President-Elect John Mahama has announced plans to return the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) to the University of Ghana. This move aims to restore the hospital’s original purpose as envisioned by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

Speaking during a meeting with the management team of the University of Ghana, Mahama expressed concerns about the facility’s current operation under the Ghana Health Service (GHS). He noted that the hospital is operating at only 40% capacity and highlighted the need for its full utilisation to meet its intended purpose.

“The issue of the University of Ghana Medical Centre was part of Prof Mills’ vision. It was built with the intent that the University of Ghana would set up a management subsidiary to run that hospital. Unfortunately, we left office, and a new government handed it over to the Ghana Health Service, which already has many hospitals under its wings that it cannot manage properly,” Mahama said.

He emphasised the importance of returning to the original management plan to ensure the facility maintains its high standards.

“I am anxious to come back to the original vision where the University of Ghana would manage that hospital. Currently, only 40% of the hospital is operational. We must scale up to 100% so that our people do not continue travelling to South Africa, India, and other countries for medical care we can provide here,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Amfo, praised Mahama’s commitment to reintegrating UGMC into the University system. She also called for a national conversation about sustainable funding for higher education.

“I am happy to hear of your plans for UGMC and remain at your disposal to discuss how we can properly situate the hospital within the University system as originally intended. Higher education needs to be a significant part of the agenda, and I believe we need a dispassionate discussion regarding sustainable funding for it,” Professor Amfo stated.

The discussions highlight efforts to optimise UGMC’s potential as a leading healthcare facility and align it with the University’s broader developmental goals.

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