On Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, the University of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (UGMSA) Presidency, together with the Academic Board Chairperson, paid a courtesy visit to the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana to engage in a constructive dialogue on a pressing yet often understated academic concern affecting medical students.
The engagement focused on the repeat system within the medical school, particularly the policy requiring students who fail a single paper to repeat the entire academic year and retake all courses at that level. The team respectfully highlighted the academic and psychological burden this places on affected students, including the risk of re-failing previously passed courses, thereby creating a cycle of repeated failures and prolonged duration in medical school.
Further discussions addressed concerns relating to the second phase of the GEMP programme, where students who fail a paper are currently unable to proceed into the clinical years and are required to remain at home for extended periods while awaiting the next cohort. The implications of this policy on students’ emotional well-being and academic continuity were carefully outlined.
The meeting allowed for open, thoughtful, and solution-oriented discussions.
The Provost emphasized the importance of maintaining the high academic standards and integrity of the medical school, while also acknowledging the genuine concerns raised. He assured the team that the School Academic Board will review the existing examination regulations to explore possible ways of supporting students without compromising standards.
UGMSA deeply appreciates the Provost’s openness, guidance, and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the College of Health Sciences for fostering a culture of listening, collaboration, and continuous improvement.