The Ghana Armed Forces College of Nursing and Midwifery (GAFCONM), affiliated with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has officially matriculated 734 students for its newly introduced Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery programmes.
The event took place at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, marking a significant step in the college’s transition from diploma to degree-level training for healthcare professionals.
Under the theme “Charting New Horizons: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders for Effective Healthcare Delivery,” the ceremony welcomed the new batch of students, who are set to embark on a rigorous academic journey at one of Ghana’s foremost health training institutions.
Dr. Atta Yeboah-Sarpong, Acting Director of Academic Affairs at UCC, delivered a thought-provoking address to the new students, urging them to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. He emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to remain adaptable and proactive in a rapidly evolving sector.
“Healthcare is dynamic, with constantly changing diseases, treatment approaches, and technological advancements,” Dr. Yeboah-Sarpong remarked. “To succeed, you must stay curious, proactive, and flexible in your approach to learning.”
The Acting Director stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork in the healthcare industry, encouraging the students to embody these qualities throughout their studies. “Healthcare is a collaborative field, and your ability to work well with others, including colleagues and patients, will be critical to your success,” he added.
Dr. Yeboah-Sarpong also highlighted the wealth of resources and opportunities available to the students at GAFCONM and the 37 Military Hospital, advising them to engage actively in research and develop critical thinking skills. He also encouraged them to explore specialized fields like neonatal intensive care, oncology nursing, and critical care to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Air Commodore Nana Adu-Gyamfi, the Military Secretary of the Ghana Armed Forces, delivered the keynote address, motivating the students to stay dedicated to their studies. “The journey ahead may be challenging, but with persistence and consistency, you will overcome the obstacles,” he said. He also underscored the high academic standards expected from the college due to its new status as a degree-awarding institution.
Major Bright Attah Addae, Acting Principal of GAFCONM, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, noting that the 734 new matriculants were selected from a pool of 4,706 applicants for the 2024/2025 academic year. He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities for mentorship, learning, and professional development that the college offers, while also prioritizing self-care amidst the challenges of their studies.
“Your journey is one of dedication to the noble profession of nursing and midwifery,” Major Addae said. “Stay committed to your development, and remember to take care of yourselves as you work toward becoming the next generation of leaders in healthcare.”
With the shift to bachelor’s degree programmes, GAFCONM continues to raise the bar for nursing and midwifery education in Ghana, reinforcing its commitment to producing highly skilled, compassionate professionals who will contribute to the country’s healthcare sector.
