Ghana receives books on Noguchi

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education at the weekend received books on the life history of Dr Hideyo Noguchi entitled: “Manga-Dr Hideyo Noguchi,” authored by Misturu Aso, from Japan for distribution to schools.

Mr Naoto Nikai, Japanese Ambassador and Mrs Ritsuko Masuyama of Japan jointly handed over copies of the books to the Deputy Minister at a ceremony in Accra.

Mr Ablakwa expressed government’s gratitude to Japan for the kind gesture, saying it is a manifestation of the strong bond of cooperation that exists between the two countries.

He eulogised Dr Noguchi for his pioneering medical research towards the cure for yellow fever in Ghana, which unfortunately led to his death.

He described Noguchi’s dedication to medical research in Ghana as a huge sacrifice and urged all scientists to emulate him.

“Beyond what he has come to do, it has epitomised that we can make sacrifices for any group of people, he was not a Ghanaian but he came to work for the good of the country,” the Minister noted.

Mr Nikai said Noguchi distinguished sacrifice in yellow fever research in Ghana, which led to his death in 1928 had brought about medical research cooperation between Ghana and Japan.

He said it has led to the establishment of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, which not only serves Ghana but the West Africa sub-region.

The Ambassador said the biography of Noguchi would enable students learn about him and what he came to do for Ghana.

Mr Nikai said Mrs Masuyama and her late husband (Mr Masuyama) had contributed to make the books available to Ghanaian school children.

He explained that in all 500 copies would be delivered to the Ministry of Education for distribution to schools.