhance yam production, and reduce post- Deployment: Nutrient-Rich Biodegradable harvest losses using the wrap and plant Matrix for Crop Protection”. The scope of technology. work involves the identification of farmer fields in three countries (Ghana, Togo, and Benin) for establishment of independent trials in the three major yam producing agroecological zones. The research objectives include: Mr. Mapa, farmer showing infested Uprooted yam from yam mound Soil sampling at Chinderi by MPhil and roen yams to Dr. Seloame Nyaku showing symptoms of dry-rot disease student (Noella Deribaa, le) and i. Evaluating the nematode control (right) and Mr. Appiah (middle) from nematode infecon Research Technician (Hannah Vigbedor, right) potential of the “wrap and plant” technology on yam yields, and storability of the tubers ii. Assessing the organolept ic and sensorial quality of tubers produced Mr. Bassit Zakari, District Director of Placing of yam ses on banana paper Banana paper (red arrow) being under the technology, and Agric. Zabzugu (Le), demonstraon on yam mound by MPhil student placed on yam mound wrapping of seed yam with banana (Francis Aeosi) at Grubi paper to farmer iii. Invest igat ing yam stakeholders' perception of the technology. The field trials in Ghana, led by Dr. Seloame Tatu Nyaku of the Department of Crop Science is in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Adu Ankrah Planng of wrapped seed yam at site 3 Covering of yam with soil aer planng Mulching of yam mound aer planng (Grubi) by Peter Dibri (farmer/land at site 1 (Chinderi) by a female Farm by farmer at site 3-Zabzugu (dry-season) (Department of Agricultural Extension) Dr. owner) Worker. Freda Asem (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agri-Business) Dr. Maame Yaakwah Blay Adjei (Department of Food and Nutrition)and Mr. Elvis Appiah (Department of Crop Science). UG Project team: L - R. Dr. Daniel Adu Ankrah, These were initiated in 2019, and conducted in Dr. Freda Asem, Dr. Seloame Tatu Nyaku, Dr. Maame-Yaakwah-Blay and Mr. Elvis Appiah 2 TRENDS IN FUNGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY; THE FARCE AND FACTS OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IN GHANA illusion of meat, making it suitable for vegetarians. Mushrooms are suitable for reducing obesity and managing diabetes, and high blood pressure Dr. Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan (cardiovascular paents). Mushrooms are a healthy alternave due to the absence of starch, low level of calories and carbohydrates. They are high in potassium to Mushrooms are macro-fungi with disncve Sodium rao. Oyster mushrooms for example fruing body/sporocarp (a spore-bearing contain ergothioneine, a unique anoxidant that reproducve body) which can be either epigeous protect cells in the body, with its extracts known to (below soil) or hypogeous (above soil), are visible smulate the immune funcon. However, some to the naked eye and are either edible (e.g., species of mushroom cannot be culvated, Agar icus b isporus , A . b laze i , P leurotus (example Termitomyces) because the fungus only citrinopileatus, etc) or inedible (e.g Amanita grow in unison with the termitarium and are muscaria, A. phalloides, Conocybe filaris etc.) also dependent on the organic maer brought forth by referred to as toadstools. the termites from their feeding on tree combs. It is important to disnguish between edible The first step in mushroom culvaon involves the mushrooms and toadstools, which are harmful to selecon of a species and a suitable substrate (i.e., health. Acridity or bierness is an indicaon of woodland, grassland, dung inhabing or inedibility although not in all cases. It must be compost/lier/disturbed). The type of species and noted that the most poisonous mushrooms substrate determines the culvaon technique to neither burn nor are bier, nor smell or sng the be adopted. Among the culvated mushrooms, tongue when consumed. Lennus (=Lennula) is now the world's leading culvated edible mushroom with about 22% of The only safeguard and authenc approach to the world's supply whiles Pleurotus, Auricularia, adopt against mushroom poisoning is the ability to Agaricus, and Flammulina) species account for disnguish between species of mushrooms using 85% of the world's total supply of culvated edible their botanical character, or to culvate mushrooms. mushrooms which have been authencated to be edible by mycologists or mushroom biologists. In Ghana, the most culvated species is the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) although other There are several edible and medic inal s p e c i e s s u c h a s P l e u r o t u s d j a m o r, P. mushrooms that can be culvated arficially on citrinopileatus, P. pulmonarius and Lennus lignocellulose materials (plant materials e.g., rice squarrosulus have been culvated on Triplochiton straw, husk, bran, sawdust etc.). This has elicited scleroxylon ('wawa') sawdust to ascertain its the interest of Dr. Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan of the viability for commercial producon in the Department of Plant and Environmental Biology Ghanaian market. Preliminary data have who is at the forefront of research to ascertain demonstrated the viability of these mushrooms how these edible mushrooms can be culvated to under Ghanaian climac condions which can be avoid poisoning. aributed to their adaptability to varying Nonetheless, edible mushrooms are known to temperatures. have medicinal and nutrional properes Mycologist have developed three basic culvaon capable of improving health and well-being. methods which provide a safety net for mushroom Mushrooms contain minerals such as calcium, consumpon; the use of sawdust, grasses/straws, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, and logs, to produce edible and medicinal selenium etc., carbohydrate, protein, vitamins (A, mushrooms. However, the three main factors of B1, B2, B12, C, D, E and K), with pleasant aroma m u s h r o o m c u l v a o n i n c l u d e t h e and texture for culinary exploits. In terms of taste spawn/mushroom ''seed'', substrate and the and flavour, well prepared mushrooms have a environment. great advantage over other vegetables, giving the 3 TRENDS IN FUNGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY; THE FARCE AND FACTS OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IN GHANA continued... Methods of Mushroom Culvaon (creang employment, high vitamin, Culvaon on