Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced that the government has finalized arrangements for the acquisition of a DVA DNA testing device for the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).
Speaking to journalists at the 2025 Annual Research Meeting of NMIMR at the University of Ghana, he indicated that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate procurement of the equipment to enhance the country’s diagnostic capacity.
The Minister explained that this forms part of efforts to make Ghana self-sufficient in high-precision DNA testing, particularly in times of emergency.
He added that Ghana’s reliance on South Africa for the DNA testing of the eight helicopter victims exposed some gaps, hence the decision to purchase the device.
“The recent helicopter accident exposed gaps in our diagnostic capabilities. The President has therefore instructed that a DVA DNA testing device be acquired for Noguchi so that Ghana can handle such sensitive tests locally,” Akandoh said.
The Minister commended NMIMR for its consistent delivery on its mandate. He specifically referenced the role the Institute played during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued leadership in both national and international health research.
On his part, NMIMR Director, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, indicated that the Institute has gained influence in the global health sector.
According to her, researchers at the Institute have published more than 200 manuscripts in high-impact journals in 2025 alone – an achievement she said reflects the Institute’s expanding scientific presence.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu further cautioned the public against the misuse of antibiotics, warning that self-medication has rendered many commonly used antibiotics ineffective and potentially dangerous.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
