LabTalk shared on LinkedIn:
“What exactly is genetic testing?
Before we can talk about the ethics, possibilities and challenges surrounding genetic testing, we have to understand what the term actually means.
Genetic testing allows us to examine a person’s genetic material to identify changes or variations that may provide information about health, disease risk, inherited conditions or how someone may respond to certain treatments.
But behind that simple explanation is a much bigger world of science, laboratory practice and clinical decision making.
In this clip from LabTalk Episode 17, Dr. Ernest Ahamah helps us unpack what genetic testing really involves and why understanding the science matters before we begin discussing everything that comes with it.
As genetic technologies continue to develop, genetic testing is becoming increasingly relevant to conversations around diagnosis, prevention, precision medicine and healthcare planning.
And that brings us to an important question:
How much do we really understand about the information our genes can reveal?
Watch this clip and join the conversation.”
To which Wafaa M Rashed, Chair and Founder of Pan – African PGS Education and Research Initiative (PAPERI), added:
“From Learner to Advocate, Mentor and Voice for Genomics in Africa.
One of the most rewarding parts of building PAPERI is seeing what happens after a course ends.
Dr.Ernest Ahamah, MLS.D, from Ghana, participated in the first cohort of PAPERI’s Policy Advocacy in Genetics and Genomics course, launched in July 2024.
Since then, his journey has continued to grow.
He went on to join PAPERI as a Teaching Assistant, contributed numerous blogs and advocacy pieces, and continued to speak and write about gene therapy, genetics and genomics, precision medicine, and health policy in Africa.
And now, we are incredibly proud to see him taking another step forward.
Dr. Ernest Ahamah has been invited as a guest on LabTalk, Episode 17.
In one of the featured clips, Ernest explains what genetic testing actually means and why understanding the science is essential before we discuss its possibilities, challenges and ethical implications.
This is exactly the kind of journey we hope to see more of across Africa.
But what makes us especially proud is not simply the invitation to LabTalk.
It is the consistency behind it.
He recently shared with me: ‘Want to thank you and PAPERI for the exposure and the mentorship.’
He also told me that he has now been contacted by many young scientists seeking mentorship.
That is the real ripple effect.
One African scientist learns → becomes an advocate → contributes → mentors others → and helps create another generation of African scientists who can lead.
Africa for Africa. Africa Can Lead.
At PAPERI, we believe that our future in genomics cannot depend only on waiting for someone to tell us what Africa needs to do.
African scientists must also identify the needs of our communities, use their experience, build solutions, ask questions, advocate, collaborate and lead.
Our dream is simple but ambitious:
Genomics Policy for Africa, by Africans.
And this will not happen through one course, one organization, or one person.
It will happen through the small, consistent efforts of many African scientists, every day – learning, researching, advocating, mentoring, collaborating and refusing to stop simply because change is slow.
We may not always see the impact immediately.
But one day, we will look back and realize how far we have come – and how many people contributed to making that change possible.
So to every young African scientist: Keep learning. Keep working. Keep advocating. Keep applying for opportunities. Keep seeking mentorship. Keep mentoring others when you can. Keep building. Keep going. Your journey matters.
Your voice matters.
And your community needs what you can contribute.
Congratulations, Dr. Ernest Ahamah.
We are proud of you – and even more excited to see where your continued work and advocacy will take you.”
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