Mahama Pledges to Transfer University of Ghana Medical Centre to University of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to transferring the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) to the University of Ghana, saying the move will strengthen medical education, research and healthcare delivery in the country.
Speaking during an engagement with university stakeholders, the President said the government remains committed to completing the transfer process. He noted that integrating the medical center into the university’s governance structure will help align clinical services with academic training and research.
According to President Mahama, the transfer will allow the University of Ghana to manage the facility as part of its broader health sciences system. He said the arrangement will improve collaboration between the medical center and the university’s colleges, particularly in training future healthcare professionals.
The President explained that closer integration will create better opportunities for medical students, resident doctors and researchers. He added that the move will also support innovation in healthcare and enhance the quality of specialist medical services.
The University of Ghana Medical Centre was established as a state-of-the-art healthcare facility to provide advanced medical care while supporting teaching and research. Although the hospital has worked closely with the University of Ghana since its establishment, its formal transfer to the university has remained a subject of policy discussions.
Government officials believe the transition will improve operational efficiency and strengthen the institution’s role as a teaching hospital. They also expect the move to promote better coordination between academic programs and clinical practice.
Education and health policy experts have long argued that teaching hospitals function more effectively when they operate under the institutions responsible for training healthcare professionals. They say such arrangements encourage research, improve student learning and strengthen patient care.
The proposed transfer also aligns with broader efforts to improve Ghana’s tertiary education and healthcare systems. Successive governments have emphasized the importance of investing in medical infrastructure and expanding opportunities for health research and professional training.
Stakeholders in the health and education sectors have welcomed renewed discussions on the future of the facility. Many believe a successful transfer could enhance the university’s capacity to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals while expanding access to specialist medical services.
President Mahama said the government will continue working with the University of Ghana and other relevant institutions to complete the necessary administrative and legal processes required for the transition.
The announcement underscores the government’s broader commitment to strengthening public healthcare institutions and supporting higher education through improved governance and institutional collaboration.
