The second batch of students who pursued a Diploma in Midwifery on Saturday graduated from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) at the sixth and seventh sessions of the 52nd Congregation of the University.

A total of 2,857 students comprising of 2,808 women and 49 men pursued programmes at the 26 Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges (NMTCs) across the country.

The Diploma in Midwifery programme was introduced at UCC to further develop the level of professionalism conducted by midwives.

Vice Chancellor of the UCC, Professor Joseph Ghartey-Ampiah, at the ceremony acknowledged that midwives play a vital role in healthcare systems and urged midwives to exhibit a high level of professionalism in their health facilities.

He also advised that they abide by the code of conduct to promote and protect the interest and dignity of patients, clients and their relatives.

“Being a midwife is an inspiring and immensely fulfilling role that requires qualities including confidence, compassion and trust. I therefore urge you to exhibit these qualities in the facilities that you work,” he remarked at the ceremony.

The university aims to start a Bachelor of Science degree in Midwifery in the 2020/21 academic year once the course is approved by the National Accreditation Board (NAB) and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to expand their reach of teaching midwifery.

UCC also aim to do their part in contributing towards the global SDG-3 goal to reduce maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, by training midwwives.