By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has commended the founders and management of Family Health University (FHU) for advancing Ghana’s healthcare agenda through cutting-edge, internationally recognised academic programmes.
Mr. Akandoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting both public and private institutions in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system through ambitious reforms and increased investment in frontline health professionals.
The Health Minister made the commendation at the 2025 Matriculation and Graduation Ceremony of FHU, held in Accra over the weekend. The event saw 303 students graduate and 444 new students matriculate.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Akandoh, who was the Guest of Honour, praised the university’s founders, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume and Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, for their visionary leadership and the university’s pivotal role in training competent healthcare professionals.
He emphasised that the ceremony was not merely a celebration for the institution but a milestone for Ghana’s entire healthcare sector.
“This is not just a celebration for Family Health University. It is a milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector and a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier, stronger nation.
I must say I’m highly pleased with the university for successfully blending academic rigour with practical clinical training, made possible by its affiliation with the Family Health Hospital,” the Health Minister stated.
Mr. Akandoh used the occasion to outline key health sector reforms being rolled out under the John Dramani Mahama-led government, aimed at improving primary healthcare delivery.
These reforms include the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the introduction of free primary healthcare services, and the “Mahama Cares” programme, which focuses on tackling non-communicable diseases.
He added that the government is making significant investments in modernising health facilities and enhancing working conditions for healthcare workers.
In his address, Prof. Kwawukume reflected on the university’s journey from humble beginnings to a fully chartered institution. He described the recent Presidential Charter as both a recognition of academic excellence and a call to greater national responsibility.
Prof. Kwawukume announced plans to intensify the university’s focus on action-based research, particularly in urgent areas such as maternal health, infectious diseases, and mental healthcare.
“We must bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and community impact,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to expand postgraduate medical education and introduce new academic programmes in health technology and public health policy.
Prof. Kwawukume called for stronger collaboration with international universities and research institutions, adding that Family Health University is committed to preparing future healthcare leaders capable of meeting emerging global challenges.
He urged the graduating and matriculating students to embody the university’s core values of service, excellence, and empathy—stressing that they are not merely entering a profession but taking up a sacred duty to save lives, offer hope, and lead with integrity.
The ceremony also recognised academic excellence, with outstanding students receiving awards in various categories.
Miss Matah Naoussi Leaticia Brenda, Valedictorian of the MBChB Class of 2024, was adjudged the Overall Best MBChB Graduating Student.
In the BSc Medical Sciences category, Miss Yeboah Ewurabena Boatemaa claimed nine out of twelve academic awards. Other awardees included Miss Isabella Matey-Korley and Miss Owusu-Mintah Afaribea Akua, who also excelled in the Medical Sciences programme.
A total of 36 students were awarded Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees, while 42 received BSc degrees in Medical Sciences.
From the Nursing and Midwifery School, 81 students graduated with BSc degrees in Midwifery, 88 with BSc degrees in Nursing, and 63 earned certificates in Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC).
The matriculating class comprised 64 new entrants into the Medical School. Additionally, 303 students enrolled in the BSc Nursing and Midwifery programmes, and 76 were admitted into the NAC certificate programme.
Since its establishment, the institution has trained more than 190 medical doctors and over 1,000 nurses and midwives.
Dignitaries at the event included Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), Council Chairman; Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Co-Founder of FHU; Professor Philip Odonkor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Mrs. Rita Kaine, Registrar; Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School; and Dr. Patience Aniteye, Dean of the Nursing and Midwifery School.
Also in attendance were members of the University Governing Council, faculty, alumni, representatives of the Teshie Traditional Council, and several key stakeholders from Ghana’s healthcare sector.
