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Eight medical doctors graduate from Accra College of Medicine
• The overall best female student Nana Afua Boma Owusu-Sekyere (right) receiving
her award from Prof Afua Adwo Jectey Hesse. Photo. Vincent Dzatse
A Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, has called on medical students or young doctors to take interest in affairs of this country.
Referencing CP Snow’s “Two Cultures”, Prof Nii Boi Tagoe cited that scientists had left public affairs too much in the hands of those in the Arts or Humanities.
“I urge that we balance this equation with more of us with a scientific turn of mind. I would, therefore, ask all of you young doctors to take a healthy interest in the public affairs of this country. In my considered view, that is the only way we can rescue our country from lopsided development, or more appropriately, decline,” he cautioned.
The former VC was addressing some medical students of the Accra College of Medicine (ACM), during its 3rd Congregation ceremony held in Accra last Saturday.
He, therefore, informed the students that their spirit of selflessness would be taxed, considering the present economic situation; expensive rate of drugs, laboratory investigations and medical treatments.
He again noted that the development in public affairs of the country, did have serious implications for medical practice and it was his hope, that when the students’ spirit of Heart-Power was called for, they wouldn’t be found wanting.
“You are entering the profession and, indeed, the world of work at a very difficult time not only in the country, but the world as a whole. Therefore, bear in mind, that the world judges a society as civilised, depending on how that society treats its poor and vulnerable class,” he said.
Prof Nii Boi Tagoe tasked them to be open and honest in their course of practice since things could go wrong unexpectedly.
“There is so much litigation going on. You get sued whether you took a particular decision or not. Get your procedures right, remember your standard operating procedures, document everything honestly and openly and make sure you apply your knowledge for good always, “ he advised.
Giving a valedictorian speech on behalf of the students, Nana Afua Boma Owusu – Sekyere forewarned her colleagues to keep their shortcomings in mind since medicine is a noble profession.
Graduating students who performed exceptionally well in their academics were honoured as well as some lecturers.
Nana Owusu – Sekyere and Joshua Osei – Bonsu, both received five awards including Accra Medical Centre’s Overall Best Female and Male Students respectively. The other students were also awarded as well.
Present at the ceremony was the Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof Alfred Edwin Yawson, representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana as well as other distinguished guests.
The ceremony was on the theme, “Building Resilience in Medical Education Post COVID-19.”
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