sawdust protein, and mineral content). The most common method of mushroom · The substrates required for mushroom culvaon in Ghana, America, and China, is with culvaon are relavely cheap and readily the use wood chippings (sawdust) from available hence, minimum capital required Triplochiton scleroxylon ('wawa' wood) and in to start this lucrave enterprise. other countries (i.e., Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico · Mushrooms as nutraceucal agents etc.) Eucalyptus, Pines, Mangifera indica (mango contain properes which can be used by tree) and others. The sawdust is mixed with 1% the pharmaceucal industry. calcium carbonate, 10% wheat/rice bran and Mushrooms are therefore important due water to obtain a 70% moisture content using the to its nutrious and medicinal properes squeeze technique. The mixture is allowed to undergo fermentaon for at least 28 days. as well as creang employment/wealth for Culvaon on grasses as the main substrate e nt re p re n e u rs w h o ve nt u re i nto ('Juncao' technique) mushroom farming/producon. This method was invented by Dr. Lin Zhanxi and Dr. Figure 1: Examples of edible and medicinal mushrooms Lin Zhanxua (University of Fuzhou, China) in 1983 aer 13 years of research. Due to its comparavely shorter reproducve cycle, the method is more economical. The principal substrate component i.e grass e.g., straw of rice, maize, wheat, sorghum, Andropogon sp. (Andropogon), Brachiaria br i santha (pa l i sade grass) , Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), Saccharum Pleurotus Ostreatus Lentinus Squarrosulus Pleurotus Djamor officinarum (Sugar cane), etc. is added to other ( Pink oyster mushroom) inputs such as: rice bran, soybean, wheat, and other organic waste for crop growth fruing bodies. Culvaon on logs Culvaon of mushrooms on decaying logs is popular in Japan. The type of wood use includes Pinus spp. or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla, E. saligna and E. grandis, Tectona grandis (teak), Pleurotus Citrinopileatus Pleurotus Pulmonarius Pleurotus eous strain P-31 (golden oyster mushroom) Acacia arabica, and Terminalia catappa (tropical almond). The log is usually cut to have a trunk of 1-   1.2m long with 9-18cm diameter. Holes are drilled Figure 2: Examples of medicinal but inedible mushrooms on the logs, inoculated with spawn plugs, sealed with wax, and are incubated in a cool moist place. One disadvantage about this method is that it takes about 16 months for producon to take place. Mushroom culvaon offers the following benefits: · It has a favourable impact on the Ganoderma sp. G. lucidum G. sinensis environment (reducing environmental polluon by bioconversion of vast quanes of organic wastes into mushrooms; recycling spent mushrooms to bioferlizer (soil amendments); restoraon of damaged environment by mushroom mycelia. · It also has economic and social benefits G. tsugae Auricularia Polytricha Trametes Versicolor 4 FOREST AND HORTICULTURAL CROP RESEARCH CENTRE; APPLIED SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE FOHCREC offers its expertise in the ield of agricultural extension activities by organising public fora in the form of open days and through participation in agricultural events. Model farms have been established for training while research collaboration with NGOs, and some development The Forest and Horticultural Crop Research partners, have beneited local farmer associations Centre (FOHCREC) is one of three research and other stakeholders. centres at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, pioneering research in food production. Specialized units at the Centre conduct research on The Centre spearheads research and training in the following thematic areas; horticulture to develop sustainable agricultural · Crop Production and Environmental production systems suitable for the humid Management · Crop Improvement and Conservation tropical environment. · Crop Protection The Centre trains faculty, students, farmers and · Agribusiness and Systems Innovation other stakeholders in crop and livestock · E nv i r o d o m e G r e e n h o u s e Ve g e t a b l e production, and extension services to ensure the Production safety and security of the agriculture value chain. A wide collection of tropical fruit and crop The Production and Environmental Management plantations are cult ivated and serve as Unit teaching/research demonstration laboratories This unit is involved in the production of planting material for forest and horticultural crops grown in during practical training sessions. Ghana (i.e., citrus, rubber, oil palm, avocado, mango, Scientists at the Centre are focussed on plantain, black pepper, and cocoa). Scientist are developing plant species that can withstand exploring integrated soil fertility management to adverse weather conditions and diseases which develop appropriate soil fertility management invade some crops, namely: citrus, oil palm, alternatives for various crops and agricultural water aromatic and medicinal plants, mango, management. plantain, rubber, root, and tuber, avocado, rice, cocoa, maize, cola, vegetables, rambutan and As part of this enquiry, the interaction between water and the physiology of plants and crops produced black pepper. under rainfed/ irrigated conditions and the The Centre's Research goals are aimed at; development of soilless media for improving planting · Improving the production of forest and materials of crops such as cocoa, oil palm and plantain horticultural crops is under investigation. Some of the on-going research · Producing qual i ty grade plant ing activities of the unit include a DANIDA funded project materials for farmers on soil and water management focusing on improving · Developing strategies to combat disease soil quality and crop production with biochar and and eliminate insect pests of crops. small-scale irrigation. · Developing sustainable soil fertility management options to improve crop The unit has also developed an innovative solar yield powered low-cost automatic drip irrigation system · D eve l o p i n g b i o p e s t i c i d e s fo r t h e using locally fabricated siphon for smallholder management of pests and pathogens farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. affecting fruits and vegetables. As a commercial venture, FOHCREC produces a high- · Integrating livestock in plantation crop grade palm oil is free from artiicial additives. management in the forest zone of Ghana 