The West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) has organised a sod-cutting ceremony to commemorate the upcoming construction of its Multipurpose Genomic Medicine Building Complex.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, was hopeful that the facility, when completed, will assist WAGMC in contributing to the Six Key Strategic Objectives (KSOs) in her vision for the University of Ghana. Prof. Amfo announced the building will augment impactful research in the applied sciences and humanities. “I am confident the global leadership in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) research that the Centre is renowned for will not only continue but grow especially in genomics”, she said.

Prof. Amfo noted that the inspiration for the design of the building complex was based on the “Catamaran”, a yacht featuring two parallel hulls of equal size, that provides stability to the watercraft from its wide beam. She further pledged her support to WAGMC and said, “I feel very proud of the accomplishment of WAGMC and will continue to support this Centre as it pushes forward with new programmes in alignment with the vision and mission of the University of Ghana”.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

In his remarks, Prof. Ofori-Acquah, Director, WAGMC, appreciated the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor for her continuous support and dedication to the Centre. He indicated that the plan for the building complex will serve three purposes; a teaching facility in genomics, a 1,000-square-feet space for genomics research, and a clinic that will provide genetic health services.

Prof. Ofori-Acquah, Director, WAGMC

In brief remarks, Mr. Frederick Baffour, Representative, Global Management Construction and Mr. Kwesi Ansah, Representative, Five Star Engineering Limited, guaranteed the successful construction of the building between 12-13 months.

Earlier in her welcome address, Prof. Lorna Renner, Deputy Director, WAGMC, expressed delight at the anticipated start of the project. She also enumerated the numerous successes of WAGMC to the University and country. Prof. Renner noted that the ceremony was a startup for the future of medicine and science in Genomics and Personalised and Molecular Medicine.

Present at the ceremony were: Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs (ASA); Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar; Prof. Julius Najah Fobil, Provost, College of Health Sciences; Mr. Charles Kofinti, Acting Director, Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD); and Mr. Sampson Owusu-Afriyie, Director, Logistics Directorate.