The Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons is set to host its 3rd Public Lecture under the theme “Building a Resilient Healthcare System That Works for All.”
The 2025 lecture will focus on strengthening the health workforce, funding postgraduate medical education, and addressing the critical question: “Healthcare service provision—who pays?”
The event forms part of the College’s broader goal of engaging the public on pressing national health issues and shaping policy through open dialogue.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, August 4, 2025, Professor Henry Lawson, Vice-Rector of the College, emphasized the importance of making the College’s work more visible.
“When you do good things and you don’t tell anybody about it, it’s as if only you know what you’re doing. But the nation feels it—especially when they go to see a doctor,” he noted. “For example, during COVID, we saw the impact of having specialists. That’s why we are coming out with relevant topics that resonate with the public.”
Professor Lawson highlighted the success of previous lectures, such as one on skin bleaching two years ago and another on road accidents last year.
“These public lectures allow the College to engage the public on issues of concern, with the long-term goal of benefiting society,” he added.
Dr. Perez Sepenu, Chairman of the Lecture Committee, said this year’s topic was chosen to stir national reflection.
“There is a perceived problem in our healthcare system. Many Ghanaians lack confidence in it. The political elite often seek care abroad, sometimes with public funds, because they believe we lack specialized care locally,” he said.
“Even where specialized care exists, the lack of equipment limits timely interventions. Meanwhile, the average Ghanaian is left to struggle within an overstretched and underfunded system. We want this lecture to spark a rethink of how our healthcare system can work for all—from the elite to the average person on the street.”
Dr. Louisa Ademki Matey, a member of the committee, called for a national conversation around funding postgraduate medical education.
“Government is currently the sole funder of postgraduate medical training. Can we explore contributions from individuals, corporate bodies, NGOs? We want to inspire a mindset shift when it comes to supporting medical education,” she stated.
The public lecture will feature distinguished speakers, including:
Prof. Kwamina Panford, Fulbright Scholar and Triple Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellow
Dr. Victor Bampoe, CEO of the National Identification Authority (NIA)
Dr. Edem Hiadzi, CEO of Lister Hospital and Fertility Centre
The lecture is expected to draw health professionals, policymakers, academics, civil society actors, and the public into a timely conversation on building a health system that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready.
College of Physicians and Surgeons to host 3rd Public Lecture on August 6
