Noguchi Institute Gets Lifeline: VP. Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Vows to Tackle Crippling Hurdles
Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, a ray of scientific excellence in the country.
The Vice President held discussions with the Institute’s leadership, led by Director Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, to tackle pressing challenges hindering the institution’s progress.
During the meeting, the Institute’s leadership highlighted crippling recruitment and procurement bottlenecks, as well as the absence of a dedicated budget allocation, which have impeded the Institute’s ability to fulfill its mandate.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the complications posed by procurement regulations, emphasizing that they are designed to safeguard the economy, not stifle national institutions.
“We must continue to find practical ways of supporting institutions whose work safeguards the health of Ghanaians,” the Vice President stressed, recognizing the critical role of the Noguchi Institute in Ghana’s public health response and global medical research landscape.
A stalwart of Ghana’s healthcare system, the Noguchi Institute remains a vital cog in the country’s response to emerging diseases and global health uncertainty. The Vice President lauded the Institute’s work, assuring that the government values their contributions and is willing to provide support, within its means, to ensure the Institute’s continued progress.
“I encouraged them to continue to operationalize and scale their research for it to be felt across the health system,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, expressing her vision for a stronger, more collaborative future.
“We look forward to a stronger future built on collaboration, accountability, and impact.”
The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing strong, well-supported scientific institutions, crucial for Ghana’s national development and global health security.
