President inaugurates Committee to oversee transfer of UGMC to University of Ghana  

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a Committee to oversee the transfer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), which is currently under the Health Ministry to the University of Ghana.  

This is in fulfillment of the President’s campaign promise during the 2024 general election.  

The Transitional Management Committee is co-chaired by two distinguished Ghanaians, Professor Aaron Lawson, a seasoned academic and former provost of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana, and Professor Mutawakilu Iddrisu, a renowned Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital neurological specialist.   

The funding for the construction of the UGMC was secured during the tenure of the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills, while the construction works and completion of its phase one was achieved through the first term of President Mahama.  

Phase two was accomplished during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo tenure.  

President Mahama, in his address, noted that the next phase of the vision called for the full integration of the UGMC into the University of Ghana’s governance and operational structures; declaring that “this is not a mere administrative action”.  

“It is a strategic alignment designed to promote synergy between clinical service delivery, teaching, and research to enhance institutional efficiency through harmonized leadership and resource management, to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between medical professionals, researchers, and academics, and most importantly, to create a truly world-class teaching hospital that serves the needs of both Ghana and the wider West African subregion.  

He tasked the Committee with eight responsibilities.  

Firstly, to conduct a comprehensive review of the legal mandates, operational structures, and academic frameworks of UGMC and the University of Ghana Medical School.  

Secondly, to develop integration guidelines to ensure coherence between UGMC’s clinical mandates and the university’s teaching and research mandates.  

Thirdly, to design a practical roadmap with clear timelines and a communication plan to guide stakeholders through the transition process.   

Fourthly, to facilitate all legal and administrative processes necessary for the seamless transfer and integration of UGMC into the University of Ghana.   

Fifthly, to identify any potential challenges, particularly in funding, staffing, and resource allocation, and propose sustainable solutions.  

Sixthly, to establish a transition secretariat to provide operational and logistical support during the transition period.   

The Committee will also  review expressions of interest for partnership by international health care institutions,  submit a comprehensive report to the President within three months from date of inauguration.  

He charged the Committee to work urgently and with a sense of historic responsibility.   

“You’re laying the foundation for a legacy of health care and medical education excellence. You’re building a bridge between the past and the future,” he said.  

“A future in which Ghana can serve as a hub for medical innovation, ethical practice, and world-class health outcomes.”  

The President said he envisioned the University of Ghana Medical Village becoming a center of gravity for global partnerships, regional referrals, and top-tier training.   

“It will be a place where the best minds are trained, and the best care is delivered, and also the best research is done right here on Ghanaian soil, on African soil.”  

Professor Aaron Lawson, co-chair of the UGMC Management Transitional Committee, expressed sincere appreciation to the President for the honour done them.   

“We are profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Mr President, we assure you that we shall not disappoint you.”  

Madam Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, Chairperson, University of Ghana Council, said the change would fully integrate the UGMC into the University’s broader framework for training health professionals, advancing clinical research, and shaping national health policy with the assistance of the Minister for Health.   

She said after the transition, UGMC was expected to function not just as a tertiary care facility, but as a dynamic academic medical center anchored in teaching service and innovation.  

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, thanked President Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise of handing over the UGMC to the University.  

She reiterated that the University would not take the responsibility lightly.   

Source: GNA