Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commended accredited private medical schools for their vital contribution to expanding Ghana’s pool of doctors and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.
Speaking at the Sixth Congregation of the Accra College of Medicine, which also celebrated the institution’s 10th anniversary, she witnessed the graduation of 23 new doctors—the largest cohort in the college’s history. Thirteen per cent of the graduates earned distinctions in at least one clinical discipline.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted how graduates from private institutions like ACM are already making a tangible impact, serving in hospitals across the country and pursuing specialist postgraduate training.
“An army, formed here, now serves across Ghana. This is a credit to the institution and all who have been part of it,” she remarked.
She urged the new doctors to prioritize service in underserved communities, emphasizing that those trained to heal must place public duty above personal convenience.
The Vice President also praised private medical schools for providing opportunities to talented students who might otherwise be excluded from public institutions due to stiff admission cut-offs.
“By identifying and nurturing talent, private institutions complement government efforts to strengthen human resources in the health sector,” she said.
Established in 2015 as an independent private college, ACM is affiliated with the University of Ghana and fully accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Medical and Dental Council. It focuses on research-driven training tailored to Ghana and Africa’s unique health challenges.
“The seed planted a decade ago has grown into a living institution where science meets compassion and knowledge is tempered by conscience,” the Vice President added.
ACM President Professor Afua Hesse revealed that 97 per cent of the college’s alumni are actively working in hospitals and health facilities nationwide. She noted that 62 per cent of current students are female and that the institution has invested in advanced technologies, including the Anatomage 3D anatomy platform and Cyberpatient virtual simulation software.
Looking ahead, Prof Hesse announced plans to launch a Graduate Entry Medical Programme and expand scholarship opportunities to improve access to medical education.
A total of 65 credits were awarded across the core disciplines of Medicine, Surgery, and Community Health. Ms Malegho Chelsie Jomsentuh was named Valedictorian.
