The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s healthcare system through ambitious reforms and increased investment in frontline professionals.

He made these remarks at the 2025 Matriculation and Graduation Ceremony of Family Health University (FHU), held in Accra.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, the Minister congratulated the 303 graduating students and 444 matriculants, commending the university for its pivotal role in producing competent healthcare professionals.

He emphasised that the ceremony was not merely a celebration for the institution but a landmark for the entire healthcare sector in Ghana.

“This is not just a celebration for Family Health University,” he remarked. “It is a milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector and a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier, stronger nation.”

Graduating students included 36 awarded with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees, and 42 receiving BSc degrees in Medical Sciences. From the Nursing and Midwifery School, 81 students graduated with a BSc in Midwifery, 88 with a BSc 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.

Mr Akandoh used the occasion to outline several key health sector initiatives. These include the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the rollout of free primary healthcare services, and the “Mahama Cares” programme, aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases.

He added that the government is investing significantly in modernising health facilities and enhancing working conditions for healthcare workers.

The Minister praised Family Health University for successfully blending academic rigour with practical clinical training, made possible by its affiliation with the Family Health Hospital. He paid special tribute to Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume and Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume,Founders of Family Health University for their visionary leadership.

Since its establishment, the institution has trained more than 190 medical doctors and over 1,000 nurses and midwives.

In his address, Prof. Kwawukume reflected on the university’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a fully chartered institution. He described the recent Presidential Charter as both a recognition of academic excellence and a call to greater national responsibility. He announced that the university will intensify its focus on action-based research, particularly in areas of urgent national importance such as maternal health, infectious diseases, and mental healthcare.

“We must bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and community impact,” Prof. Kwawukume stated.

He disclosed plans to expand postgraduate medical education and introduce new academic programmes in health technology and public health policy. He also called for stronger collaboration with international universities and research bodies, noting that Family Health University is committed to preparing future healthcare leaders capable of addressing tomorrow’s 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 celebrated academic excellence, with outstanding students receiving awards in various categories. Miss Matah Naoussi Leaticia Brenda, Valedictorian of the MBChB Class of 2024, emerged as the top performer, sweeping all available academic awards in her programme and receiving the prize for Overall Best MBChB Graduating Student. In the BSc Medical Sciences category, Miss Yeboah Ewurabena Boatemaa claimed nine out of 12 academic awards. Other awardees included Miss Isabella Matey-Korley and Miss Owusu-Mintah Afaribea Akua, who also excelled in the Medical Sciences programme.

Personalities present at the event included Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), Council Chairman; Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder, Family Health University, and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital, 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.