West African Genetic Medicine Centre Inaugurated at University of Ghana

A state-of-the-art facility, the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), has been officially opened at the University of Ghana, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s quest to become a leader in genomic medicine in West Africa.

The centre was inaugurated by Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, on November 8. 

Funded with US$1.5 million from the government through the World Bank’s Africa Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE IMPACT) project, the 2,800-square-metre complex includes cutting-edge facilities such as an open laboratory, auditorium, biorepository, genetic counselling clinic, smart classrooms, and dedicated spaces for teaching and research. 

Professor Amfo highlighted WAGMC’s potential to transform genetic medicine on the continent, stating, “Here we are today witnessing not the inauguration of the building of another research centre on Legon campus. 

Through this, we also celebrate the impact WAGMC is already making.” She added that the centre’s advanced facilities mark a key milestone towards its mission of becoming a global leader in genomics training and research. 

Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum praised the quality of the construction and called on WAGMC to expand its outreach efforts to inspire young students to explore careers in genetics. 

He affirmed the government’s commitment to support programmes that provide children, particularly those in rural areas, with access to genetic science education. 

Since its establishment, WAGMC has been at the forefront of promoting genetic health in Ghana.

In 2020, the centre collaborated with Okyenhene Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin to offer free genetic testing and screening to over 2,000 people in the Eastern Region. 

This initiative has since expanded nationwide under the Ghanaian Genome (GhGenome) project, engaging traditional leaders across regions. WAGMC stands out for offering the first MSc Genetic Counselling programme in Sub-Saharan Africa, launched in 2021. 

The centre also runs short courses to continuously enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in genetics. 

Additionally, WAGMC has developed MPhil and PhD programmes in Medical Molecular Genetics, which have received approval from the University of Ghana and are currently undergoing accreditation by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).