Mahama assures transfer of UGMC to University of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to transferring the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) from the Ministry of Health to the University of Ghana (UG), saying the process is now moving to its implementation stage.

The President made the announcement during the Second Session of the University of Ghana's July 2026 Congregation, held on Saturday, July 25, at the University's Great Hall, where he addressed graduates, faculty members and invited guests.

President Mahama disclosed that the committee established to examine the transfer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre has completed its work and submitted its report for government consideration.

According to him, the next phase of the process will involve the preparation of a detailed transition roadmap to guide the transfer of the facility from the Ministry of Health to the University.

"The committee established to look into the transfer of UGMC from the Ministry of Health to the University has submitted its report, and the next step is to present a transition roadmap for implementation," the President stated.

He reiterated government's determination to ensure that the medical centre fulfils the purpose for which it was originally established.

"We remain determined to ensure that the University of Ghana Medical Centre fully serves its original purpose as a centre of excellence for teaching, research, specialist training, and world-class healthcare delivery," President Mahama added.

The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration's commitment to expanding access to tertiary education regardless of students' financial backgrounds.

He highlighted the government's "No-Fee-Stress" initiative, which is aimed at supporting first-year university students by removing financial barriers to higher education.

According to President Mahama, the programme seeks to ensure that qualified students can begin their academic journey with confidence and dignity.

Education should never be determined by the size of one's pocket, but by the strength of one's knowledge and potential," he said.

President Mahama congratulated the graduating students for their hard work, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence.

He encouraged them to pursue excellence in their chosen careers, embrace continuous learning and make meaningful contributions to national and global development.

The President also singled out his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who was among the graduates, commending him and the entire graduating class for their achievements.

The Second Session of the July Congregation saw the University of Ghana School of Graduate Studies confer doctoral degrees on 157 candidates.

Overall, 1,884 students graduated during the two-day ceremony, comprising:

• 157 PhD graduates
• 1,429 Master's degree graduates
• 298 Undergraduate graduates

The congregation celebrated achievements across various academic disciplines, reflecting the university's continued investment in postgraduate education and research.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo announced that the University of Ghana has retained its position as the highest-ranked university in Ghana and West Africa, while strengthening its standing among Africa's leading higher education institutions.

According to her, the QS World University Rankings 2027 placed the University among the top 13 universities in Africa.

She noted that the global ranking assessed 1,504 universities worldwide, with the University of Ghana's performance highlighting its strengths in research, innovation, teaching and learning.

Prof. Amfo attributed the achievement to the University's 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which prioritises:

• Impactful research
• Transformative student experience
• Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Faculty and staff development
• Innovation and academic excellence

She said the latest ranking reinforces the University's growing international reputation and commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.

The planned transfer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, together with continued investment in higher education and research, is expected to strengthen collaboration between medical education, clinical training and healthcare delivery while enhancing the University's role as one of Africa's leading academic institutions.