The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has marked a significant milestone in the history of medical education in Ghana, as its School of Medical Sciences (SMS) celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The launch of the golden jubilee celebrations was graced by high-profile officials, including the Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem,Ashanti regional minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene and the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST.
In an address delivered at the launch, Dr Frank Amoakohene,Ashanti Regional minister who represented President Mahama reaffirmed the commitment of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama to strengthening healthcare in the Ashanti Region and across the country.
The government’s investment in completing major health infrastructure projects, such as the Afari Military Hospital, the Sewua Regional Hospital, and the KNUST Hospital, is a bold step toward easing the pressure on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
These projects will not only provide much-needed healthcare services to the people of Ashanti Region but also allow for the renovation and expansion of KATH, a facility that has served Ghana with distinction for decades. The strategic move is expected to decentralize surgical and specialist care, enabling peripheral facilities to manage avoidable referrals to KATH.
To achieve this goal, there is a need for a holistic review of the national referral system. The deployment of senior residents and consultants on-call to collaborate with district and regional hospitals will provide real-time support, perform surgeries, and strengthen local capacity.
The CEO of KATH and the Regional Director of Health Services have been tasked with designing a model for implementation.
As the SMS celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is essential to recognize the evolving needs of Ghana’s healthcare landscape. Medical education must align with this vision, producing not just doctors, but change-makers and innovators rooted in community service. The training at SMS should reflect the changing healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of community service and innovation.
In commemoration of the golden jubilee, the Legacy Project, a state-of-the-art lecture complex at Komfo Anokye, has been launched. The project aims to provide a modern learning facility that will support the training of medical professionals. A personal donation was made to support this project, demonstrating the commitment to excellence in medical education.
As KNUST’s School of Medical Sciences celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contribution the institution has made to healthcare delivery and medical education in Ghana.
The celebrations provide a platform for alumni, government, corporate bodies, and the general public to come together and support the Legacy Project, ensuring that the SMS continues to produce medical professionals who are equipped to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Ghana.
