Provost of the College of Health Sciences Pays Courtesy Visit to Chair of Postgraduate Endowment Fund
Professor Alfred E. Yawson, new Provost of the College of Health Sciences, recently led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Mr. Sam Okudzeto, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Postgraduate Endowment Fund (PGEF). The purpose of the visit was for Prof. Yawson to formally introduce himself to the Chairman and engage in discussions on the future direction of the Endowment Fund, a key financial pillar supporting postgraduate education within the College.
Mr. Okudzeto warmly welcomed the delegation and provided an insightful overview of the Postgraduate Endowment Fund and the history of the University of Ghana Medical School. He recounted the initial vision behind the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, which included plans to build a state-of-the-art teaching hospital on the University’s main Legon campus. The proposed hospital was envisioned as a medical hub with cutting-edge research and technology-based teaching capabilities, aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana and beyond.
The development of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), which stands as part of this grand vision, was also highlighted during the meeting. Mr. Okudzeto emphasised the hospital’s potential as a telemedicine centre, capable of attracting world-class specialists while offering advanced training opportunities for medical students. He underscored the vital role the Endowment Fund plays in realising these aspirations by providing financial support for faculty and students pursuing specialisation and advanced research.
Since its inception, the Postgraduate Endowment Fund has made significant contributions to the College's academic landscape, providing support to over 410 faculty members and students. Currently, the fund is sponsoring twelve PhD students, pursuing their programmes both locally and internationally. Mr. Okudzeto made an earnest appeal for charitable organisations, individuals and corporate bodies to contribute to the fund to ensure its continued support for postgraduate education and research excellence.
Prof. Yawson was accompanied by key members of the College, including Mr. Michael Opare Atuah, College Registrar; Mr. Benjamin Owusu Addo, College Finance Officer; Ms. Empi A. Baryeh, Senior Assistant Registrar and Secretary to the Board of Trustees; Ms. Cynthia A. Boateng, Assistant Registrar and Mrs. Emily L. Sowah-Avugrah, Fund Administrator. The visit reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and securing resources to advance its mission of academic excellence and healthcare innovation.