For decades, Korle Bu was the only major teaching hospital in Accra. On the University of Ghana campus at Legon, a second one has risen: the University of Ghana Medical Centre, known as UGMC.
Its story involves Israeli financing, changes of government, political arguments and a gradual opening.
The idea
The University of Ghana wanted a “medical village” at Legon, where all categories of health professionals could be trained close to the main campus. A modern teaching hospital was at the centre of the plan.
Financing
The government of Ghana secured a loan of about US$217 million from the Israeli government to build a 650-bed hospital. Israel’s Sheba Medical Centre served as medical planning consultants.
Construction
Construction began under President John Evans Atta Mills and continued under President John Mahama.
Opening
In 2018, under President Nana Akufo-Addo, the first phase, including the outpatient department and administration, was completed and the centre began partial operations. Other departments opened in stages over the following years.
Politics
The hospital became a subject of political argument over who deserved credit for building it and how it should be run. Ownership and management questions, including the role of the university and the government, were debated in Parliament and the media.
COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre played a role in treating patients and was used as part of Ghana’s response.
Training
As a teaching hospital, UGMC is designed to train doctors, nurses and other health professionals from the University of Ghana, adding clinical training places close to the main campus.
A modern design
The hospital was built with modern equipment and specialised units, and it was presented as a facility that could reduce the need for Ghanaians to travel abroad for some treatments.
Services
UGMC provides specialist services, surgery, diagnostics and emergency care, and it serves the growing population of north-eastern Accra, including East Legon, Madina and Adenta.
Relief for Korle Bu
Korle Bu has long been overcrowded. A second large teaching hospital in the city is meant to share the load and give patients in the north of Accra a closer option.
Still growing
Like many large public hospitals, UGMC faces questions about staffing, funding and maintenance. For residents of Legon and its surroundings, it has already changed the journey to hospital from a trip across the city to a short drive.
