Ahead of the International Women’s Day, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana, embarked on a significant visit to the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, to engage with female plant breeders leading impactful research initiatives.
During her visit, the Second Lady interacted directly with leading female plant breeders at WACCI, who are spearheading research on crucial crops such as maize, sorghum, rice, Frafra potato, cowpea, and rice. Her engagement showcased a deep interest in agricultural innovation as she posed insightful questions to both female plant breeders and young interns at WACCI.
Prof Eric Danquah, the director of WACCI, expressed his appreciation for the visit, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the success of female plant breeders, regardless of gender. He highlighted the importance of working in transdisciplinary teams, emphasizing the synergy essential for reaching farmers and markets.
Moreover, Prof Danquah utilized the opportunity to convey a crucial message to African leaders, stating, “Agriculture without investment is akin to dancing without music.” He urged leaders to prioritize investment in agriculture to achieve breakthroughs and avoid merely paying lip service to agricultural development.
The visit by Her Excellency Samira Bawumia underscored the critical importance of support and investment in agricultural sectors for innovation and development. As Ghana and other African nations strive for agricultural transformation, such engagements serve as valuable opportunities to highlight the contributions of women in driving agricultural progress.