Ensign Global College, a private tertiary institution located in Kpong in the Eastern Region of Ghana, and renowned for training global leaders in public health, has launched its 10th anniversary by unveiling innovative academic programmes aimed at addressing the country's rapidly evolving public health challenges.

Held under the theme, “Celebrating a decade of educating professional and entrepreneurial leaders for prosperity,” the anniversary launch coincided with the matriculation of 25 new Master of Public Health students.

The event featured a documentary screening that highlighted the college’s decade-long journey, captivating students, faculty, and distinguished guests.

Co-chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Dr Stephen Manortey underscored the significance of the milestone in his welcome address. He emphasized the college’s lasting impact on public health education in the country.

“We are using this celebration to tell the whole world that the institute has come to stay,” he declared.

He further praised the dedication of the college's staff, noting, “It gives us the opportunity to recognize the hardworking hands of the institution who have contributed to making the institution what it is.”

In his keynote address, the President of Ensign Global College, Professor Stephen Alder expressed gratitude to partner institutions, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, for their pivotal role in the college's development over the past decade.

He proudly noted that Ensign has produced alumni who now hold influential positions in globally recognized public health institutions.

“We have alumni working in public health agencies, the Ghana Health Service, and various health and clinical facilities, fulfilling frontline duties here in Ghana. Others have pursued doctoral programmes both locally and internationally,” he highlighted.

“We have them serving in locations from the University of Ghana to prominent world institutions like the University of Harvard.”

Professor Alder also acknowledged the challenges the college faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite these hurdles, he celebrated the institution’s resilience, "God said we would do it, and we have done it!"

He explained that the difficulties of the pandemic strengthened the college’s foundation.

“We learned during those difficult two years, and at Ensign College, we have created a stronger foundation out of that.”

Among the new initiatives, the college will be launching health and safety programmes aimed at addressing emerging threats, particularly those caused by environmental degradation.

“We are launching programmes in health and safety,” Professor Alder announced. Additionally, he emphasized the college’s commitment to tackling human trafficking as a public health issue rather than just a law enforcement concern.

“We are working on responding to the challenges of human trafficking, considering it as not just a law enforcement or criminal justice issue but as a public health issue.”

On the critical issue of illegal mining, or galamsey, and its adverse impact on water pollution, Professor Alder observed, “We have challenges of galamsey, which leads to the pollution of water. It is also about jobs—how do we help people become gainfully employed? That’s part of public health. So we’ve started to expand our scope.”

He highlighted the institution’s role in facilitating the Master of Business Creation programme, run by the University of Utah, which Ensign Global College has helped bring to Africa.
Ensign Global College has achieved the highest level of accreditation in public health, ensuring that its graduates are qualified to work anywhere in the world.

On her part, Yilo Krobo Municipal Health Director, Irina Offei, commended Ensign Global College for its impactful community engagement over the past decade. She noted, “Over the past decade, Ensign Global College has had a significant impact on Krobo-land and beyond.”

Ms. Offei elaborated on the college’s involvement in local initiatives, such as breast cancer screenings for women, menstrual hygiene education, leadership training, and internship programmes.

“Ensign partnered with the Municipal Health Directorate to promote health through various activities, such as health screenings during specific times of the year,” she added, expressing optimism for even greater contributions from the college in the coming decade.

Former Dean of the School of Medical Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Daniel Ansong, also praised Ensign’s growth.

He reflected, “Ten years ago, I wondered if Ensign could compete with leading health schools in Ghana, notably the University of Ghana School of Public Health and the emerging KNUST School of Public Health. Today, I am proud to say that Ensign is fully established and is leading public health education in Ghana.”

As the institution continues to grow, its matriculants expressed enthusiasm about gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing public health challenges, including those arising from the galamsey menace.