Mar 25-2026

The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Tokyo participated in the Noguchi–Kitasato Research and Development Center for Infectious Diseases (NKrdc) Symposium held on 21st March 2026 at the Sagamihara Campus of Kitasato University, Japan. The symposium brought together leading researchers, academics, and public health experts to discuss advancements in infectious disease research, parasitology, and tropical medicine. The Embassy was represented by Mr. Christopher E.K. Gaba, Minister-Counsellor (Diaspora, Education and Culture), who attended on behalf of H.E. Mrs. Genevieve Edna Apaloo, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana. The event was graced by distinguished participants, including Professor Toshiaki Sunazuka, President of Kitasato University; Professor Naotoshi Tsuji, Chair of the Organizing Committee; Professor Kiyoshi Kita of Nagasaki University; Professor Motoyuki Ogawa, Dean of Kitasato University School of Medicine; and Dr. Kofi Dadzie Kwofie of Kitasato University. In remarks delivered on behalf of the Ambassador, Mr. Gaba highlighted the importance of the symposium as a bridge between nations and a platform for shared knowledge and innovation. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Japanese institutions in research, public health, and capacity building. A keynote presentation by Professor Dorothy Kyerewuah Yeboah-Manu, Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), highlighted Ghana’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including surveillance systems, genomic sequencing, and coordinated national response mechanisms. Presentations by Professor Irene Ayi and Professor Anita Ghansah further emphasized research collaboration and capacity building between Ghanaian and Japanese institutions. The symposium also featured an engaging discussion session on pandemic preparedness, the role of research in policy development, and opportunities to deepen Ghana–Japan collaboration in infectious disease control. Following the event, Mr. Gaba engaged with Ghanaian students at Kitasato University as part of the Embassy’s student outreach efforts. The students shared their academic experiences and raised concerns about stipends in light of the rising cost of living in Japan. The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Ghana–Japan collaboration in research and education, while also supporting the welfare of Ghanaian students in Japan.