The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Ghana’s healthcare system through ambitious reforms and sustained investment in healthcare professionals.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the 2025 Matriculation and Graduation Ceremony of Family Health University (FHU) in Accra, the Minister, congratulated the 303 graduates and 444 new students.
He commended the university for its critical role in training competent healthcare workers, describing the event as a significant milestone for both the institution and the nation’s healthcare sector.
“This is not just a celebration for Family Health University,” he stated. “It is a milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector and a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier, stronger nation.”
Graduation Highlights
The ceremony marked the graduation of 36 students with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees and 42 with Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Medical Sciences. From the School of Nursing and Midwifery, 81 students earned BSc degrees in Midwifery, 88 in Nursing, and 63 were awarded certificates in Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC).
Meanwhile, 64 students were formally admitted into the Medical School, with 303 matriculating into the BSc Nursing and Midwifery programmes and 76 joining the NAC certificate programme.
Government Initiatives
In his address, Akandoh, outlined several key initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery. These include:
- Uncapping the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
- Rollout of free primary healthcare services
- “Mahama Cares” programme focused on combating non-communicable diseases
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing health infrastructure and enhancing conditions for frontline healthcare workers.
Tributes and Institutional Achievements
Akandoh, lauded FHU’s integration of academic learning with hands-on clinical training, made possible through its affiliation with the Family Health Hospital.
He also paid tribute to the university’s founders, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume and Dr Susu Bridget Kwawukume, for their visionary leadership.
Since its inception, Family Health University has trained over 190 medical doctors and more than 1,000 nurses and midwives.
Leadership Reflections
In his remarks, Professor Kwawukume, reflected on the institution’s growth from modest beginnings to becoming a fully chartered university. He described the recent Presidential Charter as both an honour and a responsibility to expand national impact.
He announced the university’s renewed focus on action-based research, especially in maternal health, infectious diseases, and mental health. Plans are underway to introduce postgraduate medical programmes and new academic tracks in health technology and public health policy.
“We must bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and community impact,” Prof. Kwawukume emphasized. He also advocated for stronger collaborations with international universities and research institutions to prepare students for the evolving demands of the global healthcare landscape.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The ceremony also recognized academic excellence. Miss Matah Naoussi Leaticia Brenda, Valedictorian of the MBChB Class of 2024, received all top honours in her programme, including the award for Overall Best MBChB Graduating Student.
In the BSc Medical Sciences category, Miss Yeboah Ewurabena Boatemaa, won nine out of twelve academic awards. Other notable awardees, included Miss Isabella Matey-Korley and Miss Owusu-Mintah Afaribea Akua.
Distinguished Guests
The event was attended by several dignitaries including:
- Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), Chairman of the University Council
- Dr Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder and Chief Medical Director, Family Health Hospital
- Professor Philip Odonkor, Pro-Vice Chancellor
- Mrs. Rita Kaine, Registrar
- Dr Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School
- Dr Patience Aniteye, Dean of the Nursing and Midwifery School
Also present, were members of the University Governing Council, faculty, alumni, representatives of the Teshie Traditional Council, and key stakeholders in Ghana’s healthcare system.