The first-ever China–Ghana Advanced Training Course on Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive and Cataract Surgery has successfully concluded at the China–Ghana Friendship Hospital, marking a significant milestone in bilateral medical cooperation between the two countries.
The one-day intensive training, held on January 12, was organised by the 14th China Medical Team to Ghana and brought together over 40 senior medical professionals from leading health institutions across the country, including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital, and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
The programme combined theoretical instruction with hands-on surgical demonstrations, providing participants with advanced exposure to modern laparoscopic and ophthalmic techniques.
This landmark training represented the first time a China Medical Team in Ghana has conducted specialist-level surgical training for Ghanaian clinicians, offering a structured platform for knowledge exchange and skills development in minimally invasive surgery and cataract treatment.
Live surgical demonstrations formed a central part of the programme, reinforcing practical learning and clinical application.
Opening the programme, Captain of the China Medical Team, Dr. Yang Yongguang, expressed appreciation to the participating Ghanaian specialists and highlighted the steady transformation of the China–Ghana Friendship Hospital into a regional centre of excellence for minimally invasive and cataract surgeries.
He noted that successive China medical teams have played a critical role in advancing surgical care in Ghana, including performing the country’s first laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and stone extraction.
Dr. Yang said the training was intended to establish a sustainable academic and technical exchange platform, aimed at deepening the integration of minimally invasive surgical techniques into Ghana’s clinical practice.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the hospital’s management, Dr. Fola, Clinical Director of the China–Ghana Friendship Hospital, described the programme as a new milestone in China–Ghana health cooperation.
She emphasised that the initiative would significantly strengthen local capacity in surgical and ophthalmic care, enabling Ghanaian clinicians to better respond to the country’s growing healthcare demands.
The academic session featured presentations from both Chinese and Ghanaian experts. Dr. Yang Yongguang delivered a detailed lecture on Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Hernia Repair, while ophthalmology specialist Dr. Liang Demao presented on Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery, outlining critical steps and technical considerations.
Dr. Zhu Yafei, a gynecology expert, shared practical insights on performing laparoscopic surgery safely in resource-limited environments.
From the Ghanaian perspective, Dr. Offei Asare, Consultant Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgeon at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, spoke on the evolution of laparoscopic capacity in Ghana, highlighting achievements and persistent challenges.
Dr. Selase Apasu, a surgeon at the China–Ghana Friendship Hospital, discussed laparoscopic fundamentals and camera assistance techniques, while Dr. Anim Oteng of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital presented on Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS).
A major highlight of the training was the live surgical demonstration, during which Dr. Liang Demao successfully performed two phacoemulsification cataract surgeries. The procedures offered participants real-time insight into surgical precision and technique.
Dr. Hornametor Afake, Eye Care Coordinator at the Ghana Health Service, described the demonstrations as highly instructive and confidence-boosting, and called for regular continuation of such programmes to elevate cataract surgery standards nationwide.
