Former Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Prof. Abraham Kwabena Anang, was recently awarded the esteemed Order of the Rising Sun by the Government of Japan.
Prof. Anang, whose leadership at NMIMR played a key role in advancing medical research and infectious disease management, received the award at a ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Accra.
The Order of the Rising Sun, a symbol of significant international contributions, culture, and field advancements, was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. While traditionally a recognition reserved for Japanese nationals, the award was extended to non-Japanese recipients in 1981. Administered by the Decoration Bureau of the Office of the Prime Minister, the conferment is carried out in the name of Emperor Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan.
At the ceremony, His Excellency Mochizuki Hisanobu, the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, commended Prof. Anang’s for his invaluable role in fostering collaboration between Japan and Ghana. He emphasised the importance of such partnerships in addressing global health challenges and advancing scientific knowledge.
Prof. Anang expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, "The conferment of the Japanese National Decoration, ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette,’ by the Emperor of Japan on me is a testament to the hard work and dedication I put into building partnerships and strengthening relationships between Ghana and Japan during my term as the Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR).”
“This recognition is of exceptional importance to me, as it validates my efforts and inspires me to continue working towards fostering stronger ties between our two nations,” he added.
He also mentioned that, “The conferment of this honor on me is a stimulant for further strengthening of the relationship between the NMIMR and Japan. The conferment should also benefit the initiation of more collaborative research between Ghanaian and Japanese scientists, and the training of young Ghanaian scientists from NMIMR, University of Ghana, in Japan.”
He believes the honor will pave the way for further collaboration between NMIMR, the University of Ghana, and Japanese industry partners for sponsoring medical research in Ghana.
The award ceremony was attended by representatives from the Japanese government, local dignitaries, and colleagues from the medical and research community.
The University of Ghana extends warm and hearty congratulations to Prof. Abraham Kwabena Anang on the exceptional honour bestowed upon him. The University takes immense pride in acknowledging his outstanding achievements, particularly during his tenure as the Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR).
