UCC plans to establish Animal Research Facility to enhance research data generation
Dr. Samuel Adjei
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is making significant strides in advancing its research capabilities by announcing plans to establish an animal research facility.
This facility aims to facilitate high-quality research data production for researchers involved in animal experimentation while ensuring the welfare and humane treatment of animals.
The College of Health and Allied Sciences is actively engaging with these experts to gain valuable insights into the principles of biomedical research involving animals and how a dedicated animal laboratory facility could enhance the generation of research data for animal researchers.
At a recent training workshop held at the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium, Dr. Samuel Adjei, the head of the Department of Animal Experimentation at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana (UG), emphasized the significance of housing and managing animals in a proper and humane environment.
In his presentation on “Animal Experiments: Ethics and Welfare,” Dr. Adjei stressed that ensuring the well-being of animals is essential for obtaining reliable research data.
Dr. Adjei highlighted several criteria for assessing animal research facilities, including maintaining minimal noise levels, hygiene standards, and appropriate temperature conditions.
He called for the implementation of a comprehensive management program at UCC to ensure that laboratory animals receive proper care, timely feeding, and a conducive living environment.
Expressing concern over the mistreatment of animals in Ghana, Dr. Samuel Adjei urged individuals to treat animals with care and dignity.
He emphasized that shouting at animals is a violation of the 1960 Ghana Criminal Code, and offenders could face prosecution or fines.
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn about the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (NIACUC) of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
Established in 2012, this committee holds the responsibility of overseeing the proper care and ethical use of animals in research, testing, and teaching programs at the University of Ghana.
Ms. Constance Agbemelo-Tsomafo, a Research Assistant Fellow, delivered a presentation on “Occupational Health and Safety in Laboratory Animal Care and Use,” shedding light on the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for researchers involved in animal experimentation.
Additionally, Prof. George Awuku Asare, an Associate Professor at the Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences at UG, discussed the usefulness, requirements, and operation of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Closing the workshop, Prof. Samuel Kyei, the Director for the Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre at UCC, expressed his gratitude to all participants and commended their dedication to the advancement of knowledge through responsible animal research.
He emphasized the importance of continued learning and collaboration in ensuring the welfare of animals involved in research, testing, and training.
The workshop was chaired by Prof. Martins Ekor, the Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, who played a vital role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas among the participants.
Credit: Documentation and Information Section of UCC
