By Diana Adjei
The President of the West African College of Surgeons, Professor Ibrahim Yakasai, has addressed participants at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African Association of Surgeons currently underway at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Speaking on the theme, Capacity building in surgery: Developing the next Generation of Surgens in Africa the conference, Professor Yakasai highlighted achievements of the College’s outreach group, which has successfully conducted over 150 surgical operations, including procedures for fibroids, cataracts, hernia, and many more, improving the lives of numerous patients.
With sub-themes on artificial interligence being used in surgery, coupled with inovations in surgical training and leveraging technology, the conference explores transformative approaches in cutting-edge trends that are redefining surgical practice. According to Professor Yakasai said the college “commitment to embracing technological advancements and leveraging innovations in surgical practice, to improve healthcare delivery in the sub-region.”
Prof. Yakasai said the progress is being made on the College’s property in Ghana, which is at an advanced stage of complision, but appealed for support to finalize the project, expressing confidence that the President of Ghana would assist in completing the project.
Prof. Yakasai encouraged participants to actively engage in the conference sessions to shape the future of surgery in West Africa. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with health professionals to advance healthcare outcomes and expressed eagerness to explore opportunities for partnerships during and beyond the conference.
The West African College of Surgeons is a professional, non-profit organization established in 1960 that promotes postgraduate education, training, and research in surgery across 15+ West African nations. It sets standards for surgical training, accredits hospitals, and awards fellowships (FWACS) in specialties including Anesthesia, Dental Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Radiology, and General Surgery.
The 66th Annual Conference continues at UPSA, bringing together surgeons and health experts from across West Africa to share knowledge, build capacity, and promote excellence in surgical care.