5 FOREST AND HORTICULTURAL CROP RESEARCH CENTRE APPLIED SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE contd. The Crop Improvement and Conservation Unit The unit develops, evaluates, and screens crop varieties (e.g. citrus and cola) suitable for the Ghanaian environment. The unit is also charged with the conservation of germplasms for most of the indigenous and exotic tree crops grown in Ghana (i.e., citrus, cola, avocado, rambutan, mango, plantain, and rubber) The Crop Protection Unit Crop Protection entails exploratory research to develop novel methods of combating disease and insect pests affecting horticultural and food crops i.e., c i trus b lack spot (Guignardia c i tr icarpa) , Pseudocercospora fruit , leaf spot of citrus (Pseudocercospora angolensis), insect pests (fruit lies) and others. Currently, the Unit is conducting research on the use of botanicals to control insect pests of vegetables, investigations into the incidence of citrus graft-transmissible pathogens, the occurrence of banana bunchy top virus in banana and plantain, and the management of Ralstonia wilt of tomato in greenhouses. The Agri-Business and System Innovation Unit This Unit is involved in agribusiness management and micro/medium agricultural enterprise management research. They also serve as an interphase between the centre and stakeholders, providing information and gaining feedback on research, crop production and the socio-economic impacts of the technologies developed by the centre. The Envirodome Greenhouse Unit The Envirodome greenhouse project provides practical training in the construction of envirodomes and the production of vegetables using greenhouses for the domestic and international market. The project presents unique opportunities to investigate and address challenges associated with greenhouse vegetable production. The Head of Centre, Professor Samuel Adjei-Nsiah is supported by academics with varying expertise engaged in advanced research, aimed at improving production across the agricultural value chain. The Centre continues to attract funding for its research activities through grants, and innovative commercial activities to enhance research and training. 6 NEW RICE VARIETY TO BOOST LOCAL RICE PRODUCTION Rice (Oryza sativa) remains a very important staple food in Ghana, replacing major staples like maize as the main food source for many households. The gap between demand and supply of rice in Ghana with a population of about 30 million has been widening. A shift in diet preferences from traditional coarse grain, correlates with trends of urbanization and population growth. The local rice industry is characterized by low production with average yield of 2.4 MT/ha resulting in a heavy dependence on rice imports. The main thrust of successive policies on rice production over the years is to increase total Dr. Joseph Ofori production by exploitation of the vast lands of the inland valleys and swamps, increased mechanization and varietal improvement and increase seed production and utilization. Rice consumption in Ghana has increased signiicantly over the last few decades resulting in the importation of approximately 680,000 metric tons of rice at the end of 2016 to meet the rapidly growing demand (MOFA, 2017). It is believed that rice import deluge could be reversed if there is rapid expansion of production area in both irrigated and rainfed lowland/hydromorphic ecologies where improved rice variety is intensively cultivated. Over the past two decades, the Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC) has been at the fore - front in rice varietal evaluation/development and release into the market in Ghana. As a result of extensive research by Dr. Joseph Ofori and other scientists, SIREC has developed and tested an elite variety of rice with high producer/consumer preference comparable to rice varieties on the global market. This was achieved through on-station and multilocational varietal evaluation processes. . This variety, called Ex Baika, has a yield potential of 10 tons per hectare with milling yield of 72.8 %. The plant is relatively short in stature and therefore less prone to lodging, which endears it for irrigated ecology and high input production systems. Additionally, the variety is resistant to biotic stresses (common pests and diseases of rice) and drought tolerant. Its aromatic and long slender grain, with an amylose content of 18.3% makes it luffy rather than sticky. Ex Baika's white, translucent, sparkling (when milled), aromatic and luffy nature puts it in the high producer/consumer preference category and gives it a competitive edge over many local varieties. The Centre, as a result of the Ex Baika rice variety has been accredited by the Ghana Seed Inspection Division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a Breeder, Foundation and Certiied Seed Producer. Fig.1. Rice variety Ex Baika growing under Fig. 2. Rice variety Ex Baika growing under Fig. 3. Rice Variety Ex Baika at grain filling stage irrigated ecology rainfed condition 7 INTEGRATING RESEARCH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT As part of research support services at the Ofice of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), the Technology, Transfer and Intellectual Property Teams (TTIP) has embarked on several initiatives to make science and research central to business strategy. With technology dominating several spheres of public endeavor, transforming education, driving business growth and impacting individual transactions daily, TTIPs is positioned to facilitate a convergence with science and research. Their mandate includes the protection of intellectual property rights. The research that contributes to the patronage of technology and other consumer products is less visible to end users of technology. Corporate entities increasingly rely on market survey data and information from research to support development strategies to stay ahead of competition. Sustaining and growing dominance within a dynamic and competitive industry requires constant market-sensitive innovation, driven by data and information obtained through empirical research. The University of Ghana working through a multidisciplinary team from the University of Ghana Business School, the Computer Science Department and the Centre for Social Policy Studies is currently engaged with major players in the communication and extractive industry to enhance their market