Ghana has inaugurated a new Sample Reception Centre at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research of the University of Ghana, in a major boost to the country’s laboratory systems and disease surveillance capacity.
The facility, established with support from the World Health Organization and funding from the Gates Foundation, will strengthen the safe receipt, documentation and temporary storage of biological samples from across Ghana and neighboring countries.
It is expected to improve efficiency, biosafety standards and turnaround times for confirming priority diseases, including poliovirus and other emerging health threats.
The Centre will serve as the main entry point for specimens requiring laboratory testing and confirmation, reinforcing Ghana’s outbreak detection and response systems.
The inauguration was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, development partners and representatives of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony, WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, described the facility as a strategic investment in national and regional health security, noting that stronger sample management will enhance early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.
“The inauguration of this Sample Receipt Centre represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s health security. By strengthening how samples are received, tracked and processed, we are improving our ability to detect outbreaks early, respond swiftly and protect communities across Ghana and the African region”, she said.
Director of the Institute, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, said the Centre would improve operational efficiency and support Ghana’s national surveillance efforts.
“The commissioning of this Sample Reception Centre demonstrates our resolve to strengthen public-health infrastructure and ensure that Ghana remains prepared to detect and respond to disease threats. Strong laboratories are fundamental to safeguarding the health of our people”, he said.
Government officials say the new facility underscores Ghana’s commitment to resilient health systems at a time when infectious diseases continue to cross borders rapidly, and robust laboratory networks remain central to immunization, outbreak response and emergency preparedness.
By Sarah Apenkroh
