Kintampo Health Research Centre rounds up 30th Anniversary Celebration with a Grand Durbar
March 20, 2024 | News | Reading time: 6 min
The Kintampo Health Research Centre has rounded up its 30th Anniversary Celebration with a Grand Durbar following a series of activities held to mark this milestone. The Durbar was held on the 14th March 2024 at the KHRC tennis ball forecourt.
The event was graced by Dr. Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Deputy Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, Regional Director of Health Services, Honorable Peter K Fosu, District Chief Executive of Nkoranza North, Dr. Abraham Oduro, Director of the Research and Development Division, GHS, as well as Directors of the Kintampo , Navrongo and Dodowa Centres, Professor Seth Owusu- Agyei, Former Director of KHRC. Also present were Traditional Rulers, Queen Mothers, representatives from religious bodies, Heads of Institutions, staff, and esteemed dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kwaku Poku Asante, Director of KHRC, expressed excitement at celebrating the Centre’s 30th Anniversary. Reflecting on the theme of the occasion, "Three decades of global health impact with local hearts," he emphasized that KHRC's achievements are rooted in the warm hearts and support of the Kintampo community and other areas where the Centre conducts research, as well as the collaboration of traditional and political leaders alongside the Ghana Health Service.
Dr. Asante highlighted ongoing researches focused on hypertension and dementia aimed at mitigating the burden of these diseases. He added that the Centre is embarking on a study to investigate the impact of climate change on health. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the contributions of past Directors and staff members who have dedicated their efforts to KHRC, as well as recognizing the support of funders, collaborators, community and political leaders, and the media in advancing the Center's mission.
The Bono East Regional Minister represented by the District Chief Executive of Nkoranza North and Dean of MDCEs, Bono East region, Peter K Fosu in his speech acknowledged the efforts of the leaders for their individual role they played towards the growth of the centre and admonished all to appreciate to leaders. He used the occasion to thank researchers for the contributions made to health. He added that the services of researchers have become more critical in this era when we are experiencing the emergence and reemergence of diseases, it is in this critical moment that researchers are expected to come out with research findings to address such situation.
During his speech, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, Director General of Ghana Health Service, represented by Dr. Anthony Adofo Ofosu, highlighted several noteworthy achievements of KHRC. These included the pivotal role played by the center in influencing policy changes from Chloroquine to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), and its participation in the R,tss vaccine trial. He expressed his excitement about KHRC's recent collaboration with the Ghana Vaccine Institute to pave the way for vaccine development in Ghana. He further announced plans to establish two additional research centres, one in the Savanna Region and the other in the Western North Region, focusing on research relevant to the disease profile of these regions. He lauded the Kintampo Health Research Centre for its unwavering commitment to excellence and its invaluable contributions to public health.
Dr. Abraham Oduro, Director of the Research and Development Division, focused his address on the research division and the relevance of research. He emphasized that research serves the purpose of seeking new knowledge, driving advancements, and generating evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of existing practices. Dr. Oduro highlighted notable achievements of the three research centres.
Furthermore, he underscored the diverse roles research fulfills and stressed the importance of collective support for its endeavors, recognizing it as a crucial stakeholder in development. Taking the opportunity, he extended gratitude to Professor Seth Owusu Agyei, the immediate past Director of KHRC for the transition he provided to KHRC.
The event was interspersed with cultural performance by the Centre for National Culture-Sunyani and a joyous performance by the KHRC choir.
