The West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) is proud to announce that our esteemed Director, Professor Fiifi Ofori-Acquah, has been appointed to lead the Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative, a major scientific and medical collaboration focused on developing new treatments and cures for sickle cell disease. This appointment marks a significant milestone not only in his illustrious career but also in the advancement of global sickle cell research.

Prof. Ofori-Acquah, a globally renowned expert in genetics and sickle cell disease, will hold the Calvin Smyre GRA Eminent Scholar Chair as part of his new role. This prestigious position will be a joint faculty appointment at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). He will lead a transdisciplinary team of investigators across Georgia to enhance the state’s strengths in sickle cell disease research and care.

Prof. Ofori-Acquah’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing WAGMC as a centre of excellence in genetic medicine and research in West Africa. His work has brought hope to many affected by sickle cell disease in both Africa and the global community. Under his leadership, WAGMC has launched several impactful initiatives, including the Ghanaian Genome Project, which has opened new frontiers in understanding and managing genetic diseases in Africa.

As he steps into this new role, we at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Ofori-Acquah. We are confident that his expertise, vision, and passion will drive significant advancements in the fight against sickle cell disease, not just in Georgia but globally. His appointment reflects the growing recognition of the critical work being done in Africa and beyond, and we are honoured to have him at the helm of our institution.

We wish Prof. Ofori-Acquah every success in his new role and look forward to the continued collaboration between WAGMC and our global partners in advancing genetic medicine.