India–Ghana Deepen Biodiversity Cooperation as ZSI and University of Ghana Exchange MoU
Accra, Ghana | 6 October 2026: India and Ghana have taken a significant step towards expanding scientific cooperation in biodiversity research, conservation and capacity development with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and the University of Ghana.
The MoU was exchanged on 6 October 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, establishing a framework for closer institutional collaboration between the two countries in biological sciences, environmental research and conservation.
The initiative reflects India’s broader efforts to strengthen scientific and developmental partnerships with African nations through knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation and capacity building, while supporting global sustainability objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On behalf of the Zoological Survey of India, the MoU was exchanged by Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, Central and West Africa Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, with Prof. Francis Gbogbo, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India; Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana; and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education of Ghana. Their participation highlighted the importance both nations attach to cooperation in science, education, research and human-resource development.
Focus on Biodiversity, Genomics and One Health
Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, and Dr. Mukesh Thakur, Scientist-D, ZSI, were on official deputation to Ghana as part of efforts to identify and expand opportunities for scientific collaboration with the University of Ghana.
Several priority areas have been identified under the proposed partnership, including:
- Biodiversity monitoring and conservation
- One Health and disease surveillance
- Conservation genomics
- Advanced genomic technologies for biodiversity management
- Environmental sciences
- Wildlife health
- Scientific capacity building
The collaboration is expected to support joint research, scientific exchanges and training programmes, while encouraging the participation of young researchers from both countries.
During her interaction with Ghanaian academics and scientists, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee outlined ZSI’s vision for developing long-term institutional partnerships between India and Ghana.
She emphasised the importance of creating sustained collaborative research programmes, facilitating the exchange of scientific expertise and young researchers, and strengthening institutional capacity to address emerging challenges involving biodiversity conservation, wildlife health, One Health and environmental sustainability.
Wider Institutional Collaboration
Shri Surinder Bhagat, High Commissioner of India to Ghana, along with senior officials of the Indian Mission, representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs and officials from the University of Ghana, including Dr. Juliet Ewool Quansah and Prof. Ben Ofori, were also present during the MoU exchange.
The agreement provides a broad platform for cooperation in academic activities, scientific research and capacity building, with biodiversity, conservation, environmental science and genetics forming key areas of collaboration.
The partnership is expected to facilitate:
Joint research projects → Scientific knowledge exchange → Training programmes → Field studies → Laboratory research → Researcher exchanges → Institutional capacity building
Such cooperation could help both institutions combine their scientific resources and expertise while developing practical approaches to biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
Partnership Builds on Existing ZSI Work in Ghana
The new MoU also builds on the Zoological Survey of India’s existing scientific engagement in Ghana.
Over the past three years, ZSI has participated in biodiversity-related research in the country, including a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)-supported project on pangolin conservation led by Dr. Mukesh Thakur.
The project has focused on conservation research as well as the development of molecular approaches that can support wildlife crime investigation and strengthen efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Strengthening India–Africa Conservation Science
The agreement represents another step in the expansion of ZSI’s international scientific engagement in Africa. It creates an institutional framework through which Indian and Ghanaian scientists can work together on common challenges involving biodiversity loss, wildlife health, disease surveillance, environmental sustainability and scientific capacity development.
By combining the expertise and resources of the Zoological Survey of India and the University of Ghana, the partnership aims to promote innovative research, strengthen conservation science and develop the next generation of scientific expertise.
The collaboration is ultimately expected to contribute to the sustainable monitoring, conservation and management of biodiversity and natural resources in both countries.
By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
