The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) ushered in the festive season with its annual Nine Lessons and Carols, dubbed Noguchi Carofest 2024: Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Thrill of Hope”, highlighted the spirit of togetherness, love, and the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The event, hosted on the Institute’s premises, featured an enchanting day of music, with stellar performances by the Noguchi Choir and the Viral Melodies Choir. A hallmark of the celebration was the Nine Lessons, read in multiple languages, including English, Ga, Twi, Buli, Japanese, and Ewe—underscoring NMIMR’s commitment to cultural inclusivity. Each reading was accompanied by traditional carols, creating a rich and vibrant atmosphere.
Delivering her end-of-year address, the Director of NMIMR, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, expressed profound gratitude and pride in the Institute’s accomplishments over the past year. “This year began with challenges, but through the dedication and efforts of our staff, we achieved significant milestones. I am immensely grateful for the hardworking and multi-talented individuals who continually propel this Institute to greater heights,” she stated.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu spotlighted NMIMR’s achievements, notably the successful implementation of the Quality Management Project, which has positioned the Institute as the first academic institution in Ghana recommended for ISO certification. Reflecting on the Institute’s 45th Anniversary celebrations, she commended the collective efforts of staff in organizing successful activities such as fun games, lecture series, an open day, and an impactful fundraising event. She also acknowledged infrastructural advancements, including the development of the Molecular Suite, and lauded research fellows for driving NMIMR’s research excellence.
She also took a moment to honour the memory of staff members who passed away during the year, offering heartfelt condolences to their families and leading a moment of silence to pay tribute to their legacy.
A major highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, which recognized staff for their outstanding contributions. Senior members were celebrated for their achievements in research publications, successful grant applications, and exemplary service to the Institute and community. Among the honourees were Dr. Evelyn Yayra Bonney and Dr. Ivy Asantewaa, who received accolades for their impactful research and contributions to health scholarship.
Other notable awardees in the Senior and Junior Staff category, Mr. Felix Kwame Zoiku, Mr. Joshua Aryee and Mr. Collins Kissi Bamfo, were recognized for their leadership and dedication, exceptional administrative contributions, exemplary teamwork and outstanding performances in their fields of work.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer for blessings and success in 2025, led by Dr. Bright Adu. The final hymn, “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord”, united the audience in a moment of gratitude and hope.
The Noguchi Carofest 2024: Service of Nine Lessons, Carols, Thanksgiving, and Awards was a fitting end to a year of remarkable achievements, setting the stage for an even brighter future in 2025 and beyond. It reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to excellence and its enduring legacy of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and unity.