President Mahama Announces UGMC Management Roadmap as Chief of Staff Julius Debrah Earns PhD

President John Mahama has announced a comprehensive roadmap to return the management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) to the University of Ghana. Speaking at the university’s graduation ceremony, the President revealed that the committee tasked with reviewing the facility's management has completed its work and submitted recommendations to ensure a seamless transition. This move aligns with the government's broader commitment to enhancing the medical centre’s original mission while expanding educational opportunities through initiatives such as the "No Fee Stress" program, aimed at supporting students across the country in their pursuit of higher education.

The ceremony was marked by a significant personal achievement for the administration, as the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, was among the 157 scholars who earned their PhDs. Dr. Debrah graduated with a doctorate in Museum and Heritage Studies. President Mahama lauded the Chief of Staff’s dedication, sharing anecdotes from the campaign trail where Debrah balanced rigorous academic fieldwork with his public service duties. The President emphasized that Dr. Debrah’s success serves as a powerful testament to the fact that academic excellence and lifelong learning can coexist with high-level political responsibility.

In a keynote address to the 1,884 graduates, renowned Ghanaian scientist Professor Mary Adu-Poku urged the new alumni to build their careers on purpose rather than just passion. She noted that while passion provides initial excitement, a sense of purpose is what sustains professionals through the inevitable challenges of their careers. Professor Adu-Poku’s call for resilience and integrity was echoed by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Felix Amkomah Asante, who highlighted the university’s new initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy and research. He encouraged graduates to embody the values of excellence and service as they transition into their professional lives.

The graduation cohort included 1,429 Master’s degree recipients and 298 undergraduates, alongside the record group of doctorate holders. In his closing remarks, President Mahama encouraged the graduates to utilize their newly acquired expertise to solve local challenges and contribute to national development. While acknowledging the value of pursuing further studies abroad, he urged the scholars to return to Ghana to apply their knowledge, reinforcing the government's vision of using higher education as a primary driver for the nation's future economic and social growth.