Chairman of the Council at the Accra College of Medicine, Prof. Emeritus Stephen Adei, is urging the government to roll out a dedicated national policy to strengthen the role of private tertiary institutions in Ghana’s development.
Speaking at the 6th Congregation and 10th Anniversary celebration of the Accra College of Medicine, Prof. Adei revealed a troubling gap in medical admissions.
He said the University of Ghana Medical School received about 4,000 applications this year but could admit only 150 students.
He described the situation as a clear sign that government can no longer depend on public institutions alone to train the country’s future doctors.
Prof. Adei said the state must partner with private medical schools to take in qualified applicants who are rejected every year due to limited capacity.
He explained that such collaboration would reduce the pressure on government to build new training facilities and quickly increase Ghana’s medical workforce.
“Ghana has reached a stage where we have over 90 accredited private institutions. There is therefore the need for a dedicated policy and agenda by the state to enhance the contribution of private universities and colleges,” he said.
He stressed that with a structured government–private sector partnership, the country can close the widening gap in medical education and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.