The College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, hosted a team from the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) for a four-day Head and Neck Reconstruction Cadaveric Simulation Course from 6th to 9th  July, 2026 at the CHS Conference Room, Korle Bu. The intensive training programme brought together faculty and specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgery, and Plastic Surgery to strengthen expertise in head and neck reconstructive procedures.

BAOMS, the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, is a professional association representing oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United Kingdom. As a registered charity and professional body, BAOMS is committed to advancing education, research, specialist training, and patient care in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS). The association promotes excellence by supporting continuing professional development, organizing scientific meetings and educational programmes, developing clinical guidelines, and championing quality improvement initiatives in patient care.

During the discussions it was observed that BAOMS’ unique role of oral and maxillofacial surgery in managing conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws. This specialty is dedicated to restoring both function and appearance for patients following trauma, disease, or congenital abnormalities.

Welcoming the visiting delegation, the Acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Rev. Dr. Matthew Owusu Boamah, of the University of Ghana Dental School, expressed his delight at the collaboration. He indicated that the programme aligns with the University of Ghana's Five-for-Five Strategic Plan, which seeks to position the University among the world's leading research-intensive institutions by its centenary.

Rev. Dr. Boamah informed the delegates that the College of Health Sciences comprises of seven schools, one institute and two centres located across the Legon and Korle Bu campuses. He reiterated the College's vision of becoming a world-class research-intensive institution, committed to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research while delivering high-quality teaching and learning that contributes to national and global development.

During the opening ceremony, specialists from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, faculty of the University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana Dental School, and University of Ghana Health Services Directorate undertook a round of introductions of their names and brief overview of their respective departments highlighting ongoing academic and clinical activities.

The Acting International Programmes Manager of CHS, Dr. Eric Nyarko, together with Rev. Prof. Matthew Owusu Boamah and other faculty, accompanied the BAOMS delegation on a tour of the University of Ghana Medical School selected facilities and that of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

During the interactive sessions, members of the BAOMS delegation encouraged participants to pursue opportunities for international collaboration and professional exchanges within the United Kingdom and across Africa. They emphasised that while surgical procedures were important, meticulous planning remains the most critical component of successful patient outcomes. The team shared practical experiences, innovative techniques, and best practices employed in their respective centres, fostering rich discussions among participants.  

The delegation also underscored the importance of building collaborative partnerships to facilitate the acquisition of modern medical and surgical equipment. The delegation emphasized  an organic collaboration across all institutions will strengthen local capacity, improve patient care, reduce unnecessary referrals, and support the delivery of advanced surgical services. Participants received insights from Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, ENT Surgery, and Plastic Surgery.

In a significant gesture of support, the BAOMS team presented a selection of medical and surgical equipment to the College for teaching and clinical use at the conclusion of the introductory session. Receiving the items on behalf of the College of Health Sciences, Rev. Dr. Matthew Owusu Boamah expressed profound appreciation to the delegation for their generosity and commitment to strengthening surgical education and healthcare delivery in Ghana.

The Head and Neck Reconstruction Cadaveric Simulation Course presented a series of lectures and live demonstrations designed to enhance participants' knowledge and practical skills in reconstructive surgery. Key topics delivered included Outcomes in Reconstructive Surgery, Rectus Abdominis Flap Reconstruction, and Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery (DCIA) Free Flap techniques. Facilitators combined didactic lectures with hands-on cadaveric demonstrations, providing participants with the opportunity to observe and practice advanced reconstructive procedures under the guidance of experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery consultants. The sessions emphasized careful surgical planning, flap selection, operative techniques, and strategies for achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes in head and neck reconstruction.

The course was facilitated by a distinguished team of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery consultants from the United Kingdom, comprising Prof. Sunil Sah (Mid Yorkshire, England), Mr. Michael Ho (Leeds and Mid Yorkshire, England), Mr. K. Shekhar (Dundee, Scotland), Mr. K. Shah (Swansea, Wales), Mr. K. Java (Manchester, England), and Mr. T. Sato (Manchester, England). Their expertise and commitment provided participants with valuable hands-on experience and enhanced opportunities for international academic collaboration