By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana’s drive toward universal health coverage has received a significant boost following the commissioning of a refurbished bio-instrumentation laboratory for Biomedical Engineering students at the University of Ghana.
The facility, supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), was officially launched at the university.
The state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with modern biomedical instruments aimed at strengthening practical training and aligning academic instruction with industry standards. The intervention forms part of efforts to build technical capacity within Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in the area of medical equipment management and maintenance.
For years, Biomedical Engineering students at the University of Ghana faced significant constraints due to outdated equipment and limited laboratory infrastructure. As a result, many relied heavily on theoretical instruction, with limited opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, reflected on the early challenges of establishing biomedical engineering education in Ghana. She indicated that the programme initially struggled with inadequate teaching staff, limited infrastructure and insufficient facilities for practical work. Lecturers were compelled to handle multiple courses, while students had few opportunities for hands-on training.
Dr Ignatius Awinibuno, Director of Allied Health at the Ministry of Health, stressed that Ghana’s quest for universal health coverage could be undermined without strong biomedical technology systems and skilled professionals capable of maintaining medical equipment.
Professor Thorsten Wagner, Lead Consultant for the Upskilling Biomedical Engineers for Ghana initiative, also underscored the importance of reinforcing practical biomedical engineering education to ensure sustainability in healthcare technology management.
The refurbished bio-instrumentation laboratory is expected to serve both current and future cohorts of Biomedical Engineering students, marking a key milestone in advancing skills-based engineering education and reinforcing Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
