Ghana has participated in the 32nd Session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), held in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together representatives from 69 member states to advance global cooperation in biotechnology and scientific research.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Grace Ayensu Danquah, represented Ghana and the Ministry of Health at the high-level meeting, which focused on strengthening biotechnology as a driver of sustainable development across Africa.

The session reaffirmed ICGEB’s commitment to harnessing science and innovation to address global challenges, particularly in areas such as public health, food security and climate resilience.

Member countries, including Italy, India and South Africa, restated their support for deeper collaboration and expanded scientific partnerships across the continent.

Discussions at the meeting highlighted the importance of technology transfer, research capacity building and skills development as key tools for strengthening Africa’s scientific ecosystem and translating research into practical solutions.

ICGEB’s work was also recognised for its contributions to vaccine research and biotechnology capacity development, particularly in African member states.

Ghana noted that its engagement with the organisation aligns with the broader health sector vision of President John Dramani Mahama, which prioritises accessible and quality healthcare through initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare Programme.

The meeting is expected to further strengthen international cooperation in biotechnology and support efforts to build resilient health systems across participating countries.