share through a research-based approach. In the telecommunications sector, MTN currently leads in the provision of services such as voice, data, the development of mobile payment systems and many others have generated socio-economic development and re-shaped inancial and social inclusion among the citizens. The MTN/UG collaboration seeks to underscore; How smartphone and mobile money payment systems developed and deployed by MTN is adopted by clients and users of such products. How Generation Z and Millennials can be integrated and targeted as future employees and consumers of MTN. Re-orient existing MTN employees to prepare for a future that has the youth as the basis of talent and consumption. To develop a core innovation team within the Sales and Distribution Division to use feedback generated from market intelligence into products and services that offer MTN an additional advantage. The ongoing collaboration between MTN and the University provides a strong and mutually beneicial alliance between science and industry. 8 FUNDING NEWS ST ST 1 JUNE TO 31 DECEMBER 2020 BUDGET FUNDE ORIGINATING R UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE ALL OCATED UNIT TO UG Alera International Dr. Linda Amoah Department of Material Transfer and Limited Immunology Testing Agreement USD 296,187.50 Alera International Dr. Linda Amoah Department of Material Transfer and Limited Immunology Testing Agreement USD 17,938 .00 Arts and Humanities Prof. Joseph Teye Centre for Culture for Sustainable Research Counc il of Migration and Inclusive Peace  GBP 96,983.23 UKRI, UK  Studies AXA Research Prof. Amidu Department of Vulnerable Populations Fund Mohammed Accounting and Pandemics: Challenges, EUR 250,000.00 Opportunities and Innovations  Bill & Melinda Gates Dr. Edward Department of Leveraging National Foundation  Asiedu Finance Identication and Digital Payment Systems to Nudge USD 74,934.00 Informal Pension Contributions in Ghana  Bill & Melinda Gates Dr. Seth Department of Development and Foundation  Adu-Afarwuah Nutrition and Evaluation of Lipid-Based Food Science Nutrient Supplements (LNS) for Prevention of USD 59,706.00 Malnutrition: An Innovative Food-Based Approach  Bill & Melinda Gates Dr. Naa Dodua Regional Institute Re-examining Traditional Foundation  Dodoo of Population Method Use: Desperation USD 391,106.38 Studies (RIPS) or Innovation? Cambridge-Africa Dr. Osbourne Department of Propagation of ALBORADA Research Quaye Bioch emistry, Rotavirus Fields Strains Fund Cell and in Cell Culture GBP 12,756.91 Molecular Biology Cambridge-Africa Dr. Peter Quashie West Africa D evelopment of ALBORADA Research Centre for Cell Serological Assays to Fund Biology of Study Antibody GBP 20,00.00 Infectious Responses in Ghanaian Pathogens COVID-19 Patients (WACCBIP) 9 FUNDING NEWS Continued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG Carnegie Corporation Prof. Dodzi Tsikata Institute of Transregional Research of New York African Studies on the Changing Nature (IAS) of Precarious Work in USD 500,000.00 Africa and the Arab Region Chemonics Dr. Samuel Dery Department of Consultation with Civil International Inc. Biostatistics Society Organizations, Dr. Roger Atinga Department of Development Partners Public and other Government GHS 189,197.58 Administration Entities on Supply Chain and Health Master Plan (SCMP) Services 2021-25 Management Chemonics Dr. Samuel Dery Department of Baseline Data for International Inc. Biostatistics Analysing Financial Dr. Roger Atinga Department of Sustainability of the Public Health Sector Supply GHS 188,329.40 Administration Chain in Ghana and Health Services Management Community Prof. Richmond Department of A Network of Foundations of Aryeetey Population, Interdisciplinary, Canada (CFC) Family and Solution-oriented through McGill Reproductive Researchers to Improve CAD 313,600.00 University Health the Livelihoods and Food and Nutrition Security of Adolescent Girls and Women Farmers in Rural Ghana Council for Technical Dr. Isaac Department of Consultancy Services for and Vocational Owusu-Mensah Political Science Skills Gap Analysis in Education Training Three Sectors: Health GHS 194,700.00 (COTVET) Care, Transport and Clothing Apparel DANIDA Fellowship Prof. Justice Department of Developing Ghana's Centre (DFC) through Nonvignon Health Policy, Care Economy: Case DKK 5,007,497.00 Aarhus University Planning and and Potential Management Prof. Charles Ackah Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Defense Advanced Dr. Osbourne Department of Preventing Emergence Research Projects Quaye Biochemistry, and Spillover of Bat USD 16,541.00 Agency (DARPA) Cell and Viruses in High-risk Molecular Global Hotspots Biology 10 FUNFDUINGD NINEWG SN CEonWtinuSed C ontinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG Defense Advanced Dr. Richard Suu-Ire School of Preventing Emergence Research Projects Veterinary and Spillover of Bat Agency (DARPA) Medicine Viruses in High-risk USD 27,803.00 Global Hotspots Deutsche Gesellschaft Prof. Richard Department of The Fairwork Project fur Internationale Boateng Operations and in Ghana Zusammenarbeiten Management GBP 120,708.00 (GiZ) GmbH through Information the University of Systems Oxford EDCTP through The Dr. Joseph Bonney Department of COVID-19 Diagnostics Chancellor, Masters Virology for Africa (AfriDX) and Scholars of the GBP 37,335.00 University of Cambridge Engineering and Dr. Adelina Institute for Partnerships for Physical Sciences Mensah Environment Resilience through Research Council and Sanitation Innovation and GBP 68,700.30 (EPSRC) Studies (IESS) Integrated Management of Emergencies and Disasters (PRIMED) Engineering and Prof. Gordon West Africa Digital Diagnostics for Physical Sciences Awandare Centre for Cell Africa Network Research Council Biology of GBP 50,875.00 (EPSRC) Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) European and Dr. Patricia Department of Building and Enhancing Developing Countries Akweongo Health Policy, Regulatory Capacity in EUR 9,447.74 Clinical Trials Planning and Africa (BERC Africa) Partnership (EDCTP) Management European and Dr. Kwadwo Department of Clinical and Developing Countries Asamoah Kusi Immunology Immunological Clinical Trials Consequences of Partnership (EDCTP) Chronic HBV and GBP 499,910.00 through the London Plasmodium Falciparum Schoool of Hygiene Co-infections (HEPMAL) and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) 11 FUFNUDNINDGI NEGW