The Director of West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, has been named the 2022 Africa Food Prize Laureate for his achievements in training African Agricultural Scientists for Africa.
Professor Danquah received this award at the ongoing AGRF Food Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. He is the first Ghanaian to receive this prestigious award since the award’s establishment in 2005. The Africa Food Prize is a preeminent award recognizing an outstanding individual or institution that is leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa—from a struggle to survive to a business that thrives. It also celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda and puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.
In a congratulatory message, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said, “The University of Ghana and I as Vice-Chancellor are extremely proud of Prof. Danquah. His consistency and vision over the years of training African plant breeders for Africa has paid off. His leadership, fundraising and mentoring skills are extraordinary, and ought to be emulated. Professor Danquah epitomizes the talent available at the University of Ghana with the potential of being game changers in Africa’s food sustainability, and development generally”.
H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Africa Food Prize Committee (Outgoing Chair) and former President of Nigeria, applauded Prof. Eric Danquah for his commitment to developing solutions for sustainable African food systems.
“It is a great privilege to be able to honour and shine a spotlight on the truly remarkable achievements of Prof. Danquah. His leadership in genetic innovation inspires the future of food security and nutrition in Africa and has made a tangible difference to how a new generation is working to improve African food systems. He has been, and continues to be, a true inspiration for many young minds. On behalf of the African Food Prize Committee, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and appreciation on his continuing endeavors”, stated H.E. Obasanjo.
It is with great pride that the University of Ghana celebrates this outstanding achievement!
Ayekoo, Prof. Danquah!!!
SOURCE: UG.EDU.GH