The committee established to examine government’s plan to restore the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) to the University of Ghana has completed its work and submitted its report regarding the facility’s future.
Consequently, the government has also taken note of the recommendations made and would proceed to implement the plan.
President John Dramani Mahama who announced this, said the next step would be the presentation of a transition roadmap for implementation to ensure a smooth transfer of stewardship.
He made the announcement last Saturday during a congregation ceremony at the University of Ghana.
“We remain committed to restoring the university’s stewardship of the medical centre.
The committee that was established to review the matter has submitted its reports and government has noted the recommendations therein.
The next step is the presentation of a transition roadmap for execution,” President Mahama said.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring UGMC fulfilled its original mandate as a centre of excellence for teaching, research, specialist training and the provision of world-class healthcare services.
No fee stress
He added that the government was committed to removing financial barriers that prevented qualified Ghanaians from accessing tertiary education.
Under the No Fee Stress initiative, President Mahama said the government was working to support as many first-year students as possible to begin their university education with confidence and dignity.
“Education should never be determined by the size of one’s pocket, but by the strength of one’s knowledge and potential,” he said.
Dr Julius Debrah (middle) joined by President Mahama and Marietta Brew (left), Chairperson, Governing Council of the University of Ghana, after receiving his PhD at the graduation
President Mahama said the government would continue to invest in higher education, research, innovation and digital infrastructure to expand opportunities for Ghanaians pursuing advanced studies.
“Our responsibility as government is to create an environment in which talent can flourish,” he said, stressing that education remained central to the country’s development agenda because investing in knowledge was investing in the countr’s future competitiveness, prosperity and resilience.
Commendation
The President further commended the school for its longstanding contribution to national development.
He said its graduates had strengthened institutions across government, the judiciary, diplomacy, healthcare, education, business, science, technology and the creative arts.
He also praised the university’s role in shaping public policy, advancing research and promoting African history and culture.
As the African Union Champion on Reparations, he said he was particularly encouraged by the university’s contribution to the country’s leadership on reparative justice.
Advice to graduates
He urged the graduates to use their knowledge to solve national challenges and strengthen institutions.
“Society will judge your success not merely by the knowledge you possess, but by the problems you solve with that knowledge, the institutions you strengthen, and the lives that you improve in your communities,” he said.
He also encouraged them to build their careers in the country, noting that universities, research institutions, hospitals, industries, technology firms and the public service required their expertise to accelerate national development.
While acknowledging that some graduates would pursue further studies and careers abroad, President Mahama urged them to return with the knowledge, experience and innovation needed to support the nation's development.
Vice-Chancellor’s remark
One thousand, eight hundred and eighty-four students comprising 156 PhD holders, 1,429 Master’s degree and 298 undergraduate degrees graduated.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Nana Aba Appiah-Amfo, expressed optimism that the graduates time at the university had equipped them with the knowledge, critical thinking capacity, discipline and values, and now carried forward the responsibility of serving the nation and the global community with distinction.
“To our graduating students, this moment represents a significant transition. You conclude one chapter while beginning another. The knowledge, discipline and values you have developed at the University of Ghana should guide your professional and civic contributions.
“All of you carry forward the values and reputation of an institution that has shaped leaders across generations, and it is our expectation that you will uphold the principles of excellence, integrity, professionalism and service in your careers and communities.
“As ambassadors of the University of Ghana, you represent this institution throughout your lives and work,” Prof Amfo said.
She also urged them to contribute their expertise and resources to sustaining the institution and mentor the students to follow in their path.
