The Principal of the Nyankpala Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDDS), Prof Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, has expressed profound excitement over how a modest research idea conceived in the university’s laboratories has blossomed into a fully operational C-Real Processing Factory at Jana, near Tamale.

Delivering the Welcome Address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, Prof. Iddrisu described the transformation as “a shining example of how university research can be reborn into real industries that touch people’s lives.” He noted that what began as a quiet exploration by a dedicated team of researchers has now become a major industrial installation with the capacity to create jobs, support farmers, enhance food security, and spur national industrialization.

“What started as a modest research idea has matured into a full-fledged industrial facility,” he said. “This is the true spirit of UDS, research that serves society, research that feeds communities, research that builds industries.”

The C-Real processing initiative, implemented through strong collaboration among UDS, national partners, international institutions, and industry, was celebrated by all speakers at the colourful commissioning ceremony.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, one of the key implementation partners, Prof. Samuel K. Kwofie hailed UDS’leadership, saying the project “proves that when universities combine wisdom, resources, and goodwill, they are capable of sparking innovations that change the destiny of communities.”

Mr. Senyo Kpelly, CEO of Tropical AgriFoods Company Ltd, the industry partner for the project, praised the initiative as a bridge connecting “research dreams to market realities.” He pledged the company’s commitment to making the factory a model for sustainable agro-industrial development. “We are not only producing C-Real flour,” he said. “We are producing hope for farmers, opportunities for the youth, and a brighter pathway for Ghana’s agro-industrial future.”

A representative of the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Abubakari, the Regional Development Planning Officer, delivered a goodwill message describing the initiative as “a major step toward the government’s vision of value addition and local industrialization.”

International partners also celebrated the achievement. Mr. Gameli Adzaho, Country Technical Representative of the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA), commended the project team for demonstrating that “Africa’s research institutions can lead industrial transformation when supported and encouraged.”

Prof. Mamudu Akudugu, Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) at UDS, delivered a message from the University of York, UK, which reaffirmed the institution’s pride in the partnership and its commitment to future research-to-impact collaborations on the continent.

Mr. Johnson from the British High Commission, read a message on behalf of Innovate UK, highlighting the UK’s continued support for innovative ecosystems that propel sustainable industrial development.

Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah, Acting Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), urged universities to strengthen ties with industry to ensure that innovation “does not end in our lecture halls and laboratories—it must live, breathe, and work in the communities we serve.”

The climax of the ceremony came when the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Dr. Christian Rogg, mounted the podium. His words captured the spirit of the day as he expressed delight at witnessing research findings transformed into a viable industrial enterprise.

“This factory is a shining example of how innovation, partnership, and persistence can yield transformative results,” Dr. Rogg said. “I urge the operators to maintain the highest standards so that this facility becomes a lasting symbol of excellence.”

Side by side with the Chief of Jana, Dr. Rogg unveiled the commemorative plaque and cut the ribbon to officially commission the C-Real Processing Factory. He later toured the plant, inspecting its modern machinery and applauding the efficiency and technology deployed.

The factory, established under a research translation project funded by RISA and Innovate UK—is expected to process thousands of tonnes of C-Real annually into high-quality flour for both domestic and export markets. It will also serve as a training and research hub for students, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the Northern Region.

The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, government officials, academics, industry players, international partners, and community members, all united by a common dream: to see research drive industrial transformation in Ghana.

The sound of applause, the colour of tradition, the pride of innovation, and the promise of a new agro-industrial dawn filled the air at Jana as the C-Real Processing Factory opened its doors to the world.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)