In a significant step toward bolstering healthcare delivery, the 14th Chinese Medical Team to Ghana teamed up with the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital (LEKMA Hospital) to host the first-ever Advanced Training Course in Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive and Cataract Surgery.
The event, held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Lekma Hospital, brought together leading medical experts from both nations to exchange knowledge on cutting-edge surgical techniques.
Opening Ceremony and Strategic Vision
The advanced training session, organized under the leadership of Captain of the Chinese Medical Team Dr. Yang Yongguang and supported by the host, Medical Superintendent of Lekma Hospital Dr. Akua Gyimah Asante, focused on strengthening professional capacity in the two critical areas of modern medicine: ophthalmology and laparoscopic surgery.
The program officially commenced with opening remarks delivered by. Dr. Yang Yongguang, who welcomed distinguished guests and participants, underscoring the vital role of continuous professional development in strengthening healthcare delivery. He reaffirmed Lekma Hospital’s commitment to supporting advanced medical training through international collaboration.
Dr. Fola (Folasade Ojo-Benys), the Clinical Supervisor of Lekma Hospital and Chairperson of the session provided the strategic context for the program, highlighting how the China–Ghana partnership is essential for advancing specialized medical skills in the region. Dr. Fola emphasized that mastering laparoscopic and cataract surgery is a priority for improving patient outcomes within Ghana’s healthcare system and encouraged an atmosphere of active knowledge sharing.
Key Highlights of the Academic Exchange
The training session served as a high-level academic exchange between Ghanaian and Chinese medical experts, combining theory with practical clinical insights:
- Cataract Innovation: Dr. Liang Demao of the China Medical Team led detailed sessions on Phacoemulsification cataract surgery. He outlined step-by-step techniques, intraoperative tips, and best practices. The sessions specifically addressed the management of post-operative corneal edema to help reduce surgical complications.
- Laparoscopic Techniques: Specialists from Lekma Hospital, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Chinese Medical Team explored the core principles of laparoscopic surgery. This included the “art of camera handling,” which is essential for precision in minimally invasive procedures. Discussions also covered the technical execution of Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for inguinal hernias, focusing on surgical accuracy and patient safety.
- Gynecological Reflection: Dr. Zhu Yafei provided expert insights into the application of laparoscopic surgery in gynecology, highlighting its role in reducing recovery times and expanding treatment options for women’s health.
From Theory to the Operating Theater
Moving beyond lectures, the program featured a Live Surgery Demonstration conducted within the theaters of the LEKMA Hospital. Senior medical staff observed real-time procedures, including a general surgery for hernia repair and two complex cataract surgeries. This provided local practitioners with a “front-row seat” to advance minimally invasive methods being performed by seasoned experts like Dr. Yang Yongguang and Dr. Liang Demao.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The event was supported by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association, HCOWA Association Medical & Academic Exchange (HMAEC) Committee, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, reflecting a shared commitment to capacity building from both China and Ghana. As the session came to an end, stakeholders emphasized that this training is part of an ongoing “journey” for surgical excellence through international cooperation.
