The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has successfully completed four additional kidney transplants, bringing the total number of procedures performed at the facility to 15 since the programme began in June 2024.
The latest surgeries were conducted between 25 and 26 May 2026 and form part of the Centre’s expanding specialist healthcare services aimed at improving treatment options for patients with end stage kidney disease in Ghana.
UGMC stated that the achievement reflects its commitment to delivering advanced medical care locally while improving patient outcomes through specialised interventions. “At UGMC, we remain laser-focused on fulfilling our mission to inspire hope and promote health for all,” the Centre said.
Multidisciplinary Expertise behind Successful Procedures
The Centre explained that the four transplants were carried out under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abdul Samed-Tanko, and the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr Baffoe Gyan.
It added that the procedures benefited from the involvement of internationally recognised transplant surgeon Professor Nadey Hakim, who has affiliations with leading global medical institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic in the United Kingdom.
UGMC noted that the success of the operations was made possible through coordinated efforts from a wide range of specialist teams.
“The transplants were made possible through the combined efforts of our diligent multidisciplinary teams from urology, general surgery, ICU, theatre, nephrology, cardiology and cardiothoracic, anaesthesia, allied health including biomedical engineers, as well as other support staff”.
University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC)
Growing Capacity in Specialist Healthcare Delivery
Kidney transplantation is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for end stage kidney disease, often offering better long term outcomes compared to dialysis. However, it requires highly specialised expertise, advanced infrastructure and coordinated post operative care.
UGMC’s expanding transplant programme is therefore seen as a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s capacity to manage complex medical conditions locally.
Before the establishment of such services, many patients were required to seek kidney transplant procedures abroad at high financial cost, limiting access for a large number of families. The development of local capacity is helping to reduce that burden.
Impact of the Transplant Programme since 2024
UGMC launched its kidney transplant programme in June 2024 as part of its broader strategy to provide world class specialist healthcare services in Ghana.
Since then, the Centre has steadily built experience and infrastructure in organ transplantation, with the latest four procedures increasing the total number of successful kidney transplants to 15 within two years.
The Centre described this progress as evidence of growing confidence in local medical expertise and institutional capacity.
Medical professionals involved in transplant care note that the process requires careful donor and recipient matching, extensive medical evaluations, complex surgical procedures and intensive post operative monitoring to ensure patient safety and success.
International Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer
UGMC highlighted the contribution of Professor Nadey Hakim to the programme, noting that his involvement has supported skills development and knowledge transfer among local medical teams.
Professor Hakim is internationally recognised in the field of transplant surgery and has been involved in efforts to strengthen specialist medical services in various countries.
His participation, according to UGMC, has enhanced the training environment for local professionals and contributed to improving surgical outcomes.
Strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system
UGMC emphasised that beyond the number of procedures completed, the transplant programme represents an important improvement in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
It noted that multidisciplinary collaboration remains central to the success of the programme, with teams working across urology, nephrology, cardiology, anaesthesia, intensive care and allied health services.
The Centre also underscored the broader impact of the programme in restoring hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options. “For Team UGMC, success stories such as these, restoring hope to patients who had completely lost hope, are what continue to keep us going,” the Centre stated.
Expanding Access to Life Saving Care
Health experts have long stressed the importance of increasing access to specialised care for chronic kidney disease, which continues to rise globally. Early diagnosis and improved treatment options remain key priorities in managing the condition.
UGMC’s progress in kidney transplantation is therefore seen as part of a wider effort to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in specialised healthcare while reducing dependence on overseas medical treatment.
With 15 successful kidney transplants completed since 2024, UGMC continues to position itself as a leading centre for advanced medical care, offering renewed hope to patients and contributing to the development of Ghana’s specialist health services.
READ ALSO: We Will Take Hard Decisions to End Accra’s Perennial Flooding, Mahama Declares
