Largest Investment Since Independence” Medical & Dental Council Opens New Specialist Training Complex Backed by World Bank

Story by Fada Amakye

The Medical and Dental Council of Ghana has commissioned a new specialist training and regulatory complex it says represents the single largest infrastructure investment in medical and dental regulation since independence, a move aimed at strengthening professional oversight, patient safety, and public trust in healthcare.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Registrar Dr. Divine N. Banyubala said the facility marks much more than the coupling of a new facility. It represents a strategic investment in the future of healthcare regulation, professional regulatory excellence, patient safety, and public trust in Ghana’s healthcare system.

Dr. Banyubala described the Council as occupying “a very unique and indispensable place within our healthcare architecture, with a mandate to ensure doctors and dentists are competent, ethical, accountable, and committed to the highest standards of practice.

He tied the project to government’s broader health reforms under President John Dramani Mahama, including the free primary healthcare program, Ghana Medical Trust — popularly called _MahamaCares_, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund, and efforts to expand the health workforce through bilateral partnerships.

Every investment in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery must therefore be equally matched by a strong investment in quality assurance, professional regulation, and accountability,” he said. This new office complex aligns directly with the government’s broader commitment for the health sector research agenda of improving quality care, strengthening governance, enhancing accountability, and building resilient institutions.

The Registrar expressed gratitude to the World Bank for funding the completed phase of the project. “On behalf of the Board Chair, the 11th Board, the 10th Board, and the government and people of Ghana, wish to express our profound appreciation to the World Bank for this continued partnership,” he said, noting World Bank officials were absent due to international engagements.

Dr. Banyubala said phase two of the project, when completed with leadership from the Minister of Health, will constitute the largest investment in regulatory infrastructure for medicine and dentistry since independence. “This will strengthen professional oversight, enhance public protection and leave a lasting impact on Ghana’s healthcare system, he stated.

He added that the Council has distinguished itself as one of the leading health professional regulatory authorities on the African continent through innovation and commitment to excellence, with its influence now extending beyond Ghana’s borders.

The new complex is expected to serve as a center of excellence for health professional regulation and improve the Council’s capacity to deliver its core mandate of public protection.