Professor Aaron Lawson, Co-Chair of the University of Ghana Medical Centre Transition Committee, has presented the committee’s final report outlining a roadmap to reintegrate the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) into its original academic mandate under the University of Ghana.

Presenting the report, Professor Lawson said the committee was established on the directive of the president with an eight-point mandate to review UGMC’s operations, assess funding, staffing and resource challenges, and propose integration mechanisms and solutions.

He explained that the report examines operations across UGMC, the University of Ghana Medical School and the College of Health Sciences, aimed at creating “a coherent academic health system.”

According to him, the report identifies key challenges and offers solutions through a seven-chapter structure, including proposals for a complete handover of UGMC to the University of Ghana, stakeholder integration guided by global best practices, and a three-phase implementation plan over a 10-year period to achieve sustainability and excellence.

“This report marks the culmination of our mandate and reflects our commitment to a smooth, transparent and sustainable transition,” Professor Lawson said, as he formally submitted the document.

President John Dramani Mahama, in his response, commended the committee for what he described as its diligence and dedication.

He noted that UGMC remains “the highest quaternary medical facility in the country” and stressed that it must be maintained at world-class standards in clinical care, logistics and equipment.

The president recalled that the facility was established as a centre of excellence for research and learning for the University of Ghana and said the report would help guide that vision.

“We will study the report and take it to Cabinet for discussion,” he said, adding that once adopted, clear steps would be outlined towards the full transition of UGMC to the University of Ghana.

President Mahama thanked the committee for its service, joking that if the work had been done without pay, “your reward is in heaven,” and wished members well for what he described as an excellent job.