Accra: The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has paid an informal visit to Family Health University (FHU) to observe the institution's progress since receiving its Presidential Charter. The visit was hosted by FHU's Founder and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, alongside Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital.
According to Ghana News Agency, the hosts welcomed the GTEC Director-General with gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the visit and expressing appreciation for GTEC's support over the years. Senior members present at the meeting included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Philip Odonkor, Registrar Mrs. Rita Kaine, Dean of the Medical School Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery Dr. Augustina Ofori-Asamoah, GEMP Coordinator Professor Festus Adzaku, Director of Academics and Students Affairs Dr. Emmanuel Labram, immediate past Dean of the Medical School Dr. Charles Fleischer-Djoleto, Hospital Administrator Madam Joana Agyare, and Hospital Matron Madam Veronica Amedo.
In his remarks, the GTEC Director-General commended FHU's development speed, attributing it to visionary leadership, a strong governing board, and a qualified faculty. He noted that FHU's rapid growth and innovation affirmed its status as Ghana's first private chartered university with a medical school. Professor Kwawukume highlighted FHU's contributions to global healthcare, particularly its bloodless fibroid surgical method, recognized by bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
In public health, Professor Kwawukume reiterated FHU's commitment to research and pledged to eliminate cervical cancer in the Teshie-Nungua enclave within five years. He also expressed condolences for the loss of Professor Timothy R.B. Johnson, a founding mentor, with an e-library named in his honor.
The visit prompted discussions on policy. Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School, appealed for government support, advocating for tax rebates on medical equipment and fee waivers for first-year students in private chartered universities to promote educational equity.
FHU announced its commitment to explore AI-assisted health technologies through local partnerships to enhance medical education and healthcare delivery. The GTEC Director reaffirmed support for private science-based universities, noting their non-profit nature and the challenges they face.
The visit concluded with a campus tour, including stops at emergency wards, a dialysis unit, a cadaver lodge, lecture halls, the University library, and the e-library. The Director-General engaged with students, discussing GTEC's work and encouraging diligent study.
The visit marked a renewed chapter of collaboration between FHU and GTEC, reinforcing the role of visionary private institutions in Ghana's tertiary and healthcare education landscape.
