The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged to support the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in completing its teaching hospital.
He made this pledge at the Grand Durbar marking the 50th anniversary celebration of the School of Medical Sciences, held under the theme, “A glance at the past, a glimpse into the future.”
Representing the President of Ghana, the Minister affirmed the government’s unwavering and continuous support for the training of medical students.
Highlighting government initiatives to expand access to higher education, he announced:
“I’m happy to announce that, under our recent agenda, we are committing forty-six million Ghana cedis for the completion of the teaching hospital.”
He further added: “President Mahama has asked me to additionally commit thirty-eight million dollars for the equipping of the teaching hospital, and that will be part of the 2025/2026 formula of the GetFund.”
The Minister also revealed that, in collaboration with the administrator of the GetFund, the government will build additional lecture theatres for the university.
“Into our 2027 formula, we will also do two multipurpose lecture theaters for you at 10 million US dollars,” he said.
He praised the school for its outstanding role in producing medical professionals who provide quality healthcare globally.
“The training of medical doctors is not just about certifying, but you’re producing leaders for Ghana, Africa, and the world at large. The School of Medical Sciences has made a remarkable and extraordinary contribution to democratizing and demystifying medical education,” he stated.
The anniversary celebration reflected on five decades of remarkable achievements, enduring impact, and the vision of the School of Medical Sciences.
Speaking on behalf of the Chancellor, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Baffour Dr. Osei Hyeaman Brantuo VI, Mawerehene of Asantehene, called on national leaders to address the issue of prioritizing fee-paying students over those with strong academic performance.
“First and foremost, let us do something about the fee-paying priority over those people with grades,” he said.
Expressing the Chancellor’s concern, he added: “It is for this reason that he set up the Otumfuor Education Fund very early on.”
He encouraged stakeholders to adopt innovative strategies to sustain medical training while raising concerns about enrollment numbers.
“Let us find ways and means of getting people to sponsor,” he urged. “I trust that if we use innovative ways, we can get all people involved. There should be something done about the enrollment. The number is still suicidal.”
The Chairman of the KNUST Council, Akyamfour Asafo-Boakye Agyemang Bonsu, also urged the gathering to transform medical education into an attainable goal for all.
“Demystifying medical education is not merely an aspiration; it is a moral imperative for our next fifty years,” he emphasized. “Let every brilliant student in underserved regions know that medicine is within grasp.”
He further pledged support for progressive initiatives: “We will support initiatives that break down barriers, and we will champion policies that democratize access to medical education.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, commended SMS for its perseverance and dedication.
“The school’s legacy of training almost 4,000 doctors and medical scientists is a testament to its resilience, excellence, and eminence,” she said. “We salute you, SMS, for your unwavering commitment and zeal in the service of humanity. You have indeed come a long way.”
She encouraged the school to sustain its mission of training professionals with both local and global relevance: “By producing health professionals who are patient-focused, compassionate, globally competitive, and locally relevant in achieving health for all, regardless of the challenges.”
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