The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and Family Health University (FHU), have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in advancing medical and health sciences education in Ghana.
This renewed partnership was underscored during an informal working visit by the GTEC Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai to the FHU campus in Accra.
The visit, hosted by the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, and Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital, focused on assessing the institution’s growth and exploring new avenues for national collaboration.
In his remarks, the GTEC Director-General , Prof .Jinapor Abdulai , expressed his admiration for FHU’s rapid development since receiving its Presidential Charter, calling it “a clear result of visionary leadership, a strong governance structure, and dedicated academic staff.”
“Family Health University has demonstrated what determination and focus can achieve in the private tertiary education sector. Its rise is not only fast but deeply impactful—especially in the medical and public health space,” the GTEC Director noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwawukume, used the opportunity to shed light on some of the university’s landmark achievements, including the globally recognized bloodless fibroid surgical method, which has caught the attention of global institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO).
“We’re proud to say our work in minimally invasive surgery, especially bloodless fibroid removal, is saving lives and setting new benchmarks for safe, accessible treatment,” he said.
Present at the high-level meeting were key senior members of FHU: Professor Philip Odonkor, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Mrs. Rita Kaine, Registrar; Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School; Dr. Augustina Ofori-Asamoah, Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery; and Professor Festus Adzaku, GEMP Coordinator.
Also in attendance were Dr. Emmanuel Labram, Director of Academics and Student Affairs; Dr. Charles Fleischer-Djoleto, Immediate Past Dean of the Medical School; Madam Joana Agyare, Hospital Administrator; and Madam Veronica Amedo, Matron of the Family Health Hospital.
Reflecting on FHU’s public health initiatives, Professor Kwawukume announced a bold target: the elimination of cervical cancer in the Teshie-Nungua enclave within five years.
He described this as “a commitment to preventive care and research-led community service.”
The visit also included moments of reflection. Professor Kwawukume paid tribute to the late Professor Timothy R.B. Johnson, a founding mentor of the institution. The newly commissioned e-library now bears his name, in honour of his legacy.
The GTEC Director-General’s presence facilitated policy discussions as well. Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School, made a passionate appeal to government and regulatory agencies to extend tax waivers on imported medical equipment for private universities and consider fee support for first-year students, similar to what exists in public institutions.
“We are training future healthcare leaders for the nation. The government must see private chartered universities as partners, not competitors,” Dr. Oppong said.
Looking ahead, FHU announced plans to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical education through local partnerships. These technologies are expected to enhance diagnostics, learning experiences, and overall healthcare delivery.
The GTEC Director praised the initiative, stating:“Innovation is the backbone of a resilient education system. Supporting private, science-based universities like FHU is in the national interest.”
He emphasized that many private institutions in Ghana are mission-driven, not profit-oriented, and need targeted support to scale their impact.
The visit ended with a guided campus tour, which took the GTEC team through the emergency wards, dialysis unit, cadaver lodge, lecture halls, main library, and the Timothy R.B. Johnson E-Library.
The Director-General also engaged with students, offering insights into GTEC’s work and encouraging academic excellence.
This visit marks a strengthened partnership between GTEC and FHU, reinforcing the crucial role of visionary private institutions in shaping Ghana’s tertiary and health education landscape.
“This collaboration is not just about growth; it’s about building a future-ready health education system,” said Professor Kwawukume in closing.
