The Ghana Armed Forces College of Nursing and Midwifery (GAFCONM) has commissioned new projects of the college and held a matriculation ceremony for 490 nursing and midwifery students for the second batch of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery students on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the premises of the school in the 37 Military Hospital.
The commissioning which was jointly performed by the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Air Vice Marshall (AVM) Joshua Lartei Mensah – Larkai and the President of the National Defence University (NDU) AVM Dr Felix Adom Asante included a new cafeteria complex with offices, state of the art multipurpose conference room, fence wall, security post and a new generator plant.
Speaking on the theme ‘’From Classroom to Global Care: Nurses and Midwives Shaping Universal Health Coverage’’, the acting principal of the college Maj Bright Attah Addae indicated that out of a total of 2403 applicants, 490 students were admitted for the 2025/2026 academic year to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery for a period of four years.
Maj Addae disclosed that the purpose of the matriculation was to officially receive freshmen and women into the college, making them full members of the college community admonishing them to recognize their honest vow, compassion and academic potential. He however guaranteed them of obtaining in advance their scientific foundation, moral directions and exceptional practical skill from the best experts required to outshine in their designated field of curing arts as nurses and midwives.
He added that the college was established in 1941 and remains the only military health training institution in Ghana, serving both military and the civilian populace. He noted that the institution introduced the Bachelor of science programmes in Nursing and Midwifery in 2024, affiliated to the University of Cape Coast and operates under the administrative oversight of the National Defence University.
The acting principal however highlighted on some challenges facing the college such as inadequate hostel facilities, limited lecture halls, and shortage of doctoral level faculty. He appealed to stakeholders, corporate bodies and individuals to support the college especially in accessing scholarships such as the GETfund.
Delivering his keynote address, the special guest of honor for the occasion and President of the National Defence University (NDU) Air Vice Marshall Dr Felix Adom Asante commended faculty of the college for their continued commitment to the training of highly skilled nurses and midwives since their work remains vital in strengthening the healthcare system and advancing the national goal of universal access to healthcare.
AVM Dr Asante reiterated that matriculation signifies a solemn commitment by students to pursue knowledge, uphold discipline and dedicate themselves to service, having taken the matriculation oath admits students to academic community binds them to the standard of regulations, ethics and traditions of the institution.
He said that the NDU serves as the apex institution for advanced professional and military education within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and its mandate encompasses leadership development, professional training, research and national capacity building in critical sectors. Adding, the college occupies a strategic position in strengthening the healthcare workforce since healthcare delivery remains a fundamental pillar of national stability and human development.
Universal access to healthcare remains one of the most significant priorities in contemporary healthcare systems. Universal access to healthcare ensures that every individual receives quality health care services whenever they are required without discrimination and without financial hardship.
He noted that nurses and midwives constitute the backbone of healthcare delivery system nationwide and play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare services reach all segments of the population.
AVM Asante cautioned the students to be disciplined, dedicated to humanity and sacrifice of their profession since it improves the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across the nation.
AVM Asante cautioned the students to be disciplined, dedicated to humanity and sacrifice of their profession since it improves the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities across the nation.
The Chairperson for the occasion former Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast  Prof Mrs Rosemond Aboagye Boohene who represented the acting vice chancellor of the university advised the students to strive for academic excellence and uphold strong moral values.
She noted that the theme for the ceremony captures the spirit of emerging and re-emerging diseases, non-communicable diseases which calls for the strengthening of a healthcare system.
‘’ You must strive not to succeed academically only but also to develop values that will prepare you for leadership and service’’, she added, urging students to cultivate discipline, integrity, intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethics.
In attendance were the Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology division Brig Gen Richard Naab, Director General Nursing and Midwifery of the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services(GAFHS)Â Col Francisca Aba Amakyi, Deputy Director General Nursing and Midwifery of the GAFHS Col Patience Owusu Aidoo, Director Admin of the GAFHS Col Richard Okyere Mintah, acting Commanding Officer of the hospital Lt Col Alex Abiti, Chief Nursing officers of the formation, some key personalities, faculty of the college, staff, parents of matriculants and students of the college.
