Fifty newly admitted medical students at the Family Health University have been formally inducted into the medical profession with a call to become agents of change in Ghana’s healthcare system and help advance the goal of universal access to quality health services.
The students were officially welcomed during the university’s matriculation and White Coat ceremonies, which symbolise the beginning of their journey into the medical profession.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Professor Susu Bridget Kwawukume emphasised that the global goal of Health-for-All could only be achieved by training health professionals who combine clinical competence with compassion, integrity and social responsibility.
She explained that despite advances in medicine and technology, millions of people around the world—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—still lacked access to essential healthcare.
“These realities challenge us to rethink how we educate and train health professionals for the benefit of society,” she said.
According to her, transformative medical education should produce professionals who are ethically grounded, technologically skilled and committed to serving communities.
Prof. Kwawukume urged the new students to see themselves as future leaders capable of transforming healthcare delivery.
“As future physicians, you will be entrusted with lives, confidences and hopes. Ask critical questions, embrace research and innovation, and engage communities with humility,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor also explained that by taking the matriculation oath, the students had pledged to uphold the ethical and professional standards required in the medical field and to dedicate themselves to the preservation of life.
Guest speaker Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, Chief Executive Officer of Kinapharma, encouraged the students to recognise the crucial role healthcare professionals play in national development.
“Healthcare is not just a service; it is a pillar of productivity, security and dignity,” he said.
Dr Nsiah-Poku noted that Ghana must strengthen its capacity in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production and clinical services, and urged the students to contribute to building resilient health systems.
He also encouraged them to prioritise innovation and research throughout their training.
The Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr Sylvester Yaw Oppong, reminded the students that the path ahead would be demanding but deeply rewarding.
“There will be long nights and moments of uncertainty, but there will also be the gratitude of a patient and the relief of a family,” he said, urging them to wear their white coats with humility and responsibility.
Speaking on behalf of the students, matriculant Ms Addo-Listowell expressed gratitude to the university’s management, faculty members, and parents for their support in helping them achieve their academic goals.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong (Rtd.); the founder of the Weija Leprosarium, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell; and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Odonkor.
