News
Ensign Global University’s Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland Named Among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts
Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland (MD, MPH, DrPH), a distinguished faculty member at Ensign Global University and Site Director for West Africa at the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, has been recognized among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts at the prestigious China–West Africa Health Summit 2025, which was held from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Accra.
This honour celebrates Dr. Sutherland’s exceptional contributions to medical practice, research, and healthcare leadership, as well as his unwavering dedication to transforming healthcare outcomes in Ghana and across West Africa.
Leadership at the Oncology Forum
In addition to receiving this recognition, Dr. Sutherland chaired the Oncology Forum at the Summit, where he led compelling presentations and
discussions on: Integration of AI in oncology, Cancer prevention and early detection, Treatment accessibility across Ghana and West Africa, Health equity and strategic partnerships.
The forum featured renowned guest speakers from leading institutions in Ghana and China, generating insights with the potential to influence cancer policy and clinical practice across Ghana and Africa.
Dr. Sutherland’s Reflection
“Being recognised among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts and chairing the Oncology Forum has been a profound honour.
This milestone underscores not just my personal journey but also the collective commitment of my colleagues and partners dedicated to transforming healthcare outcomes in Ghana and West Africa.
It also reflects the significant role of Ensign Global University and the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, in advancing medical education, public health, and strengthening healthcare systems in the region.”
About the Summit
Organized by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWA) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Summit brought together hundreds of delegates from across Africa and Asia under the theme:“Advancing Cancer Care through Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Strategic Partnership.”
The prestigious Awards Ceremony also celebrated exceptional doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, health associations, and healthcare institutions demonstrating outstanding impact in advancing health systems across West Africa.
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bryan Acheampong, has called for an emergency 90-day suspension of all forms of mining in Ghana to help restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
He made the call during his campaign tour, where he engaged party members and residents on issues of national concern, including security, the environment, and responsible mining.
Mr Acheampong explained that the temporary ban should take place during the rainy season to allow the environment to recover naturally while the nation rethinks its mining practices.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and engage on how we can go back to mining. I’m not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days,” he said.
He warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to poison food sources and destroy farmlands, posing a major threat to public health and food security.
“If our food systems are being poisoned and we just look on because we prefer to make money, our people will not be around in a very short time to address the situation,” he cautioned.
Mr Acheampong urged government, miners, and local leaders to use the proposed 90-day period to develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
