West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC)

We foster a culture that integrates research, teaching and learning, service and community and public engagement to advance knowledge of human genetics, and to further the ability to overcome genetic disorders to promote health. WAGMC was established in 2019 through funding from the World Bank. Faculty of the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana (UG) proposed establishing the Centre to address Sickle Cell Disease which is a major Development Challenge in this region of the world as well as other genetic disorders acquired through somatic mutations. WAGMC offers postgraduate programmes and courses targeted at postgraduates and early-career professionals. Training Africans to tackle our African problems will build capacity and competencies that will create relevant solutions for our people. WAGMC’s programmes will therefore bridge the major skill gap that the lack of health professionals in the area of genetics medicine has created within Africa. We use a research-intensive approach, modern and relevant teaching techniques to train students. The Centre will create a strong foundation and platform for collaborative research, resulting in accessible and relevant solutions which will then be adopted and replicated in countries within the sub-region. Over the lifespan of WAGMC we intend to: • Groom a class of genetic scientists and counsellors with superior skillset • Maintain high academic standards of teaching and research • Support research efforts of faculty, students, and partners to enhance collaboration • Share comprehensive research findings • Transform findings into innovative health care solutions We will create a new profession in Genetic Medicine nationally and regionally. Build on existing relationships to create a new network focused on genetic medicine in the region, with WAGMC as the hub. Establish labs to make genetic testing accessible to the sub-region.