President John Dramani Mahama has assured the University of Ghana (UG) that the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) will be transferred to the University.

The President said a committee established to look into the transfer of UGMC from the Ministry of Health to the University had submitted its report for consideration.

President Mahama gave the assurance when he graced the 2nd Session of the July Congregation of UG on Saturday, July 25, at the University’s Great Hall.

The event saw postgraduate doctoral degrees conferred on 157 candidates from the UG School of Graduate Studies.

In all, 1,884 students graduated during the two-day congregation, comprising 157 PhDs, 1,429 masters and 298 undergraduates.

Mr. Mahama said the next step after the submission was the presentation of a transition roadmap for execution.

“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 health care delivery,” he added.

President Mahama said his Government was committed to ensuring that no capable Ghanaian was denied access to higher education because of financial constraints.

He stressed that the “No-Fee-Stress” initiative being implemented would ensure that as many first-year students as possible begin their university education with dignity, confidence, and hope.

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

The President commended the graduates for their dedication to knowledge and research, especially his Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, who was among the graduating class.

He encouraged them to excel wherever opportunities took them, learn from the best and distinguish themselves.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of UG, said the University had maintained its position as the leading university in Ghana and West Africa, while strengthening its standing among Africa’s top universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

“Ranked among the top 13 universities in Africa, the University of Ghana continues to strengthen its standing among leading institutions globally.

“The QS World University Rankings 2027 ranked 1,504 institutions worldwide, with UG’s performance reinforcing its reputation for excellence in research, innovation, teaching and learning,” she said.

Prof. Amfo said the performance reflected the University’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, particularly in the areas of impactful research, transformative student experience, engagement and partnerships, and faculty and staff development.

GNA