The Health Professions Education Unit (HPEU) of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, officially launched the University of Ghana Older Adults Reference Group (UGORG) on 5 November 2025 at the University of Ghana.
UGORG is a pioneering initiative established to engage adults aged 60 years and above as active and valued contributors to research, education, and community engagement within the University. The initiative is modelled on the Brunel Older Adults Reference Group (BORG) of Brunel University, United Kingdom, and seeks to provide older adults with a meaningful platform to contribute their perspectives, experiences, and expertise to research and activities relating to ageing.

The establishment of UGORG follows a successful Workshop on Older Adults’ Well-being, held in Accra in February 2025 and organised by Brunel University in collaboration with the Health Professions Education Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. The workshop provided an important foundation for strengthening collaboration between the two institutions and exploring innovative approaches to promoting the health and well-being of older adults.

UGORG is intended to serve as an important platform for interdisciplinary and international collaboration in ageing research and education. It will also provide a valuable resource for students and faculty undertaking research on the health, well-being, experiences, and needs of older adults.
A key objective of the initiative is to establish a structured Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) framework through which older adults can participate meaningfully in research and educational activities. Members of the Reference Group will be engaged periodically in research initiatives, educational programmes, consultations, and community outreach activities, thereby ensuring that the perspectives and lived experiences of older adults inform the development and implementation of relevant interventions and programmes.
Through UGORG, the College of Health Sciences seeks to strengthen its commitment to age-inclusive research, participatory engagement, intergenerational learning, and evidence-informed policy and practice. The initiative is also expected to enhance collaboration among researchers, students, health professionals, policymakers, community stakeholders, and older adults in addressing emerging issues associated with ageing.

The establishment of UGORG represents an important step towards positioning the University of Ghana as a leader in age-inclusive research and engagement, while creating opportunities for older adults to contribute actively to knowledge generation and the development of solutions that respond to their health and social needs.
The initiative further underscores the University’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international institutions and communities in pursuit of research and educational initiatives that contribute to improved health and well-being across the life course.