Upper West Regional Hospital to Begin Training Specialist Doctors

The Upper West Regional Hospital is set to commence training of specialist medical doctors by January 2026. This initiative was announced by Professor Richard M.K. Adanu, Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), during an official visit to the hospital.

Professor Adanu’s visit, is part of a broader stakeholder engagement strategy by the GCPS, underscores the College’s commitment to decentralizing postgraduate medical training across Ghana. The goal is to enhance access to specialist healthcare in underserved regions and to attract more doctors to serve in these areas.

During the July 15, 2025, engagement at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Prof. Adanu disclosed that the Upper West Regional Hospital has been identified as a potential training site for postgraduate programs, particularly in Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Plans are also underway to expand training into Orthopaedics, General Surgery, and Internal Medicine in subsequent phases.

“The strategic placement of a training site here in Wa will not only address the inequities in the distribution of specialist care but also attract more doctors to the region,” Prof. Adanu stated. “Once the hospital meets the necessary standards and remains proactive, we are hopeful that training in these key specialties will commence by January 2026.”

The Rector’s delegation toured key clinical units of the hospital, engaging with specialists, medical officers, and house officers to assess the facility’s readiness. He expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s human resource capacity and logistical preparedness, describing it as promising for residency training.

The Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, Dr. Philip K.K. Baabineh, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the region’s eagerness to support postgraduate training. “We’re not only ready but also willing to invest in this programme,” he affirmed. “With the presence of fellows, members of the College, and visiting consultants already supporting our services, the hospital is well-positioned to begin postgraduate training. There is also a rising interest among local doctors in pursuing specialist careers.”

Supporting the hospital’s readiness, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Josephat Ana-Imwine Nyuzaghi, assured the College of full institutional support from the Ghana Health Service. On behalf of the Director-General of GHS, Dr. Abdulai Abukari, he emphasized the Service’s commitment to ensuring the successful roll-out of the program.

The visit concluded with a session where Prof. Adanu engaged with hospital medical staff, listening to their concerns and sharing insights about the College’s vision. He encouraged young doctors in the region to take advantage of the upcoming opportunity to pursue specialist training closer to home, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare delivery in Northern Ghana.

Established in 2003, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons has been instrumental in elevating the standard of specialist care in Ghana. With Professor Adanu at the helm since February 2021, the College continues to champion the vision of “Training in the regions to serve in the regions.”

This strategic move positions the Upper West Regional Hospital as a burgeoning hub of specialist medical education, promising to advance healthcare equity and quality in Northern Ghana and beyond.