News
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 Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
