The College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, has received a significant donation of research and training equipment from Brunel University London to support the activities of the University of Ghana Older Adults Reference Group (UGORG).
The donated equipment includes hand-grip dynamometers, blood pressure monitors, stopwatches, weighing scales, and other assessment and testing tools. The equipment is expected to strengthen the research capacity of UGORG and enhance patient and public involvement in health professions education, research, and clinical training.
The donation follows a collaborative engagement between Brunel University London and UGORG, held from 31st March to 1st April 2026 at the College of Health Sciences. During the engagement, delegates from Brunel University, faculty members, and students worked with members of UGORG to undertake a range of measurements, observations, and assessments. The experience provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange, practical learning, and further strengthening of the partnership between the two institutions.
The equipment was formally presented to the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, at a ceremony held on 22nd April 2026.
Origins of the UGORG Initiative
Providing context to the collaboration, Professor Jonathan Quartey, Chairman of the Health Professions Education Committee and Administrator of UGORG, traced the origins of the initiative to discussions held in 2024 with Dr. Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, a University of Ghana alumnus and lecturer at Brunel University London.
Inspired by the successful Older Adults Reference Group at Brunel University, Dr. Ampiah proposed the establishment of a similar platform at the University of Ghana. This vision culminated in the launch of UGORG in November 2025.
UGORG comprises volunteers aged 60 years and above who contribute to research, teaching, and clinical training activities. Through their participation, members provide valuable lived experiences and perspectives that enrich the learning of health professions students and contribute to research on ageing, health, and well-being.
Strengthening Research and Health Professions Education
In his remarks, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson expressed appreciation to Brunel University London for the donation and continued collaboration with the University of Ghana. He noted that the partnership aligns strongly with the University of Ghana's strategic priority of Engagement and Partnerships.
Professor Yawson emphasised that the donation comes at an important time and will contribute significantly to strengthening research and enhancing the quality of training, particularly in physiotherapy and allied health sciences. He further commended members of UGORG, many of whom are retired University staff, for their continued commitment to service, mentorship, and the development of future health professionals.
The ceremony was attended by senior faculty members and administrators, including Dr. Augustine Acquah, Dr. Tawagidu Mohammed, Dr. Dorothy Adjabu, and Mr. Kwame Obeng-Yeboah.
The donation and the collaborative engagement represent another important milestone in the growing partnership between Brunel University London and the University of Ghana. The collaboration demonstrates the value of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, promoting patient and public involvement, fostering intergenerational learning, and advancing excellence in health professions education.
Through UGORG, the College of Health Sciences continues to create opportunities for older adults to contribute meaningfully to research, education, and community engagement, while ensuring that their lived experiences inform the training of the next generation of health professionals.