Director of the Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Calls for Strengthened Efforts in Paediatric Drug Research

The Director of the Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), Prof. George Obeng Adjei, has used the occasion of his inaugural lecture to call for enhanced efforts to improve paediatric drug research and child health outcomes in Ghana.

Drawing on over 25 years of research in clinical pharmacology and trials, particularly in antimalarial and antimicrobial drugs, Prof. Obeng Adjei highlighted the critical gaps in knowledge surrounding medicines used for children. He noted that historical legislation meant to protect children from harmful, untested drugs inadvertently excluded them from studies, resulting in a lack of evidence on safe and effective medicines for children.

The Professor of Clinical Pharmacology highlighted the need for Ghana to build capacity in specialised areas, such as population pharmacokinetics modeling and drug analytical capabilities for bioavailability and bioequivalence studies. He advocated for updating the country’s regulatory framework to facilitate safe and robust research in children and proposed the establishment of a Child Health Research Institute in Ghana to focus on intervention studies and innovative drug therapies tailored to children’s unique needs.

Prof. Obeng Adjei underscored the transgenerational importance of optimising child health and encouraged young researchers and postgraduate students to explore opportunities in clinical research. He called for culturally relevant and adaptive approaches to ensure the successful implementation of interventions and urged for policies that balance incentives with strict safeguards in paediatric drug research.

He concluded by stating, "There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children," quoting Nelson Mandela and reiterated the urgent need for Ghana to prioritise child-friendly, safe and effective medicines to secure a healthier future for its youngest generation.

Prof. Obeng Adjei also used the platform to express gratitude to his mentors and colleagues at the University of Ghana Medical School, collaborators in the global research community and postgraduate students who have contributed to his work over the years. Additionally, he paid special tribute to his family for their continued support throughout his career.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and Chairperson of the Lecture, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her remarks, detailed the critical role of clinical trials in improving the safety and efficacy of medicines, particularly for children. She highlighted how the lecture, delivered by Prof. George Obeng Adjei, resonates strongly with the University’s Strategic Plan priorities of impactful research and commitment to faculty and staff.

Commenting on the lecture, Prof. Amfo noted that Prof. Obeng Adjei’s research into pediatric clinical pharmacology has addressed significant gaps in healthcare, with outcomes that have influenced both national policies and global practices. "His pioneering work in pharmacokinetics and antimalarial therapies aligns with our commitment to generating research with local and global impact," she stated.

The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that inaugural lectures are an important platform for showcasing groundbreaking work by faculty members, adding that they reinforce the University’s reputation as a hub for impactful scholarship. "Through research like Prof. Obeng Adjei’s, we are building a future where faculty and staff contributions directly influence policy and advance society," she remarked.

She expressed pride in the illustrious career of Prof. Obeng Adjei, acknowledging his over 25 years of contributions to clinical research. Prof. Amfo conveyed the University’s gratitude and support to him, commending how his work exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge in service of humanity.

She charged young students to emulate Prof. Obeng Adjei’s dedication to scholarship and innovation. "Let this be a call to all students to pursue academic excellence with determination, knowing that your work can have a meaningful impact on the world," she urged.

At the beginning of the evening’s lecture, Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, Deputy Registrar and Director of the University’s Academic Affairs Directorate, delivered remarks on behalf of the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia N. K. Agyei-Mensah. She mentioned that “inaugural lectures provide the University with an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and contributions of its faculty who have risen to the rank of full professorship.”

She further noted that “the University is proud of the career of Prof. Obeng Adjei, which he has dedicated to shaping younger generations and conducting impactful research that has contributed to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare practices.”

The event also featured captivating performances from the Ghana Dance Ensemble and the Seperewa by Mr. Osei Korankye, renowned for playing traditional Ghanaian music at key University of Ghana events.

Several presentations were made to Prof. Adjei, including those from the College of Health Sciences, Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Ethical and Protocol Review Committee, Health Sciences Investigations Journal Editorial Board, Research and Innovation Directorate, former postgraduate students, and his family from Larteh-Akuapem.

Prior to the lecture on Thursday, January 23, 2025, a week-long exhibition of Prof. Obeng Adjei’s scholarly works was held at the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. The exhibition showcased his impactful research in malaria and clinical pharmacology, as well as his dedication to mentoring future scholars. 

It also highlighted his leadership roles, including his contributions as former Director of Research at UG and Chair of the Scientific and Technical Committee at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. 

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Obeng Adjei reflected on his academic journey, encapsulating the importance of mentorship and collaboration in his success. Other speakers, including Prof. Alfred E. Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences and Mr. Samuel B. Aggrey, Acting University Librarian, lauded his significant contributions to academia and research.

Click here for a replay of the lecture