NSE CWontiSnu eCdo ntinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG European and Prof. William Department of Mobilisation of Funding Developing Countries Ampofo Virology for COVID-19 Research Clinical Trials in Sub-Saharan Africa- Partnership (EDCTP) COVID Surveillance EUR 299,135.00 through the London Intensication in Ghana Schoool of Hygiene (CSIGN) and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) European Prof. Daniel Department of Cocoa4Future: Commission – DESIRA  Sarpong Agricultural Sustainability of Programme  Economics and Production Systems and EUR 327,961.00 Agribusiness New Dynamics in the Prof. Felix Ankomah Institute of Cocoa Sector  Asante Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) European Commission Prof. Joseph Teye Centre for Crises as Opportunities: Multi-beneciary Migration Towards a Level Telling General Model Grant Studies Field on Migration and a EUR 161,875.00 Agreement  New Narrative of Successful Integration  European Prof. Samuel Adjei- Forest and Governing Commission Nsiah Horticultural Multifunctional EUR 87,944.00 through the Centre Crop Research Landscapes in for International Centre Sub-Saharan Forestry Research (FOHCREC) Africa: Managing Trade-offs between Social and Ecological Impacts European Prof. Albert Department of Globalised Governance Commission-Horizon Ahenkan Public Norms and Local EUR 8,687.50 2020 Administration Management and and Health Business Practices in Services Africa and on the Arab Management Peninsula (MANAGLOBAL) European Union Dr. Mumuni Abu Regional Linking Climate Change, (under the EU's Institute of Habitability and Social Horizon 2020 Population Tipping Points: Scenarios EUR 200,000.00 Research and Studies (RIPS) for Climate Migration - Innovation Programme HABITABLE 12 FFUUNNFDDUININGDG N INEEWGW SNS C EoCnoWtnintiunSeude dC o ntinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG Ford Foundation Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata Institute of Growing Feminist African Studies Knowledge (IAS) Constituencies for the USD 450,000.00 Africa We Want: A Capacity Building and Publication Project French Development Prof. Gordon West Africa West African Network Agency (AFD) Awandare Centre for Cell of Infectious Diseases Biology of ACEs (WANIDA) Accessible Based on Infectious Request Pathogens (WACCBIP) GCRF - The Royal Prof. Gordon West Africa Do Epigenetic Processes Society Collaboration Awandare Centre for Cell Promote Drug Award through Biology of Resistance in the GBP 154,353.00 University of Edinburgh  Infectious Malaria Parasite, Pathogens Plasmodium (WACCBIP) Falciparum? German and Dr. Efua Esaaba Department of Life Course Transitions Aerospace Centre Mantey Social Work and Trajectories of (DLR Project) through Persons with Disabilities EUR 238,000.00 University of Siegen. in West African Societies/LICOT-WASO Global Affairs Canada Prof. Richmond Department of Understanding through International Aryeetey Population, Adolescent Nutrition in Food Policy Research Family and Urban Areas of Ghana USD 2,395.00 Institute (IFPRI) Reproductive (Amendment) Health Global Challenges Dr. Irene Ayi Department of Building Capacity and Research Fund Parasitology Collaboration on through Scottish Cryptosporidium GBP 17,500.00 Funding Council (SCF) Global Challenges Dr. Agyemang West Africa Assessing Tomato Research Danquah Centre for Crop Germplasm for GBP 40,000.00 Fund-Knowledge Improvement Climate-Resilient, Transfer Network (WACCI) Broad-spectrum Parasite Resistance 13 FUNDING NEWS Continued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG HE CENTRE DE Prof. Felix Ankomah Ofce of Research Studies on the COOPÉRATION Asante Research, Rice Value Chain in INTERNATIONALE EN Innovation and Ghana EUR 10,000.00 RECHERCHE Development AGRONOMIQUE (ORID) POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development-CIRAD) Health Information Dr. Ernest Kenu Department of Emergency Response to Systems Programme  Epidemiology the Covid-19 Pandemic – (HISP), Department of and Disease Supporting Global and NOK 300,000.00 Informatics, University Control National Surveillance  of Oslo  International Centre Mr. Samuel Balme Library International Centre for for Insect Physiology Owusu-Ansah Insect Physiology and and Ecology Ecology Project for USD 27,100.00 Subscription to E-book and MYLoft, a Remote Access Solution. International Dr. Dilys Soil and AgMIP Adaptation Development MacCarthy Irrigation Teams Start-Up: A USD 110,985.00 Research Centre Research Centre CLARE Transition (IDRC) (SIREC) Activity Leverhulme Trust and Mr. Nicholas West Africa Molecular The Royal Society Amoako Centre for Cell Characterization of Biology of Pathogens in Ghanaian GBP 50,000.00 Infectious Children Presenting with Pathogens Acute Febrile Illness (WACCBIP) National Institute for Dr. Genevieve Department of Living in the City: Building Health Research Aryeetey Health Policy, Collaborations to through University of Planning and Strengthen Health Systems GBP 17,784.00 Shefeld Management to Respond to the Needs of Newly Urbanised Populations in Africa and Asia National Institute of Prof. Richard Department of Stroke and Cardiovascular Health through New Adanu Population, Research Training USD 124,200.00 York University, Family and (SCaRT) Institute Grossman School of Reproductive Medicine Health 14 FFUUNNFDDUININGDG N INEEWGW SNS C EoCnoWtnintiunSeude dC o ntinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG National Institutes of Dr. Seth Department of Neural Mechanisms of Health Adu-Afarwuah Nutrition and Protective Effects of Early Food Science Nutrition on the USD 274,878.00 Development of Social- emotional Difculties among Children in Ghana National Institutes of Prof. Kwasi Torpey Department of Multi-Level Intervention Health Population, Addressing Intersectional Family and Stigma to Improve HIV USD 229,805.00 Reproductive Testing Health NIH through The Dr. Ibrahim Department of African Regional Research Washington University Abdallah Health Policy, Partnerships for Scaling Planning and up Child Mental Health USD 51,264.00 Management EBPS - Strengthening Dr. Emmanuel Department of Mental Health and Asampong Social and Research Training Behavioural Sciences (SMART-Ghana) NIH through The Dr. Ibrahim Department of Intervention to Improve Health Policy, Washington University Abdallah Planning and Developmental and USD 95,044.00 Management Health Outcomes for Dr. Alice Boateng Department