A delegation from Ghana’s Center for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) concluded a productive 10-day visit to Barbados, aimed at finalizing preparations for the upcoming 2024 Oku Ampofo Memorial (COAM) Conference. The delegation, which included key representatives from CPMR and Ghana’s herbal medicine industry, was in Barbados from June 7th to June 17th, 2024, to collaborate with local stakeholders and further strengthen the ties between the two nations in the fields of plant medicine and life sciences.

The COAM Conference, a prestigious annual event honoring Dr. Oku Ampofo, the founder of CPMR, is scheduled to be held in Barbados from November 12th to 15th, 2024. This year’s conference is especially significant as it marks the first time the event will be hosted outside of Ghana, thanks to a partnership between CPMR, Export Barbados (BIDC), and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus.

During the mission, the delegation engaged in a series of strategic meetings and tours, laying the groundwork for a successful conference and exploring opportunities for further collaboration between Ghana and Barbados. Key engagements included:

• Deep-Dive Meeting with Conference Coordinating Teams (June 10, 2024): The delegation met with representatives from UWI Cave Hill and Export Barbados to finalize logistics for the conference. Discussions highlighted the potential for student exchanges, the establishment of local and scientific organizing committees, and the inclusion of a Health and Wellness Open Day to engage the Barbadian public.

• Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Meeting (June 10, 2024): Focused on potential research collaborations, student exchanges, and the development of short courses in partnership with CPMR. The meeting underscored the importance of integrating research, education, and healthcare in advancing plant medicine.

• Invest Barbados Meeting (June 11, 2024): Discussions centered around investment opportunities in Ghana and Barbados, with Invest Barbados expressing strong support for the COAM Conference and a commitment to facilitating business linkages between the two countries.

• Pharmaceutical Landscape Meeting (June 11, 2024): The delegation met with the Barbados Drug Service and other key players in the pharmaceutical sector to discuss regulatory frameworks and potential collaborations in the production and distribution of herbal medicines.

• Tour of Hotel Accommodations and Botanical Gardens (June 13, 2024): The delegation evaluated accommodations for conference attendees and explored local botanical attractions, expressing particular interest in the Andromeda Gardens due to its African connection and focus on ethnobotany.

The delegation’s visit culminated in a stronger partnership between Ghana and Barbados, paving the way for a landmark COAM Conference in November. The outcomes of this mission have set the stage for enhanced cooperation in plant medicine research, education, and commercialization, with significant benefits anticipated for both nations.