In a remarkable display of community engagement, the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) organized a grand durbar of Chiefs, where distinguished chiefs from various paramountcies were invited to participate in a comprehensive discussion on the research activities of the Centre.

The event, which was held at the Centre’s Tennis Court provided an invaluable opportunity for the Centre to update the traditional leaders on the progress of ongoing projects within its diverse scientific departments.
The NHRC, renowned for its pioneering efforts in health research and its commitment to improving healthcare concepts in the Upper East Region and Ghana at large, sought to strengthen its bonds with the local communities through this culturally significant event. Attended by Paramount Chiefs, divisional chiefs, community leaders from the Kassena-Nankana and Builsa traditional areas and staff of NHRC, the durbar fostered an environment of collaboration and open interaction.

The distinguished paramount chiefs who graced the durbar were Navro Pio, a representative of Chiana Pio, a representative for Paga Pio, Naaga Naba, Kologo Naba, Kayoro Pe, Katiu Pe, a representative of Nakong Pe, Sirigu Naba, Mirigu Naba, the queen mother of the Builsa traditional area representing the Sandem Nab, and their divisional chiefs. Other equally important guests who were present at the event included the Municipal Chief Executive of Kassena-Nankana Municipal, The District Chief Executive of Kassena – Nankana West, the District Chief Executive of Builsa South, the Municipal Director of Health Service for Kassena – Nankana Municipal, the District Director of Health Services for Kassena – Nankana West, the Directors of Health Services for Builsa North and South, a representative of the Regional Director of Health Services and many other health care providers and officers in the Upper East.
During the event, Dr. Patrick Ansah, the Director of NHRC in his welcome address expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the chiefs and the various stakeholders in advancing the Centre’s mission. “We want to use this occasion to thank you for your support and we welcome you to our campus.” He acknowledged their role as key stakeholders in promoting the health and well-being of the populace and emphasized the importance of their involvement in research and healthcare initiatives in their respective communities.

^{Dr. Patrick Odum Ansah – Director, Navrongo Health Research Centre}

Discussions during the event centered around ongoing projects in the three scientific departments of the Centre which include the Clinical Science Department, the Social Science Department, and the Biomedical Science Department.
Speaking for the Clinical Science Department, Dr. Nana Akosuah Ansah, the head of the Clinical Science Department provided detailed updates on the research activities and clinical trials being conducted by the Department. She highlighted significant advancements in vaccine trials of the Covid-19, Lassa Fever and how other studies like the Epidemiology of Malaria (Epimal) group of studies have contributed to vaccine development.

^{Dr. Nana Akosuah Ansah – Head of the Clinical Science Department}

In a similar address, by the scientific departments, Dr. Victor Asoala, the Head of the Biomedical Science Department highlighted the department’s effort in studying genetic predispositions to certain diseases prevalent in the region and how that has contributed to advancing the understanding of unique health challenges faced by the local population.

^{Dr. Victor Asoala – Head of the Biomedical Science Department}

Climaxing the addresses by the departmental heads, the Head of the Social Science Department, Dr. Raymond Aborigo in a thought-provoking session, presented the findings of various studies carried out and ongoing projects by the Social Science Department. These studies focused on understanding the socio-cultural determinants of health in the local population, including factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour and community perceptions of health interventions.

^{Dr. Raymond Aborigo – Head of the Social Science Department}

Throughout the durbar, the Chiefs actively participated in the discussions, providing invaluable perspectives and affirming their commitment to supporting NHRC’s endeavours. They expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration and pledged to further encourage community members to participate in the research activities of the Centre.
The secretary to the Navro Pio, Mr. Felix Kondayire, who read a statement on behalf of the Navro Pio, PE Asagepaare II, stated how people in the Centre’s catchment area hold the Centre in high esteem for the conduct of ethical research and for the good works done in improving the health needs of the communities. He commended the Centre for its commitment to quality health research and by extension, its contribution to the development of human resource at the centre. He concluded by urging the Centre to continue to conduct groundbreaking research which will inform policy both locally and internationally.

The Durbar of Chiefs event served as a testament to the Navrongo Health Research Centre’s dedication to meaningful community engagement and its determination to continue to foster lasting positive change in health research locally and internationally. Through such inclusive gatherings, the NHRC strives to build strong partnerships that will drive forward its mission to conduct research into major national and international health problems with the aim of informing policy for the improvement of health.