Garden City University (GCU) has officially broken ground on a new 100-bed teaching hospital, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first of its kind established by a private university in Ghana. The facility, located at the university’s Kwabre Kenyasi campus in the Ashanti Region, is anticipated to be operational within 18 months, aiming to enhance practical training for health science students and broaden healthcare access for the local community.
Strengthening Health Education and Workforce Development
The construction of this teaching hospital is a strategic move by GCU to bolster its robust health sciences programs, which currently cater to a substantial portion of its approximately 14,000-strong student body. University officials highlighted the project’s dual purpose: to provide an essential training ground for future healthcare professionals and to address the national shortage of medical personnel.
During a recent courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace, the university leadership formally introduced its newly formed 21-member University Council and the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori. Professor Ofori, a specialist in Medical Imaging, assumed his role on March 2, 2026.
Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Chairman of the University Council, emphasized GCU’s deep-rooted commitment to health sciences as the institution approaches its 26th anniversary. He articulated the vision for the hospital to serve not only as a hub for health science students but also as a valuable resource for the residents of Kenyasi and the wider Ashanti Region.
“We are a private university with the vision to train more professionals and reduce the deficit in health human resources,” Professor Owusu-Dabo stated. “We are focused on health, nursing, midwifery, physician assistantships and the like. Now we are moving into the graduate entry medical programme, which will gradually see many doctors being trained by the university through our teaching hospital.”
Expansion of Health Programs and Infrastructure
The establishment of the teaching hospital coincides with ambitious plans to launch new graduate-level programs. Professor Ofori revealed that the university is preparing to introduce a Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) and a Graduate Entry Dental Programme (GEDP).
“There are plans to start graduate entry to medical school. So, we want to strengthen the medical school and other health-related programs,” he noted. Further program expansions are slated to include Ophthalmic Dispensing Technology, Doctor of Optometry, PhD in Nursing, PhD in Midwifery, Geriatric Nursing, and Home Care Nursing.
Beyond the hospital, GCU is concurrently progressing with other significant infrastructure developments. These include an International Students and Faculty Hostel, a dedicated Nursing and Midwifery Block Complex, and a Multipurpose Examination Block Complex, underscoring the university’s commitment to holistic growth and enhanced student experience.
Royal Endorsement and Future Outlook
The delegation also extended birthday felicitations to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, acknowledging his consistent support, which was instrumental in GCU receiving its Presidential Charter in June 2024, granting it full university status. Professor Owusu-Dabo expressed gratitude for the monarch’s guidance throughout the university’s 25-year journey.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the university’s dedication to quality education and discipline. He urged the new Vice-Chancellor and Council to uphold the institution’s integrity and standards for future generations, pledging his continued support.
The development of Ghana’s first private university teaching hospital by Garden City University signifies a pivotal moment for medical education and healthcare delivery in the country. As GCU expands its academic offerings and physical infrastructure, the focus will be on how effectively these new facilities and programs translate into improved healthcare outcomes and a strengthened national health workforce. The successful completion and operation of the teaching hospital will be closely watched as a potential model for other private institutions looking to contribute to Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
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