The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) officially launched its 2026 Quality Week on Monday, 23rd February, under the theme “Think Research, Think Quality, Think Noguchi – Sustainability Beyond Accreditation.” The event brought together guests, stakeholders, policymakers, development partners and staff at the Institute’s Conference Hall.
In her welcome address, the Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, warmly received the distinguished guests. She reaffirmed the Institute’s three core mandates: to conduct research into diseases of public health importance; to leverage its expertise and infrastructure to train the next generation of scientists; and to collaborate with national and global health institutions, including the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health, in support of evidence-based health interventions.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu described the Quality Week as one of the Institute’s flagship initiatives, instituted to deliberately embed a culture of excellence across research, diagnostics, training and administration. She emphasized that at NMIMR, quality is not limited to accreditation; it is a shared responsibility and a daily commitment to standards, integrity and continuous improvement.
She highlighted that this sustained focus on quality systems led to the Institute attaining accreditation, with seven out of its nine research departments having their processes ISO-accredited. She acknowledged the invaluable partnership and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other key collaborators who continue to support the Institute’s quality journey.
Linking NMIMR’s quality practices to the University of Ghana’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, Prof. Yeboah-Manu highlighted how the Institute’s commitment to excellence supports the five strategic priorities of the University of Ghana. Under Transformative Student Experience, NMIMR ensures that students receive high-quality teaching, supervision and mentorship in an environment grounded in internationally accepted standards. In promoting Impactful Research, the Institute conducts rigorous, ethical and credible research that informs public health policy and improves health outcomes.
She further emphasized that Commitment to Staff and Faculty remains central to sustaining excellence, as quality systems can only thrive when staff are supported, protected and empowered. Through strengthened internal systems and accountability mechanisms, the Institute also advances Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship, ensuring efficient use of infrastructure, equipment and financial resources. Finally, through strategic collaborations with national agencies and international partners, NMIMR reinforces Engagement and Partnerships, positioning the Institute as a trusted leader in biomedical research.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu concluded by urging staff and stakeholders to sustain the culture of quality beyond accreditation, stressing that excellence must remain intentional, collective and enduring.
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director, NMIMR, delivering the welcome address at the launch of Quality Week 2026.
Chairing the ceremony, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Alfred Yawson, acknowledged the critical role of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in advancing health research, education, and public health policy. He emphasized that quality at NMIMR permeates all aspects of the Institute’s operations — from research and laboratory diagnostics, to teaching, mentorship, and administration.
Prof. Yawson noted that the Institute’s robust quality systems and practices ensure research outputs are reliable, reproducible, and impactful. He commended the Institute’s rigorous biosafety protocols and structured mentorship programs that reflect NMIMR’s culture of excellence.
He highlighted that quality is multidimensional and should be evident across all activities, including teaching and mentorship, so that the benefits of NMIMR’s work continue to reach citizens.
Prof. Alfred Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, addressing participants at the opening ceremony.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Director-General of the Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Francis Hasford, commended NMIMR for embedding quality into its systems. He emphasized that quality is not a one-time achievement but a sustained culture, highlighting the Institute’s critical role in generating credible evidence to inform public health policy, environmental interventions, and national development. He assured continued government support for quality-driven research institutions.
Prof. Francis Hasford, Deputy Director-General of the Atomic Energy Commission, delivering the speech on behalf of Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Representative from partner institutions gave solidarity messages: Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Quality Assurance Association (GQAA), Ghana Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (GMLS), Ghana Federation of Medical Students (GFMS), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reflecting strong stakeholder support for NMIMR’s quality initiatives.
Representatives from stakeholder institutions delivering solidarity messages in support of NMIMR’s quality initiatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, Independent Strategic Advisor and former Executive Vice President of Unilever Global Markets, stressed that accreditation sets benchmarks, but culture sustains performance. He described quality as a mindset embedded in leadership behaviour, governance systems, operational discipline and institutional integrity, and encouraged the Institute to sustain excellence through shared values and systems thinking.
Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, Independent Strategic Advisor, delivering the keynote address on sustaining quality beyond accreditation.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Alfred Yawson reiterated the importance of collective ownership of quality systems and commended NMIMR for its leadership in maintaining high standards in research and institutional governance.
Dr. Susan Adu-Amankwah, Institutional Quality Manager, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to sponsors, partners, and participants for their continued support towards strengthening quality at NMIMR.
Dr. Susan Adu-Amankwah, Institutional Quality Manager, delivering the vote of thanks at the close of the opening ceremony.
Quality Week 2026 – Highlights in Pictures
