Biotechnology Centre

The Biotechnology Centre at BNARI leverages biotechnology and nuclear-based methods to address challenges in public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural production in Ghana. The Centre conducts innovative research in plant biotechnology and delivers practical solutions through training, consultancy, and technology transfer, ensuring that scientific advancements are applied to improve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Vision

To be a centre of excellence for biotechnology research, driving innovation, science, and technology for the benefit of the continent’s citizens.

Mission

To apply biotechnology and associated nuclear methods to develop solutions that enhance public health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural production, while supporting food security and sustainable resource utilisation in Ghana.

Core Functions

• Conduct innovative research in plant biotechnology and related fields.
• Develop biotechnological solutions to enhance agricultural yields and improve food security.
• Promote sustainable utilisation of natural and environmental resources.
• Provide training, capacity building, and consulting services to farmers, researchers, and enterprises.
• Facilitate technology transfer to ensure practical application of research outcomes.

Impact and Achievements

• Scaled up mass production of clean planting materials by developing and implementing protocols for MD2 pineapple, plantain, cassava, sweet potato, and sugarcane, supplying millions of disease-free plantlets to farmers and industry.
• Developed an improved cassava variety (“Tek Bankyi”) in collaboration with KNUST by combining tissue culture and mutation breeding techniques to release a variety with enhanced traits.
• Established medicinal plant propagation systems by developing in-vitro protocols for high-value medicinal plants (Capparis erythrocarpos, Aframomum melegueta, Phyllanthus niruri), ensuring sustainable supply for herbal medicine production.
• Achieved designation as Africa’s first IAEA Collaborating Centre in Plant Breeding and Genetics (2023), recognising BNARI’s leadership in mutation breeding, tissue culture, and continental capacity building.
• Strengthened capacity through training and skills development by training local and regional scientists, students, and extension agents in tissue culture and mutation breeding through national programmes and IAEA-supported regional workshops.
• Supported food security and export crop development by supplying clean planting materials to Ghana’s horticulture and root and tuber crop industries, reducing import dependency and strengthening agricultural value chains.