The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, received a high-level delegation from the Government of Japan led by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. Kunimitsu Ayano. The visit was part of a Trade and Investment Mission to Ghana.
The delegation was welcomed by Professor Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Head of the Department of Immunology, who represented the Director, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu. In his address, Prof. Asamoah Kusi highlighted the Institute’s history, its contributions to public health, and its ongoing commitment to research, innovation, and capacity building.
Professor Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Head of the Department of Immunology, NMIMR, delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Director, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, during the visit of the Japanese Government delegation.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. Kunimitsu Ayano, commended NMIMR for its significant contributions to health research and innovation in Ghana. She expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage directly with the Institute’s work, noting the importance of strengthening bilateral collaborations in research, capacity building, and public health initiatives. The visit was especially memorable for her, marking a return after 20 years since her first visit as a medical student.
Ms. Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, speaking during the visit of the Japanese Government delegation to the Institute
Following the addresses, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of the Institute’s research and laboratory facilities by the Facility Manager, Dr. Eric Kyei-Baffour. The tour provided the delegation first-hand insight into NMIMR’s research activities, infrastructure, and its strategic role in advancing health research and innovation in Ghana.
Dr. Eric Kyei-Baffour, Facility Manager, NMIMR, leading the Japanese delegation on a guided tour of the Institute’s research and laboratory facilities.
Among the delegation were Mr. Shinpei Otake, Executive Assistant to the State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Taro Kawase, Director of the First Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Tatsunori Ishida, Senior Regional Coordinator of the Second Africa Division; and officials from the Healthcare Policy Office of the Cabinet Secretariat. Representatives of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, including counsellors, secretaries, and interpreters, were also present.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening existing collaborations and exploring new areas of partnership in health research, training, and capacity building.
The Director’s representative expressed its appreciation to the Embassy of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their continued interest in NMIMR’s work and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong international partnerships in medical research and development.
Other highlights from the visit
