Government to inaugurate DNA lab at Noguchi Memorial Institute – Minister

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, has announced that the government will soon inaugurate a DNA laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research to enable individuals requiring paternity and other DNA tests to access the services locally without travelling abroad. 

He noted that Ghana currently lacks a fully functional public DNA testing centre, forcing many people to rely on private laboratories or seek paternity and forensic testing services outside the country. 

Mr Akandoh made the announcement on Thursday when he appeared before Parliament’s Government Assurances Committee. 

He said the facility would provide reliable DNA testing services, strengthen Ghana’s medical research capacity, and reduce the financial burden on citizens who previously had to travel abroad for such services. 

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, established in 1979, is Ghana’s premier biomedical research centre and has played a critical role in disease surveillance, diagnostics and public health interventions, including serving as one of the country’s main COVID-19 testing centres during the pandemic. 

The Minister said the establishment of the DNA laboratory would enhance forensic investigations within the criminal justice system, support family law cases such as paternity disputes, and strengthen medical research into genetics and hereditary diseases. 

He added that the facility would also reduce the cost of DNA testing and improve access to the service for the public. 

Mr Akandoh said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader health infrastructure agenda, which includes the Agenda 111 hospital programme aimed at expanding access to healthcare and modernising medical facilities nationwide. 

Source: GNA