Only 6 SHS Produced 50% of Medical Students In Ghana

Did you know that 50% of all medical students in Ghana came from just 6 senior high schools (SHS) in Ghana? This was revealed by the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah.

He highlighted the significant contribution of certain Senior High Schools (SHSs) to Ghana’s medical education. Over a seven-year period, these six schools have collectively produced half of the country’s medical doctors.

Professor Addae-Mensah emphasized the pivotal role played by these institutions in shaping the landscape of medical education in Ghana.

The schools include;

1. Wesley Girls School
2. Presbyterian Boys’ SHS Presec (Legon)
3. Achimota School
4. Mfantsipim SHS
5. Holy Child SHS
6. Prempeh College

However, the concentration of medical school admissions within a handful of schools raises concerns about equitable access to medical education across the country. Out of approximately 720 SHSs, only 110 have had students admitted to medical schools in the past eight years.

This disparity underscores broader challenges within the education system, including inadequate facilities and a deficiency in fostering a conducive environment for the teaching and learning of science and mathematics.

Professor Addae-Mensah calls for urgent measures to address these issues and advocates for the retooling of schools, particularly those with fewer resources, to ensure they can contribute meaningfully to the field of medicine and the sciences.

Furthermore, he urges a reevaluation of the current educational framework, emphasizing the need for a balance between quantity and quality in the production of graduates.

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The professor’s concerns extend to the sustainability of the Free SHS program, urging government and stakeholders to reassess its structure and make necessary adjustments to enhance its long-term viability.

The 6 SHS With 50% Medical Students

1. Wesley Girls High School

Located in Cape Coast, Wesley Girls High School is renowned for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on holistic education. The school has consistently produced high-performing students who excel in various fields, including medicine. With a tradition of academic rigor and a supportive learning environment, Wesley Girls has become a notable feeder institution for medical schools in Ghana.

2. Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (Presec), Legon

Situated in Legon, Accra, Presec is one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary schools in Ghana. Known for its rigorous academic standards and strong tradition of discipline, Presec has a track record of producing top-tier graduates who excel in various professions, including medicine. The school’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills prepares its students for the challenges of medical education and practice.

3. Achimota School

Founded in 1924, Achimota School is located in Accra and is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and character development. The school provides a conducive learning environment that nurtures students’ intellectual curiosity and fosters a spirit of innovation. With a focus on holistic education, Achimota School equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in demanding fields like medicine.

4. Mfantsipim School

Located in Cape Coast, Mfantsipim School is one of the oldest and most distinguished secondary schools in Ghana. The school’s rigorous academic curriculum, coupled with its emphasis on leadership and character development, prepares students for success in various professions, including medicine. Mfantsipim School’s alumni include numerous medical professionals who have made significant contributions to healthcare in Ghana and beyond.

5. Holy Child School

Founded in 1946, Holy Child School is located in Cape Coast and is known for its commitment to academic excellence and moral values. The school provides a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and personal development. Holy Child School’s emphasis on holistic education prepares its students for the rigors of medical school and instills in them a sense of social responsibility and ethical conduct.

6. Prempeh College

Situated in Kumasi, Prempeh College is one of the leading secondary schools in Ghana, with a strong tradition of academic excellence and leadership development. The school’s rigorous academic program, combined with its emphasis on discipline and character formation, equips students with the skills and qualities needed to excel in diverse fields, including medicine. Prempeh College’s alumni include numerous medical professionals who have made significant contributions to healthcare in Ghana and beyond.

These six schools represent pillars of excellence in Ghana’s educational landscape, producing a significant portion of the country’s medical professionals and contributing to the advancement of healthcare in the nation.