Vice President hails private schools for Ghana healthcare
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku‑Agyemang praised private medical schools on Saturday, saying they are vital to expanding Ghana’s health workforce.
Speaking at the Sixth Congregation of the Accra College of Medicine (ACM), which also marked the school’s tenth anniversary, the Vice President oversaw the graduation of twenty‑three new doctors – the largest cohort in the college’s history.
Thirteen percent of the graduates earned distinctions in at least one clinical discipline, demonstrating the high academic standards of the private institution.
“An army formed here now serves across Ghana,” Opoku‑Agyemang said, highlighting that ACM alumni are already working in hospitals nationwide and many are entering specialist postgraduate training.
She emphasized that private medical education bridges critical gaps in health service delivery, urging the new doctors to prioritise postings in underserved communities.
“Our communities face serious gaps in health care access; those best equipped must put duty above personal convenience,” the Vice President charged the graduates.
The Veep noted that private colleges like ACM provide opportunities for talented young Ghanaians who might not meet the highly competitive cut‑off points of public medical schools, thereby complementing government efforts to strengthen human resources in the health sector.
Founded in 2015, ACM was created with a vision to deliver research‑driven, high‑quality medical training tailored to Ghana and Africa’s health challenges. The college is affiliated with the University of Ghana and accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Medical and Dental Council.
Professor Afua Hesse, President of ACM, remarked that ninety‑seven percent of the college’s alumni are currently serving in hospitals and health institutions across the country.
She added that sixty‑two percent of the student body is female and highlighted the college’s investment in cutting‑edge technologies such as the Anatomage 3D anatomy platform and Cyberpatient virtual simulation software.
Looking ahead, Prof. Hesse outlined plans to launch a Graduate Entry Medical Programme and expand scholarship opportunities to make medical education more accessible.
A total of sixty‑five credits were recorded across the core disciplines of Medicine, Surgery and Community Health, underscoring the calibre of the new practitioners. Ms. Malegho Chelsie Jomsentuh was adjudged valedictorian of the graduating class.
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