The move comes after Ghana was unable to independently conduct DNA analyses following the August 6 helicopter crash, which forced authorities to transport victim samples to South Africa for testing.

Speaking to journalists at the 2025 Annual Research Meeting of NMIMR at the University of Ghana, Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate procurement of the equipment to strengthen the country’s diagnostic capacity.

According to him, the directive is part of efforts to make Ghana self-reliant in high-precision DNA testing, especially in times of emergency.

“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.

He also praised NMIMR for its consistent delivery on its mandate, noting its critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued leadership in both national and international health research.

NMIMR Director, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, reiterated the Institute’s growing influence in global health, revealing that 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.