By Samuel SAM
In a bid to address food security and malnutrition in rural communities and across the nation, an innovative and cost-effective fortified breakfast product called “C-Real” has been unveiled in Tamale. This product, crafted from nutrient-rich and fortified blended flour, aims to combat malnutrition in Northern Ghana, particularly among children in rural areas and the general public.
Funded by the Innovate UK knowledge transfer program and executed by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) at the University for Development Studies (UDS), in collaboration with Savannah and Sahel Commodities Limited (SSCL) and the University of York, UK, under the African Agri-food Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP) model, the initiative also seeks to create employment opportunities, advance research within the respective institutions, and contribute to national growth.
The unveiling took place at the Dr. Andani Andan Academic Board Chamber of the University Central Administration, where the Minister of Trade and Industry (MOTI), K. Hammond, represented by the Regional Director of MOTI, Hamidu Hamza Saana, commended UDS and its partners for the commendable effort to address community challenges and improve livelihoods.
The initiative is poised to strengthen the connections between academia, research, and industry in Ghana, fostering innovation, economic development, and social progress. Minister Saana encouraged academic institutions to establish business incubators to nurture emerging business ideas and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, Northern Regional Minister, lamented the severity of malnutrition in the country, particularly in the Northern Region, and welcomed any initiative aimed at alleviating this pressing health concern.
Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice Chancellor of UDS, affirmed the university’s commitment to serving as a hub for innovation and job creation, partnering with other institutions to produce skilled graduates and cultivate qualified entrepreneurs.
Senyo Kpelly, CEO of SSCL, highlighted that the “C-Real” product is made from locally sourced cereals and legumes cultivated on regenerative soil, processed into a nutritious meal suitable for children above six months. He underscored its high plant-based protein content and fortified composition with 18 different vitamins and minerals essential for healthy growth.
He also extended gratitude to the British High Commission, World Food Programme, Association of Ghana Industry, University of Ghana Business School, and UDS for their support towards the initiative.
