The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) on Friday, 16th May 2025, marked a major milestone in its capacity-building efforts with a special event to close out the inaugural cohort of its Mentorship Programme, officially launch the second, and orient participants for the May 2025 – April 2026 cycle.
Held at the NMIMR Conference Room, the event brought together members of the first and second cohorts, facilitators, senior researchers, and invited guests. It was organised by the NMIMR Mentorship Committee to celebrate the progress made by the outgoing mentees and to usher in a new generation of young professionals poised to advance their careers under the guidance of experienced mentors.
A section of participates seated in the conference room during the mentorship programme close-out, lunch and orientation event.
In her opening address, the Director of the Institute, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, described the programme as a timely and impactful initiative not only for individual career development but also for the growth of the Institute and the University of Ghana at large.
“This programme is not just about individual progress,” she said. “It is about building a collective future by equipping young researchers and administrators with the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive. The growth of our mentees contributes directly to the strength and reputation of this Institute.”
Professor Yeboah-Manu noted that several mentees had already recorded significant career growth and expressed her excitement about the continuation of the programme. She urged the new cohort to fully embrace the experience, adding, “Tap into the knowledge and experiences of your mentors. See this as a journey—one that can open doors, challenge your thinking, and shape your path as scientists and professionals.”
Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu delivering the opening address, highlighting the importance of mentorship for institutional growth.
Professor Mrs. Anita Ghansah, Associate Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, Head of the Parasitology Department, and Programme Director of the Mentorship Programme, underscored the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of scientific research.
“Mentorship builds capacity, nurtures leadership, and ensures continuity in excellence,” she said. “The outgoing mentees have shown great commitment, and I encourage the incoming group to make the most of this opportunity. Your mentors are here to guide you not just in research but in navigating your entire professional journey.”
She highlighted that the programme was established to provide both researchers and administrative staff with access to guidance and support from senior colleagues within the Institute, alumni, members of the wider university community, and external partners. According to her, the overarching goal is to foster a vibrant, supportive research and administrative ecosystem that nurtures and sustains mentorship across all stages of one’s career.
Professor Mrs. Anita Ghansah, addressing mentors and mentees, emphasizing the programme’s role in nurturing leadership and excellence.
The guest speaker, Rev. Dr. William Okyere-Frempong, a lead coach at RaoverMED Consult, led the orientation session. He provided an overview of the programme’s structure, expectations, and opportunities. Participants had the chance to engage in open dialogue, share aspirations, and gain insights into how the year-long journey would unfold.
Rev. Dr. William Okyere-Frempong, facilities the orientation session, guiding new mentees through the programme’s framework.
Some of the outgoing mentees also shared their experiences, highlighting how the Mentorship Programme had positively impacted their professional growth. Several noted that the guidance received from their mentors had helped them build confidence, sharpen their research skills, and set clearer career goals.
The testimonies served as strong motivation for the incoming cohort, reinforcing the tangible benefits of structured, intentional mentorship.
Ms. Afia Adoma Boakye, Assistant Registrar and outgoing mentee, sharing her growth and achievements nurtured through the mentorship experience.
Dr. (Mrs.) Evelyn Yayra Bonney, Senior Research Fellow at the Virology Department and Moderator of the event, described the Mentorship Programme, the first of its kind at NMIMR, as a strategic initiative aimed at promoting knowledge transfer, enhancing professional development, and advancing research excellence. She noted that “by pairing early-career researchers with seasoned scientists across departments, the programme is quickly becoming a model for institutional mentorship within Ghana’s research ecosystem”.
Dr. Mrs. Evelyn Yayra Bonney moderates the event, highlighting the programme’s pioneering role in Ghana’s research community.
In his closing remarks, Professor Michael Ofori, Head of the Immunology Department, reaffirmed the value of the programme in strengthening research capacity and fostering professional growth. “This is a strategic initiative that is already showing results,” he said. “To the outgoing mentees, we say well done. To the incoming cohort, I encourage you to remain open-minded, committed, and curious. Let this mentorship experience shape not only your skills but your vision”.
Professor Michael Ofori, delivers closing remarks, encouraging continued commitment to mentorship and professional development
The NMIMR Mentorship Programme was established in June 2023 and trained 17 Academic and Administrative staff in the first cohort and is set to train additional 10 staff in the second cohort.