The Department of Plant and Environmental Biology in seeking to improve its mushroom production recently discussed possible ways of leveraging its relationship with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to establish potential partnerships. This initiative aims to incorporate advanced technology into its mushroom research and production project.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman for the occasion, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, commended the department for its commitment in employing scientific methods in mushroom research, a project supported by the College.
Sharing his personal experience in Japan, Prof. Onwona Agyeman noted the significance of mushrooms to the Japanese people, which informed his decision to invite the JICA Chief Representative and her team to tour the department’s mushroom production site and discuss possible avenues JICA could support in expanding the project.
He further encouraged the department to collaborate with the Department of Nutrition and Food Science on ways of enriching the mushrooms with essential minerals during the initial growth stage. The department could also partner with the Department of Food Process Engineering on the design of low-cost packaging materials. He appealed to JICA and the Finance Ministry to allocate slots for short-term training in Japan for technologists operating equipment in the College laboratories, ensuring their proper operation and maintenance.
Prof. Onwona-Agyeman was optimistic that the collaboration would lead to the innovative integration of Japanese technology into mushroom production and also to project the Department as a potential mushroom breeding laboratory to feed the market of mushroom farmers and consumers in the country.
He therefore called on JICA to facilitate engagements with potential partners to support the expansion of the project.
Dr. Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan, Head of the Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Mushroom Production Project, detailing its diverse objectives. He emphasised that the project aims at supporting research, conservation and sustainable supply of mushrooms for human consumption; providing training in entrepreneurial skills for both mushroom farmers and students involved in cottage mushroom production and mushroom science; ensuring a readily available and affordable source of protein for average Ghanaians; as well as generating additional income for the Department, School, College and the university.
He was therefore hopeful of fruitful discussions leading to future partnership through JICA towards the expansion of the mushroom production project.
In her response, Ms. Suzuki Momoko, Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, indicated that she and her team have a keen interest in mushrooms, hence their acceptance of the Provost's invitation. She explained that her visit was to understand the progress of the project and how JICA could support it.
Ms Momoko highlighted the diversity of mushrooms and mushroom-based dishes in Japan and also expressed excitement about the University of Ghana's research and production efforts to commercialise mushrooms.
She encouraged further discussions on JICA’s role in expanding the project and subsequently, advised the University to identify private entities and universities, both locally and internationally, who may have an interest in collaborating on mushroom research and production, to leverage their expertise and technology to support the commercialisation efforts.
Mr. Louis K. Amo, Chief Economic Officer and Head of the Asia Unit of the Ministry of Finance, commended the College and the Department for the initiative. He encouraged management to involve other ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as other departments whose objectives are aligned with those of the Department of Plant and Environmental Biology in the expansion of the project. Mr. Amo also hinted on funding opportunities provided by the government agencies for technicians and staff who operate laboratory equipment to pursue additional training.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Secretary of the College of Basic and Applied Science, expressed gratitude to the delegations from both the University of Ghana and JICA for their efforts in making the meeting a success. She also hoped for continued collaboration with JICA on the mushroom project and beyond.
Earlier in the meeting, Ms. Victoria Anim, the Public Affairs Officer of the College of Basic and Applied Science, warmly welcomed and introduced the University of Ghana team. She expressed gratitude to the JICA delegation for accepting the College's invitation and hoped for fruitful discussions.
The meeting ended with a tour of the Mushroom production site where the group was guided through the different stages of the mushroom cultivation.
The JICA team, led by Ms. Suzuki Momoko included Dr. Tatsuo Narafu, Mr. Tomokazu Nagai, Naho Aizu, Nobuaki Oizumi and Mr. Stephen Kwame Gerrar.
Also present at the meeting were the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, the Head of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Dr. Benjamin Osei Botwe, the Head of the Department of Food Process Engineering, Dr. Nichole Sharon Affrifah. The faculty members and staff of the host department included Prof. Isaac Asante, Dr. Mrs. Eureka Emefa Adomako, Dr. Samuel Adusei Poku, Dr. Kwakwo Owusu Ayeh, Dr. Mathew Essilfi.
