University of Ghana, University of West Indies launch joint medical exchange program

The University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) and the University of West Indies (UWI) have officially entered into a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint medical exchange program.

The initiative, known as the “Transnational Medical Programme,” aims to foster cultural diversity in medical education.

The six-year program allows students to complete the first three years of their medical studies at the University of the West Indies, leading to the award of a Bachelor of Science Post-clinical Science degree.

Successful completion of this phase qualifies students for admission to the fourth year of the MBChB program at the University of Ghana Medical School for the clinical phase of their training.

Upon graduation, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree from the University of Ghana.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, highlighted the significance of the agreement in facilitating resource and educational exchanges between the two institutions.

She noted, “This agreement will allow for the sharing of expertise, resources, and educational opportunities.”

Prof Alfred Edwin Yawson, the Dean of UGMS, explained that the idea for the exchange program emerged from discussions during President Akufo-Addo's visit to the West Indies, emphasizing its role in promoting cultural diversity in medical education.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that UGMS had obtained accreditation, signed a three-year MoU, and completed the first batch of admissions.

The program's design reflects the universities' commitment to internationalization and the pursuit of global partnerships.

Prof. Yawson emphasized the unique opportunity the program offers to students, allowing them to benefit from advanced technologies in the West Indies and modern facilities at UGMS.

Julliette Babb-Riley, Charge d'Affaires and Head of Mission High Commission of Barbados to the Republic of Ghana, praised the collaboration and expressed her eagerness to strengthen ties between the faculties of the two universities.

Professor Clive Landis, the Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI, commended the success of the joint initiative, revealing that the first batch of students is already in Barbados, marking a promising start to the Transnational Medical Programme.