of Female Adolescents Social Work NIH_Oxford’s internal Dr. Caesar Atuire Department of A Roadmap Co-created AfOx Research Philosophy and by Caregivers on Development Awards Classics Navigating the Mental GBP 49,797.89 Healthcare Streams in Ghana and their Intrinsic Challenges: Terminology, Conceptualizations and Resources. NIHR through Dr. Augustina Department of Improving Equitable University of Leeds, Koduah Pharmacy Access to Essential UK Practice and Medicines in Ghana GBP 72,964.6 Clinical through Bridging the Pharmacy Gap in Implementing Medicines Pricing in Ghana Nippon Paint Co. Ltd  Prof. Abraham Department of Efcacy Testing and Anang Bacteriology Bactericidal and Virucidal USD 18,927.62 Activies and Nippon Paint Air and Clean Norwegian Agency for Prof. Justice Department of Comprehensive Approach Development Nonvignon Health Policy, towards Universal Health NOK 324,423.00 Cooperation (Norad) Planning and Coverage (UHC) Management 15 FUNDING NEWS Continued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG Options Consultancy Dr. Benedict Department of Leave No One Behind: Services Limited Weobong Social and Mental Health & through King’s Behavioural Disability (MH&D) GBP 663,362.00 College London  Sciences Ghana President and Fellows Prof. Gordon West Africa Partnership for Global of Harvard College Awandare Centre for Cell Health Research through Harvard T.H. Biology of Training Program  USD 45,766.00 Chan School of Public Infectious Health  Pathogens (WACCBIP) Prudential Insurance Dr. Sewoenam Department of Providing Language Ghana Limited Chachu French Interventions to Fight Stigma and GHS 85,250.81 Misinformation on Covid-19 Research England Prof. Stephen Regional The Health Experiences Kwankye Institute of of Migrant Children in Population Ghana Identifying GBP 10,356.00 Dr. Ernestina Studies (RIPS) Priorities for Dankyi Community-based Health Promotion Research England Prof. Audrey School of Interrogating (Gendered) Gadzekpo Communication Information Ecosystems GBP 4,200.00 Studies in Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Ghana and Kenya: A Pilot Field Study Research England's Dr. Richard Amewu Department of Better Outcomes for Global Chanllenge Chemistry Buruli Ulcer Sufferers: Research Fund Improved Diagnostics GBP 27,600.00 through The and Behavioural Change University of Shefeld Research Prof. Boniface Department of Promotion of Organization of Kayang Animal Science Domestication of Giant USD 21,871.28 Information and Rodent Grasscutters for Systems, National Environmental Protection Institute of Genetics and Food Safety in West Africa Scottish Funding Dr. Richard Amewu Department of Dundee-Ghana Drug Council – under Chemistry Discovery Group GBP 71,160.00 Global Challenge Research Fund 16 FFUUNNFDDUININGDG N INEEWGW SNS C EoCnoWtnintiunSeude dC o ntinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG Scottish Funding Dr. Kwaku Department of Ghanaian Microbial- Council (SFC) through Kyeremeh Chemistry derived Peptides and University Court of the Small Molecules as GBP 23,440.00 University of Aberdeen Prospective Sources of Natural and Effective Inhibitors of Binding Between SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Social Sciences and Prof. Stephen Regional African Child Migration Humanities Research Kwankye Institute of in Circumstances of Council (SSHRC) Population Vulnerability CAD 42,590.00 Studies (RIPS) Star Ghana Dr. Sena School of Law COVID-19 Impact, Foundation Dei-Tutu Outlook and Response in Ghana and Africa, GHS 100,000.00 Prof. Raymond the Democratic Atuguba Vigilance Project Initiatives and Amendment to the Proposal on Internal Conference on Future of Legal The Academy of Prof. Alfred Yawson Department of Improved Nutrition and Medical Sciences Community Sustainable Livelihoods through Leeds Beckett Health for Female Informal GBP 11,440.89 University Workers in Ghana and Nigeria: An Interdisciplinary Network The Andrew Mellon Prof. Samuel Department of Centre for Teaching Foundation Agyei-Mensah Geography and and Learning USD 800,000.00 Resource Innovations for Development Humanities Prof. Samuel Offei Biotechnology Centre The Arts and Prof. Kodzo Gavua Department of Imaging Futures through Humanities Research Archaeology Un/Archived Pasts - GBP 10,144.00 Council and Heritage Development Proposal Studies The Arts and Prof. Kodzo Gavua Department of Imaging Futures through Humanities Research Archaeology Un/Archived Pasts - GBP 82,654.00 Council and Heritage Imagining Ghanaian Studies Futures - Main Agreement 17 FUNDING NEWS Continued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG The University of Prof. Abdul-Gafaru Department of Investigating 'Pockets of Manchester Abdulai Public Effectiveness' in Administration Developing Countries: GBP 10,525.00 and Health A New Route to Services Building State Capacity Management for Development Tides Foundation Dr. Yaw Bediako West Africa Sequencing for COVID Centre for Cell Mitigation in Ghana USD 50,000.00 Biology of (SeqCOMGH) Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) UK Department for Prof. Felix Ankomah Institute of ACHA - Action on Int’l Development ( Asante Statistical, Children’s Harmful Work DFID) through the Social and in African Agriculture – GBP 2,098.97 Institute of Economic Inception Phase Development Studies Research (ISSER) UK Foreign and Prof. Justice Department of Community- led Commonwealth Nonvignon Health Policy, Responsive and Development Ofce, Planning and Effective Urban Health GBP 690,471.00 FCDO Dr. Genevieve Management Systems (CHORUS) Aryeetey UKRI Prof. Dorothy Department of Maximising Benet and Yeboah-Manu Bacteriology, Minimising Harm of NMIMR COVID-19 Control GBP 100,135.65 Prof. Audrey School of Measures on Child and Gadzekpo Communication Women's Health in Four Sub-saharan African Studies Countries UKRI Dr. Adelina Mensah Institute for Transforming Social Environment Inequalities through GBP 237,219.00 and Sanitation Inclusive Climate Action Studies (IESS) (TSITICA)  UKRI through Prof. Joseph Teye Centre for Migration, Inequality University of Coventry Migration and Development Hub GBP 235,418.52 Studies Amendment Agreement UKRI-GCRF Dr. George Department of Bridging the Digital Acheampong Marketing and Gender Divide to Entrepreneurship GBP 3,076.18Stimulate Growth in African Digital Economies UKRI-GCRF  Prof. Samuel Department of Integrated Digital Agyei-Mensah Geography Monitoring and GBP 50,324.00 Resource