University of Ghana Signs MOU
with ASI
 

The University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana and the African Scientific Institute (ASI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”)  to work together in collaboration on projects related to the continued development of basic and clinical research at the University of Ghana.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to support the development of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence as a resource for West Africa by supporting the research and clinical initiatives of the University of Ghana.

The Administrators and Faculty at the University of Ghana have been introduced to the collaborative team who will assist in program development for the establishment of a neuroscience graduate research program will support the research component of the proposed Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence and increase the production of clinical and basic science neuroscience research performed at the University of Ghana. This program will result in students who will become trained neuroscientists. The increased production of neuroscience research will add to scientific knowledge and impact neurological health care in Ghana, West Africa, and beyond.



 

Lisa Cain, Ph.D., Neuro-Scientist, ASI Fellow and ASI's Representative for the U.S. Gulf Coast, is assisting in the organization of this collaborative effort.

The faculty members in the Anatomy Department are well trained in neuroscience; however, in order to sustain the program there is an additional need for laboratory equipment for PhD-level research, laboratory development consultation, assistance in the training of students in specific research techniques, and assistance with the development of specific components of the neuroscience curriculum. Collaboration between Ghanaian scientists and scientists from other countries regarding the implementation of neuroscience projects, publications and the acquisition of grants is necessary to support the program.

Parties of this MOU will assist in the expansion of neuroscience research and in the development of additional research and clinical laboratories. Research, clinical and basic, provides an avenue for continuous medical discoveries that will impact neurological care and result in international collaborations, an increase in manuscript publications, and an increase in the international recognition for the University of Ghana and its associated schools and hospitals.

ASI Responsibilities

1.  All parties will comply with laws, regulations and guidance as required within the jurisdiction the respective country of the parties to this MOU.

2.  ASI will address to expand research capacity and to support clinical health care initiatives by:  

a)      Assisting in the development of well - equipped microbiology, anatomy, pathology- immunohistochemistry and neuroscience labs.  ASI will accomplish this task by assisting in the acquisition of laboratory equipment, and by providing consultants to assist in establishing research labs;

b)      Identifying scientists who are willing to partner with basic science researchers at the University of Ghana;

c)      Supporting the clinical enterprise of the University of Ghana and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital by identifying ASI Fellows who desire to partner with faculty at the University of Ghana for the purpose of performing clinical research.  The expansion of clinical research will support the delivery of efficient health care delivery in Ghana;

d)     Providing consultation and assistance regarding the delivery of graduate research education, both long distance and on site.