President Mahama Assures University of Ghana of UGMC Management Transfer

Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has assured the University of Ghana (UG) that the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) will be transferred to the University. The President stated that a committee established to examine the transfer of UGMC from the Ministry of Health to the University had submitted its report for further consideration. According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama provided this assurance during the 2nd Session of the July Congregation at UG's Great Hall. This event marked a significant occasion where postgraduate doctoral degrees were conferred on 157 candidates from the UG School of Graduate Studies. Overall, a total of 1,884 students graduated during the two-day ceremony, including 157 PhDs, 1,429 masters, and 298 undergraduates. Mr. Mahama mentioned that the subsequent step following the report submission would be the presentation of a transition roadmap for implementation. He emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that the UGMC fulfills its ori ginal mission as a center of excellence for teaching, research, specialist training, and world-class healthcare delivery. The President reiterated his government's dedication to making higher education accessible to all capable Ghanaians, irrespective of financial constraints. He highlighted the "No-Fee-Stress" initiative, which aims to enable first-year students to commence their university education with dignity and confidence. President Mahama also commended the graduates for their commitment to knowledge and research, with special recognition given to his Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, who was among the graduates. He urged them to excel in their future endeavors and to learn from and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields. Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of UG, highlighted the University's continued leadership in Ghana and West Africa, as well as its growing reputation among Africa's top universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027. She noted that UG's ranking as o ne of the top 13 universities in Africa underscores its excellence in research, innovation, teaching, and learning. Prof. Amfo attributed the University's performance to its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on impactful research, transformative student experience, engagement and partnerships, and faculty and staff development.