Management of Air Development Pollution in African Cities 18 FFUUNNFDDUININGDG N INEEWGW SNS C EoCnoWtnintiunSeude dC o ntinued ORIGINATING BUDGET FUNDER UG LEAD PROJECT TITLE UNIT ALLOCATED TO UG WHO - TDR Dr. Phyllis Department of Agreement for Dako-Gyeke Social and Performance of Work USD 10,700.00 Behavioural (APW) to Develop and Sciences Pilot a Virtual Training Course on Basic Principles on Implementation Research (IR) WHO Special Prof. Richard Adanu Department of TDR Supported Programme for Population, Postgraduate Training Research Family and Scheme with a Focus USD 6,952.00 Reproductive Implementation Health Research World Health Dr. Benedict Department of Y-CHECK Phase 1: Organization (WHO) Weobong Social and "Reaching Adolescents Behavioural with Health Services": USD 9,960.00 Sciences A Multi-country Study of Adolescent Health Check-ups in Low and Middle Income Countries World Health Dr. Deda Alangea Department of Agreement for the Organization (WHO) Population, Performance of Work Family and (APW) for the USD 15,010.00 Reproductive Adaptation of Generic Health Social Science Protocols and Preparation for mplementation of COVID-19  World Resources Prof. Kwasi Institute for Coastal Development - Institute (WRI)  Appeaning Addo Environment Managing Resilience, and Sanitation Restoration and USD 30,000.00 Studies (IESS) Infrastructure Requirements 19 AWARDS & APPOINTMENTS DR. CAESAR ATUIRE MRS. MARY CHINERY-HESSE Appointed to the WHO Ethics Appointed as Honorary Fellow of Working Group on access to the African Academy of Sciences COVID-19 tools Dr. Caesar Atuire, a philosopher and bioethicist of the Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chancellor of the University Department of Philosophy and Classics, has been of Ghana has been appointed an Honorary Fellow of appointed one of 20 experts selected worldwide to the African Academy of Sciences in honour of her constitute the WHO ACT Accelerator Ethics Working “contributions to the continent The African Academy Group. The Ethics Working Group will be examining the of Sciences is a non-political, non-aligned, Pan African criteria for vaccine acquisition and distribution between Organization mandated to pursue excellence by nations as well as offering recommendations for priority recognizing scholars and achievers. setting of vaccination programmes within member Honorary Fellows of the Academy are elected from countries. The Ethics Working Group (WG) will support among persons of eminence who have distinguished WHO and Partners in responding to ethical and themselves in areas such as teaching; technology; governance issues as they arise in the Accelerator, services to professional societies, academia, industry, deliberate on the criteria for international distributive and government;”. in line with the objectives and justice in vaccine distribution and also facilitate an vision of the Academy to 'transform lives through ethical implementation of activities in member science'. countries. PROFESSOR JOSEPH KOFI TEYE Appointed as member of PROFESSOR NANA ABA International Advisory Boards APPIAH AMFO Elected to serve on International Committee The Director of the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS), Professor Joseph Ko Teye has been appointed Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Pro-Vice- a member of the International Organization of Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs has been Migration (UN Migration) High-Level Advisory Group elected to serve on the Executive Committee of for migration research and publishing. The Migration Fédération Internationale des Langues et Littératures Research and Publishing Advisers consist of migration Modernes (FILLM) (The International Federation for experts from around the world who partner with Modern Languages and Literatures) as an Assistant International Organization for Migration Research Secretary General for a three-year tenure (2020 – teams to produce balanced, rigorous, and evidence- 2023). based research and analysis of international The FILLM, an afliate of UNESCO, is the ofcial migration and displacement. international body representing the study of language and literature as research-based scholarly disciplines, Professor Joseph Ko Teye has also joined the including interdisciplinary research in universities and membership of International Advisory Board (IAB) of higher education institutions world-wide, which Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in represent intellectual and cultural endeavours on a Migration and Integration. The IAB of CERC is global basis. comprised of renowned scholars and stakeholders from across the globe, with expertise in a wide range of disciplines. The IAB provides feedback and direction on the CERC's progress and builds important connections to international research and policy networks. 20 AWARDS & APPOINTMENTS continued DR. SYLVANUS KUWOR PROFESSOR KWAME OFFEI Nominated as member of Appointed to serve as Jury Member International Committee of for the GCHERA World Agriculture Association of Blacks in Dance Prize (IABD) Anthropo-Choreologist and Head of Department of Prof. Kwame Offei, Director of the Biotechnology Dance Studies. Dr Sylvanus Kuwor, has been nominated Centre and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic to serve as a member of the International Committee of and Student Affairs), has been appointed to serve as a Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) in recognition for member of the Jury for the Global Confederation of his inuent ial , pers is tence, met iculous and Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and assertiveness to the course of the committee. Members Life Sciences (GCHERA), World Agriculture Prize. of the Committee will contribute to the understanding, Prof. Offei's appointment as juror follows a concerns, educational and professional resources as recommendation and assessment by GCHERA for his well as raise the membership prole of the global leadership in higher education, record of research constituency and representation of Blacks in Dance publications, mentoring of young scientists, and within the IABD. service to communities. University of Ghana earns off-grid energy solution of The GCHERA World Agriculture Prize (WAP) aims to the year award encourage the development of the mission of higher education institutions in research, innovation, and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences. Prof