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Noguchi poised to become centre of excellence in research, diagnosis, others
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), says it is poised to become a centre of excellence in research, diagnosis, prevention and control of diseases.
It has therefore appealed to the government to support its activities by providing the needed funding regularly.
“The institute is capable of being a scientific centre of choice, but this will require immense support in terms of capacity building and infrastructure development from government,” Dr James Aboagye, a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the centre said.
Speaking to the Ghanaian Times, Dr Aboagye said government must invest in research and development in general by helping to build the capacity and improve infrastructure.
According to him, most research funding came from external donors and this did not augur well in the country which wanted to develop.
“The government should invest research and development by helping to build infrastructure and capacity and also help us to meet up with the current need, so that we can do research pertaining to us,” he said.
“It would be easier if the funding was from our government for us to apply for, to be able to enhance our research,” Dr Aboagye added.
Dr Aboagye explained that most developed countries focused on research and development (R & D) to reach where they are now.
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research was established in 1979 in honour of Dr Hideyo Noguchi, who researched into yellow fever in Ghana and died from the disease in the country in 1928.
Since then, the Institute has been conducting research into communicable and non-communicable diseases, training biomedical researchers and providing laboratory diagnostics, monitoring and surveillance services in support of national public health.
However, the Institute said it is ready to position itself as the preferred research centre with government assistance.
BY: FRANCIS NTOW
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
