UEW, USDA Explore Partnership to Advance Agricultural Education and Research
Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has initiated discussions with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen agricultural education, biotechnology research, modern farming practices and food security in Ghana.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana led by Dr. Mariano Beillard to UEW Management at UEW’s Council Chamber on Friday, 22nd May 2026.
Welcoming the delegation, Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo, the Registrar, reaffirmed UEW’s commitment to collaboration in research, agricultural innovation, academic exchanges, grantsmanship and staff and student capacity building.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted agriculture’s importance to food security and national development. He stressed the University’s focus on practical, technology-driven agricultural education and innovation.
Prof. Mitchual explained that UEW is repositioning its teaching and research farm into a modern agricultural hub to support practical training, agribusiness development and entrepreneurship for students. He further expressed interest in partnerships involving staff exchanges, conferences, workshops, research collaborations and technical support to advance farming, livestock production and agribusiness.
Dr. Beillard commended Ghana’s progress in agricultural biotechnology, particularly the indigenous development of Bt cowpea technology and identified key areas for collaboration including pest-resistant crops, improved seed systems, livestock genetics, irrigation development and agricultural extension services.
He also highlighted major challenges affecting Ghana’s agriculture including crop diseases, African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and swollen shoot disease in cocoa plantations. He called for intensified collaborative research between Ghanaian institutions, American universities and the USDA.
On livestock development, Dr. Beillard urged Ghana to modernise its livestock sector through improved breeding systems, artificial insemination and enhanced livestock genetics to boost beef and dairy production while reducing reliance on imported dairy products. He disclosed that a team from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) would soon visit Ghana to explore partnerships in disease management and agricultural research.
Also speaking at the meeting, Josh Taylor, Agricultural Specialist at the USDA, mentioned the possible resumption of some Fellowship Programmes that support agricultural training and academic exchange opportunities in the United States. He encouraged UEW to position itself strategically to benefit from these programmes.
Dr. Bombason K. Tuoho, a Lecturer and Acting University Farm Manager, appealed for support for farm equipment to strengthen UEW’s teaching and research farm. He noted that collaboration with the USDA could significantly transform agricultural education and research at the University.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about future collaborations to advance agricultural innovation, research and sustainable food security in Ghana.