Offei is recognized for his distinguished contribution to the listed academic elds. FROM L-R (Prof. Felix Asante, Pro VC, ORID, Mrs. Mammie Hutchfield Nortey, RDO, ORID and Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Chairman, (IPSIT) and Dean, School of Engineering Sciences) PROFESSOR FIRIBU SAALIA Appointed as O.R. Thambo Africa Research Chair in Food Science and Technology The University of Ghana has been adjudged the winner of the Off-Grid Energy Solution of the Year award by the Professor Firibu Saalia of the School of Engineering Ghana Energy Awards in recognition of the University's Sciences has been appointed O.R. Tambo Africa relentless efforts to augment its energy supply through Research Chair in Food Science and Technology by the the adoption of off-grid solar solutions. Oliver Reginald Tambo Africa Research Chairs The Ghana Energy Award Scheme is an Industry- Initiative (ORTARChI), appointing the initiatives rst oriented initiative executed in partnership with various ten host institutions and individual chairholders from government regulating agencies in the energy sector to seven countries across Africa. recognise the hard work of industry practitioners and The ORTARChl Research Chairs who are usually reward institutions for meritorious service to the country appointed for individual leadership and commitment and its people. of host universities to support high-quality research, are expected to conduct research, and support high- University of Ghana's Independent Power Supply end skills development on a diverse range of topics Implementation Team (IPSIT) is one of eight strategic including climate, public health, entrepreneurship, teams set up in 2016 by the Vice-Chancellor to develop and youth employment in addition to the training of strategies for the establishment of an independent the next generation of researchers. power supply source for the University and to raise Professor Saalia's award is in recognition of his funds for the project through external partnerships. contributions to food processing, safety, and quality. 21 AWARDS & APPOINTMENTS continued The seven women in science were recognized during PROFESSOR CHARITY SYLVIA the 2021 International Women's Day. The Newsweek AKOTIA report states: women who excel in Science, Elected as Co-Chair of the Council of National and Regional Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) Representatives of the International elds defy the odds stacked against them and are Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) often paid less than their counterparts. Emerita Professor Isabella Quakyi was involved in the cloning of protein secreted by the malaria parasite to Professor Charity Sylvia Akotia, the immediate past develop the peptide vaccines. Dean of the School of Social Sciences, has been elected for a 4-year term to serve as Co-Chair of the Council of National and Regional Representatives of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) DR. EBENEZER OWUSU with effect from January 1, 2021. Appointed as member of the Africa The IASP is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal Leadership Council of Special Olympics behaviour, alleviation of the effects of suicide, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers, and suicide survivors to interact. Dr. Ebenezer Owusu, Head, Department of Plant and Environmental Biology has been appointed to serve as a member of the Africa Leadership Council (ALC) of Special Olympics. DR. BELLA BELLO BITUGU The Special Olympics is a global movement with a Appointed as member of the Governing Board of the mission to provide year-round sports training and International Centre of Martial athletic competitions for children and adults with Arts for Youth Development and Engagement intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics is aimed at tackling the inactivity, stigma, isolation, and injustice associated with people with intellectual Director of Sports at the Sports Directorate, Dr. Bella disabilities. Bello Bitugu, has been appointed to serve on the Governing Board of the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (ICM) under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, DR. MARY ANTI CHAMA Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a Receives Suffrage Science three-year term. Award The ICM supports youth development, leadership cultivation, and social empowerment., The governing board is expected to supervise, manage, and determine Dr. Mary Anti Chama, a Senior Lecturer at the the activities of the Centre to promote the core mandate Department of Chemistry, has been awarded the of UNESCO. prestigious Suffrage Science Award in the Engineering and Physical Sciences. The Suffrage Science Award Scheme, founded by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), EMERITA PROFESSOR celebrates women in science for outstanding scientic ISABELLA AKYINBAH QUAKYI research, communication work, and support for Recognized during the 2021 women in Science, Technology, Engineering and International Women's Day Mathematics (STEM). The awards scheme, categorised into three branches: Life Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences and Maths and Computing Emerita Professor Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, Professor celebrates women in science for their scientic of Immunology and Parasitology, has been named as achievements and encouraging more women to take one of seven women worldwide whose works against all up and excel in science. odds have changed our world for the better. 22 r o rsrchr/innovor/prossion @ ooking or porm o dissmin rsrch nd invnions o h pubic? The Ghana Science Association in collaboration with Starr FM (103.5) has instituted a weekly programme dubbed “The Horizon” for researchers, innovators and professionals working in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to share their work and contribute to public discourse. Interested individuals should contact the Publication, Dissemination and Translation (PDT) Team at ORID via orid-pdt@ug.edu.gh for further information. Acknowledgements ORID appreciates the support of the Public Affairs Directorate. ORID Office of Research, Innovation & Development (ORID) P.O. Box LG 571, University of Ghana, Legon Phone: +233 303 930436 Email: orid@ug.edu.gh Website: www.orid.ug.edu.gh Design: Fredinard Gbagbo (ORID-PDT NSP) Print: University of Ghana Printing Press, Tel: 030 293 4987 ORID