In a bid to respond to the health needs of residents of Kumasi and its environs, one of Ghana’s leading DNA centres, MMA Labs, has opened a new branch in Kumasi as part of its expansion drive.

The new facility, strategically located at Ahodwo-Daban, seeks to provide residents with easy access to high-quality DNA testing and related services.

MMA Labs is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and professional expertise. The company offers a wide range of DNA testing services, including paternity testing, ancestry analysis, forensic DNA testing, and genetic health screenings. With the new Kumasi branch, the facility is set to meet the growing demand for these services in the region.

The expansion to Kumasi reflects its commitment to bringing advanced DNA testing services closer to Ghanaians, ensuring that individuals and families can access accurate and reliable results without the need to travel long distances.

The new branch is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, guaranteeing the same level of service excellence that has made MMA Labs a trusted name in the industry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Saturday (17 August), the CEO of MMA Labs, Dr Evans Kyeremeh, expressed enthusiasm about the new branch’s potential to serve the people of Kumasi and its surrounding areas.

Residents of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region can now conveniently access a wide array of DNA testing services, which will be instrumental in various legal, medical, and personal matters.

The new branch is expected to contribute to the growing demand for genetic testing services in Ghana, providing a valuable resource for individuals seeking clarity and information about their genetic makeup.

The facility plans to establish other branches across the country, with current branches operating in Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region, and Korle Bu and Ofankor in the Greater Accra Region.

Ghanaians urged to take personal action against rising lifestyle diseases

Speaking at the opening of the facility, a family physician specialist, Dr Abraham Amponsah expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developing countries, particularly in low and middle-income nations, like Ghana.

Traditionally associated with advanced countries, these conditions—such as cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases, and stroke—are now becoming the most common causes of death worldwide.

Dr Amponsah emphasized that diabetes and hypertension, two key risk factors, are on the rise and contributing significantly to the global burden of NCDs.

“Alcohol misuse is a major issue, and I believe many people don’t know what it means to drink in moderation. Our diets are also looking like the diets of advanced countries, and these days we live a lot of sedentary lifestyles. That is why we see a lot of these lifestyle diseases in our part of the world”, he revealed.

Although public health advocacy around NCDs has been ongoing, Dr Amponsah says there remains a significant gap between the population’s needs and the solutions provided. While governments focus on building hospitals and training healthcare professionals, the specialist argued that more investment in preventive health measures is necessary.

“We cannot solely depend on government and health facilities to take care of us. Citizens must take their lives into their own hands by adopting healthier lifestyles,” he urged.

“It’s crucial that we don’t wait until we fall sick. By taking proactive steps—such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and drinking alcohol in moderation—we can significantly reduce the risk of developing these life-threatening diseases”, he added.