The School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) launched its 50th anniversary celebrations today, with a call for increased investment in medical education.

Themed "A Glance at the Past, A Glimpse into the Future," the event brought together key stakeholders, including faculty, alumni, and government officials, to reflect on the school’s achievements and look forward to the next chapter in shaping the future of healthcare.

Prof. Akwasi Antwi Kusi, Dean of SMS, highlighted the significant strides made by the school but also pointed to the growing challenges in medical education.

According to him, medical education is evolving at an unprecedented pace and SMS must keep up with these changes to meet the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals.

“The medical field has undergone remarkable transformations over the last 50 years, and it continues to evolve. To stay ahead, we must innovate, invest, and lead,” he added.

Prof. Kusi emphasized the need for greater investment in medical education, pointing out that despite the growing number of applicants, funding remains a major challenge.

“Medical education is expensive in the United States, the average annual cost of medical education is $60,000. In Ghana, it’s 3,000 cedis for regular students and 10,000 cedis for fee-paying students. This keeps our medical schools underfunded, affecting infrastructure, equipment, faculty salaries, and resources,” he said.

The Dean also called attention to the lack of space at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where SMS students undergo clinical training.

“We have the potential to expand, but we are constrained by the lack of lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and accommodation at KATH.

Currently, our combined class for medical and dental students stands at 320, but only 120 students can be accommodated in our classrooms, ” he noted.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, SMS alumni have launched a legacy project to construct a multi-purpose lecture theatre complex at KATH, aimed at addressing the infrastructure challenges.

Prof. Kusi urged both the government and corporate bodies to invest more in medical education. “I call on the government to review the fees for medical education and offer special loans for medical students, and I urge corporate bodies to invest in medical education.”

Prof. Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, praised the achievements of SMS alumni and encouraged them to continue supporting their alma mater.
“Your success is a reflection of the foundation you received here
We urge you to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion in all that you do.”

The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, reinforced the importance of continued investment in the future of medical education.

“As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we must remember that the future demands innovation, investment, and commitment. Let’s all contribute to ensure SMS remains a leader in medical education,” she said.

Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance, also expressed his support for SMS's future growth, promising government backing for the school's expansion and development.

“We must focus on the future, and we are committed to supporting SMS as it grows into an even greater institution for health research, innovation, and delivery,” he said.

In a personal reflection, Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoako-Akohene, shared his own experiences during his clinical years and pledged to contribute to the ongoing projects. “I’ve seen the challenges firsthand, and I am committed to supporting the expansion and development of SMS,” he said.