Ensign Global University (EGU), a private tertiary institution located at Kpong in the Eastern Region of Ghana, and renowned for training global leaders in public health, held a public lecture as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations on Friday, November 15, 2024. Over the past decade, the University has shaped minds and positively impacted its host community, Kpong, in addition to numerous cities and towns across the nation. Through its mission of raising highly skilled, visionary, ethical, and professional leaders to function as change agents, the university has prepared hundreds of graduates for careers in global health. To mark a decade of this achievement, EGU’s public lecture highlighted its impact on the communities over the past ten years The event also highlighted details on Ensign Global’s flagship Health2Go project, the Center for Global Surgery and other community engagement activities.

Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland spoke on the topic of Global Surgery. “There is a need for us to be able to make safe and timely surgical care accessible and available to a lot of people,” said Dr. Sutherland. He added, “Data suggests that some nine out of ten people in Africa lack access to safe and timely surgical care.” As part of efforts to address the situation, the Center for Global Surgery (CGS), through the Ensign Global University has partnered with several communities, district health directorates, and hospitals to promote awareness of surgical and gynaecological related issues, such as breast and cervical cancers. The Center for Global Surgery has also been involved in surgical training and research throughout the country with an emphasis on women’s health (breast and cervical cancers), quality initiatives in surgical care, and minimally invasive surgery development.

Dr. Stephen Manortey, Head of Academic Programs at Ensign, spoke about the impact the university has had on the Kpong community over the past decade. He emphasized community engagement as a crucial aspect of public health and reaffirmed Ensign Global’s dedication to training leaders committed to service. He also highlighted several graduates who now hold key positions in Ghana and across Africa. As Country Director for Health2Go, he shared some statistics that highlighted improvement in health outcomes for communities engaged under the project.

To conclude the lecture, the Yilo Krobo Municipal Director of Health Services, Mrs. Irina Ofei, highlighted some of the key impacts of Ensign’s community engagements.  She stated that “Over the past decade, Ensign Global University has had a significant impact on Kroboland and beyond with the university partnering with the Municipal Health Directorates to promote wellness through various initiatives such as health screening activities.”

According to Mrs. Ofei, "Ensign Global University's vision to become a world-class academic institution in public health serves as the foundation for its commitment to community engagement" The moderator for the event was Dr. Sandra Kushitor, a faculty member of the institution.

Long Service Awards

The University as part of its anniversary celebrations honoured its top management officials and long-serving staff for their invaluable contributions and support to community outreach activities over the past decade.
Recipients included Mrs. Lynette Gay, Founder and Board Chair of Ensign Global University, in recognition of her visionary leadership, dedication, and invaluable contributions.

University President, Professor Stephen C. Alder, was also recognized with an award for a decade of exceptional leadership, service, and dedication as the President and Inaugural Board Member.

Other board members recognized included Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, Togbe Afede XIV, and Prof. Tsiri Agbenyega. They were all honoured for their visionary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment in shaping the foundation of Ensign Global University.

Staff awardees included Mr. Patrick Kuma, Registrar; Dr. Stephen Manortey, Head of Program; Stephen Kwesi Amakye, Lands and Facilities Manager (LFM); Venatus Kwadjo Fosu, Librarian; Emmanuel Kwarteng, Bookstore Manager; Edward Sam, Finance Manager; and Rebecca Ametepey, Nurse.

Additional staff recognized included Felix Asem, IT Manager; Christian Dornyo, Assistant LFM; Diana Akweley Addo, Hostel Supervisor; Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland, Lecturer; Michael Blay, Webmaster; Enid Ama Howard, Cook; Mrs. Emelia Ahadjie, Stakeholder; Rema-Alma Company Limited, Stakeholder; and Mrs. Irina Ofei, Stakeholder.