In December 2015, Iowa State Seed Analyst Jessica Blake supervised the installation of new seed testing equipment in three recently constructed Ghana Seed Inspection Unit (GSIU) seed testing labs. The labs, located in northern Ghana in the towns of Bolgatanga, Wa, and Tamale, were designed by Seed Lab Manager Mike Stahr as part of the USAID Ghana—Feed the Future Agriculture Technology Transfer (ATT) project.
During her visit Blake supervised the assembly, installation, testing, and calibration of the new seed testing equipment and assessed future equipment needs.
All three labs were equipped with an identical set of equipment, with the exception of the Tamale Lab, which included an accelerated aging chamber and a free-standing germinator.
Blake later conducted two days of training in Tamale for private seed company owners and seed analysts intending to work in the labs. She gave lectures on general seed testing procedures, proper use of the equipment, and discussed International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. Finally, Blake led participants in hands-on exercises involving equipment use and seedling examination.