The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the government of Indonesia to consider establishing an Islamic Medical University in Ghana.
He proposed that such an institution be situated in the northern part of the country, where it would help bridge the development gap while strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Indonesia.
The minister emphasized that discussions on the establishment of the medical school could be pursued at appropriate levels to ensure its swift implementation. He noted that the institution would also reinforce Islamic ties between the Muslim community in northern Ghana and Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population.
Mr. Iddrisu made this appeal during a courtesy call by the Honorary Consul of Indonesia, Paskal A. B. Rois, at his office in Accra. The visit aimed to congratulate the minister on his appointment and brief him on Indonesian scholarship opportunities, from which several Ghanaian students are already benefiting.
Enhancing Medical Education and Bilateral Relations
The minister highlighted the importance of competencies, skills, and knowledge development in the 21st century, particularly in science, mathematics, and engineering.
He noted Ghana’s shortage of medical doctors, especially in rural and underserved communities, and stressed that a dedicated medical university would help address these challenges and improve healthcare in these areas.
Mr. Iddrisu also reflected on the longstanding ties between Ghana and Indonesia, dating back to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) era, when Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia’s President, Achmed Sukarno, fostered strong diplomatic relations.
Response from the Indonesian Consul
In response, Mr. Rois congratulated the minister on his new role, expressing confidence that his experience and expertise would positively impact Ghana’s education sector.
He welcomed the minister’s proposal for a medical university in northern Ghana and assured him that he would relay the request to Indonesian authorities.
Regarding scholarship opportunities, Mr. Rois highlighted that Indonesian universities offer programs for students from developing countries, including Ghana. Currently, over 60 Ghanaian students are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Indonesia, with six having recently returned after completing their studies.
Credit: Graphic Online
