THE 16th ANNUAL FGMSA CONGRESS

The Federation of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (FGMSA) has held its 16th Annual National Congress which was celebrated under the theme; Family Planning and Poverty reduction; a two way mirror.
The event took place from 25th to 27th March, 2011 and was hosted by The University of Ghana Medical Students’ Association in Accra, Ghana.
The FGMSA is a body encompassing all medical and dental students in Ghana. The Federation currently has three full member Medical Students’ Associations (MSA’s) namely; KNUST-Medical Students’ Association (KNUST-MSA), University of Development Studies-Medical Students’ Association (UDS-MSA) and University of Ghana Medical Students’ Association (UGMSA). University of Cape Coast Medical Students’ Association current has observer status in the Federation.
FGMSA Annual Congress serves as a platform for our General Assemblies during which elections are held to elect new executives of the Federation and also audit the federation’s accounts. It also serves as a platform for socialization and interaction amongst medical students in Ghana.
This year, we were privileged to have some alumni around. Particular mention must be made of Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, a past National Executive Council Member of FGMSA and currently the President of IFMSA.
Delegates arrived on 25th March and the Business meeting of the federation commenced right away in the evening right into the next day. This year’s election proved very competitive as we had two (2) females and one (1) male vying for the presidency. After a close contest, Ms. Hannah-Lisa Akunyumu-Tetteh was elected as president of the Federation for the next administrative year. Mr. Jones Gyedu Ampofo, immediate-past president handed over to her and her new executive council before the general assembly thereafter.
The next day was packed with so much fun activities. In the morning, there were series of debates on hot topics such as abortion and family planning. I was particularly stunned at medical students putting forth intelligent arguments and making strong cases either for or against motions of the debate. It was a battle of wits and it only confirms my assertion that, medical students are multi-talented! Later in the day, there were sporting activities like volleyball, basketball and football. There was so much fun around and for once, I even forgot school was still in session! Again, it was hard to believe the stuff that medical students are made of. The night of 26th was Party night and thus was spent at Citizen Kofi, a popular hang-out spot in Accra.
Delegates attended a thanksgiving service on 27th March, 2011 at Accra Chapel and departed to their various schools the same day.
All in all, the 16th Annual FGMSA Congress was a tremendous success. The Organizing Committee did a marvelous job in organizing a fantastic National Congress.
Kudos to Mr. Jones Gyedu Ampofo and his team of out-gone executives. Congratulations to Ms. Hannah-Lisa Akunyumu-Tetteh and her team of National Executive Council.
Viva IFMSA! Viva Africa! Viva FGMSA!!!

By John G. G. Banin
NPO, FGMSA (2010)
IFMSA Publications Team (2010/2011)