By Samira Larbie
Accra, April 3, GNA – Air Vice Marshal Dr Felix Adom Asante, President of the National Defence University, has urged newly admitted students of the Ghana Armed Forces College of Nursing and Midwifery to demonstrate discipline, commitment and professionalism.
He said the matriculation ceremony marked not only formal admission into the academic community but also a commitment to uphold the standards, ethics and traditions of the institution.
Addressing the ceremony in Accra, AVM Asante said nurses and midwives played a critical role in achieving universal access to healthcare and described them as the backbone of healthcare delivery.
“Professional competence, dedication and compassion have a direct impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare,” he said.
AVM Asante said the College occupied a strategic position in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare workforce and would prepare students to serve both military and civilian populations.
He urged the students to take their training seriously.
Professor Mrs. Rosemond Aboagye Boohene, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, representing the Acting Vice Chancellor, urged the students to pursue academic excellence, good character and responsible citizenship.
She encouraged them to approach their studies with seriousness and purpose, stressing the need for discipline, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and hard work.
“You must strive not only to succeed academically, but also to develop values that will prepare you for leadership and service,” she said.
Major Bright Attah Addae, Acting Principal of the College, said 533 students were admitted out of 2,403 applicants for the 2025/2026 academic year, comprising 407 general nurses and 126 midwives.
He said the College, established in 1941 as part of the 37 Military Hospital, remained the only military health training institution in Ghana, training both military and civilian nurses and midwives.
Maj. Addae said the institution began Bachelor of Science programmes in Nursing and Midwifery in 2024 in affiliation with the University of Cape Coast and was under the administrative oversight of the National Defence University.
He, however, cited challenges including inadequate hostel facilities, lack of lecture halls and the need for more doctoral-level faculty, and appealed for support from stakeholders, including access to scholarships such as GETFund.
The ceremony, on the theme: “From Classroom to Global Care: Nurses and Midwives Shaping Universal Health Coverage,” brought together military officials, academia, parents and students.
It also featured the commissioning of a cafeteria and office complex, as well as a conference room at the Ghana Armed Forces College of Nursing and Midwifery, 37 Military Hospital.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey