News:
July 10, 2026
The Ministry of Health has announced that the commissioning of a state-of-the-art DNA laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is imminent, marking a significant leap forward in Ghana’s healthcare and forensic capabilities.
Speaking before the Government Assurance Committee on Thursday, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed that work is progressing steadily on the facility. This development follows the government’s finalization of arrangements to acquire a cutting-edge DVA DNA testing device for the Institute.
The push for local DNA testing capacity was galvanized by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed multiple lives, including two government ministers. At that time, biological samples had to be sent to South Africa for analysis, exposing a critical gap in national emergency response.
According to Minister Akandoh it was the president’s directive to acquire a DVA DNA testing device for Noguchi so that Ghana can handle such sensitive tests locally”.
The procurement process is now in its final stages, with the purchase order already placed and the machine expected to arrive within months.
Once operational, the DNA center will significantly enhance Ghana’s diagnostic, forensic, and research capabilities. It will reduce reliance on foreign laboratories, enable prompt responses to health and forensic emergencies, and support ongoing medical research. The initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision to increase funding for research in genetic medicine and health.
The Noguchi Memorial Institute, established in 1979, has been at the forefront of Ghana’s response to health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute recently achieved ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for medical laboratory quality and has published over 200 manuscripts in high-impact journals in 2025 alone. Japan has also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Institute on research and innovation.
The DNA laboratory project is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen health infrastructure nationwide, including the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital initiative and the rollout of dialysis machines across all regions.
Ghanamps.com