The Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, has launched the 60th anniversary of Ghana’s premier and best medical school, the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS).

The celebration, which is on the theme: “Building on 60 Years of Quality Medical Education: The Role of Technology”, is a month-long anniversary.

Honourable Gifty Twum-Ampofo represented the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, as the Special Guest and Keynote Speaker for the launch of the anniversary. In the address she read, Dr. Adutwum announced government’s decision to partner University Management to provide laptops to students and faculty. He admitted having knowledge of the challenges faced by UGMS. He expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with international and corporate bodies to support UGMS to become a leader in medical education in the sub-region. ‘We are all potential patients who stand to benefit from these investments for the ultimate benefit of ourselves, families and society'

Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education Training

                                      (TVET), Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo

Delivering his speech, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, noted that medical education has evolved; the use of simulations in the teaching of anatomy, availability of Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging have improved the teaching and learning of medicine. He stressed that in the nearest future, investment in technology infrastructure will be a massive game-changer in the study of medicine.

The Launch was chaired by Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students' Affairs. In his address, he conveyed hearty congratulations from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the entire University community. Prof. Awandare explained the urgent need to modernize UGMS’ teaching facilities, expand its facilities to increase intake, and retain and attract faculty. He also confirmed that some teaching facilities on the Korle-Bu campus will be upgraded with modern pedagogical equipment soon. Prof. Awandare used the occasion to appeal to the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, to expand the infrastructure and facilities of UGMS to enhance the School’s competitiveness. He entreated the University community to actively participate in the celebrations.

Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students' Affairs

Prof. Julius Fobil, Provost of College of Health Sciences, warmly welcomed the audience to the launch of UGMS-at-60 celebrations. He paid glowing tributes to the pioneering Provosts of the College for the exemplary leadership they exhibited which had culminated in maintaining high standards at the College. Prof. Fobil noted that UGMS deserves to be celebrated for consistently producing doctors for the country and birthing other medical and health training institutions in the country through mentorship. He drew attention to inadequate facilities of the School and asked for government, benevolent organisations and individuals’ intervention in the provision of the needed equipment and facilities to enable the School to expand by admitting more qualified students. 

Earlier, Prof. Margaret Lartey, Dean, UGMS indicated that the launch the diamond jubilee anniversary of UGMS was 'a time for celebration, stocktaking and planning for the next 60 years.’

At the launch of the Diamond Jubilee of the UGMS were Prof. Clifford Nii Boye Tagoe, former Dean, UGMS and former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Rev. Prof. Ferdinand Ayeh Kumi, former Provost, College of Health Sciences and other high-profile personalities, including traditional leaders, alumni of UGMS, members of the University community and friends of the University.