The Noguchi Memorial Institute has opened investigations on allegations of the falsification of Covid-19 test results.
This comes after one Kofi Acheampong alleged that the institute falsified his Coronavirus test.
According to Mr. Kofi Acheampong, he went for a Coronavirus test on January 10, 2021 at the Noguchi Memorial Institute after the British Airwaves directed him to do so before travelling abroad.
He explained that the test came positive and was contemplating when all of a sudden someone called from the Institute, asking him to pay Gh¢500 for them to overturn the result, of which he paid and was given a negative test result.
But when he landed abroad, he decided to go in for another test and to his outmost surprised, the test came negative, which according to him, the staff at Noguchi Memorial knew his test was negative but only decided to extort money from him.
But in a statement, the institute has assured Ghanaians of a thorough investigations into the allegations and anyone found culpable would be punished severely.
“I wish to assure staff that the allegation on social media about falsification of COVID-19 testing results at the institute is being treated with grave seriousness. The University has decided that a press release should be put on hold and investigations conducted over the weekend and a report presented to the University for Senior Management meeting on Monday morning 18th January 2021”, part of the statement reads.
Read the full statement below;
“Good morning, All,
I wish to assure staff that the allegation on social media about falsification of COVID-19 testing results at the institute is being treated with grave seriousness. The University has decided that a press release should be put on hold and investigations conducted over the weekend and a report presented to the University for Senior Management meeting on Monday morning 18th January 2021.
Two aspects of investigations are being conducted.
NMIMR internal investigations.
External investigations will be conducted by National Security, which is in discussion with the Coordinator of National Network of COVID-19 testing Laboratories.
Noguchi Internal Investigative Team
Prof. Collins Ahorlu
Dr. Michael Ofori
Dr. Mary Coleman
Dr. Charles Quaye
Dr. Ivy Asantewa Asante
TOR
Confirm the validity of the displayed positive CIVID-19 test.
It there any negative COVID-19 test result for the same person?
Interrogate staff who were on duty for any relevant information.
Evaluate the existing COVID-19 testing system from sample taking to the release of results.
Identify any other COVID-19 related issues.
Present report to the Director by 8:00am
To facilitate this process, all Virology staff and other staff on the COVID-19 testing teams are to report to the institute by 8:30am on Sunday January 17th 2021.
Meanwhile, the investigative team may call any staff to hold interactions physically or virtually at any time.
Prof. Abraham Kwabena Anang
DIRECTOR, NMIMR.”
