The recent claims by former President John Mahama regarding his achievements in infrastructure development have sparked a heated debate. Mahama touted the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) as one of his notable projects, but others, including Koku Anyidoho, chief of staff to the late President Prof John Evans Atta Mills, have disputed this claim. So, who really built UGMC?
The concept of UGMC dates back decades, with the University of Ghana planning to build an ultramodern hospital on its campus. The university had envisioned a state-of-the-art facility that would not only provide world-class healthcare services but also serve as a hub for medical research and education. The idea was to create a centre of excellence that would attract patients and scholars from across West Africa and beyond.
In 2007, the University of Ghana approached the government for support, and President Mills, who was then in opposition, pledged his commitment to the project. When he became President in 2009, he made good on his promise, allocating funds for the project’s commencement.
On March 12, 2011, President Mills cut the sod for the construction of UGMC, marking a significant milestone in the project’s history. The project was funded by a $217 million loan facility from the Israeli Government, which was secured by the University of Ghana with the support of the Government of Ghana.
Prof Mills’ commitment to the project was unwavering, and he ensured that the necessary funds were secured for its completion. He saw the project as a vital component of his administration’s healthcare agenda and a legacy that would outlast his tenure.
Unfortunately, his untimely passing in July 2012 left the project in limbo. John Mahama, who succeeded him as President, took up the mantle and ensured that the first phase of the project was completed in 2017. Mahama’s administration oversaw the construction of the hospital’s infrastructure, including its iconic buildings, state-of-the-art equipment, and modern facilities.
However, the Centre remained closed due to a management dispute between the university and the government. The impasse was eventually resolved, and the Centre partially opened in 2018. The second phase of the project was completed in 2021, and the facility was fully operationalized in March 2022.
While Mahama played a role in completing the first phase of UGMC, it is clear that the project’s conception and commencement predated his presidency. The late President Mills deserves credit for his vision and support for the project, which has become a vital healthcare and research facility in Ghana. The university’s perseverance and commitment to the project are also noteworthy, as they pushed for its completion despite numerous challenges.
Today, UGMC stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in delivering quality healthcare and education to Ghanaians. The Centre has already made a significant impact in the healthcare sector, providing specialized services in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. It has also become a hub for medical research, attracting scholars and scientists from across the continent.
The Centre’s impact extends beyond healthcare, serving as a symbol of Ghana’s potential and a source of national pride. It has created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and demonstrated the country’s capacity for innovation and progress.
Moreover, UGMC has become a model for public-private partnerships in healthcare, showcasing the potential for collaboration between governments, universities, and private sector entities. The Centre’s success has also inspired other healthcare projects across the country, demonstrating the ripple effect of visionary leadership and collaboration.
Let’s set the record straight and acknowledge the contributions of all parties involved in making UGMC a reality. The Centre is a legacy project that belongs to all Ghanaians, and its success is a tribute to the vision and leadership of President Mills, the perseverance of the University of Ghana, and the commitment of the government and people of Ghana.
In the end, UGMC is more than just a hospital – it’s a symbol of hope, a beacon of excellence, and a testament to the power of collaboration and determination. It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges and adversity, Ghanaians can come together to achieve greatness.
As we celebrate the success of UGMC, let us also honor the memory of President Mills, whose vision and leadership made this project possible. Let us continue to support and strengthen this vital institution, ensuring that it remains a shining example of Ghana’s potential for generations to come.”
