28/03/2026
A hands-on training session in laparoscopic re**al surgery, led by a visiting Professor of Colore**al and Laparoscopic Surgery, was held at Mwin Tuba Hospital & Colo-Proctology Centre. Since May 2025, the hospital has adopted laparoscopic surgery as the default approach for abdominal procedures.
It is truly commendable when individuals take personal initiative to address issues of national importance. One of the key reasons laparoscopic surgical practice remains limited in Ghana is the lack of local expertise, coupled with the absence of a structured national training programme. While up to 90% of colore**al surgeries in developed countries are performed laparoscopically, this figure remains negligible in many developing countries, including Ghana.
Mwin Tuba Hospital has embraced this challenge and is actively working toward bridging this gap. Since transitioning to laparoscopic surgery on 31st May 2025, the hospital has provided hands-on exposure and training opportunities for colore**al surgery trainees. It is particularly encouraging that these efforts have been strengthened by the involvement of an experienced professor from Germany, who has contributed to training laparoscopic colore**al surgeons in Ghana.
Professor Peter Ambe (Dr Med), a German national originally from Cameroon, has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing surgical care in Africa. Motivated by a desire to give back, he chose Ghana as a base to share his extensive expertise in colo-proctology and laparoscopic surgery. He has been warmly received and is currently engaged as a faculty member at the University of Ghana Medical School.
In addition to undergraduate teaching, his mandate by the medical school includes advancing research and training residents in minimally invasive abdominal and proctological surgery. His goal is to help develop a new generation of highly skilled surgeons proficient in laparoscopic and laser proctological procedures.
Professor Ambe also organised a highly impactful laparoscopic surgery training programme at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for surgical residents. During this programme, trainees gained hands-on experience in laparoscopic appendicectomy and cholecystectomy within the Department of Surgery.
The specialised hands-on training in laparoscopic colore**al surgery was conducted at Mwin Tuba Hospital & Colo-Proctology Centre, where the team performed a laparoscopic intersphincteric resection of the re**um for the management of re**al cancer. During the procedure, Professor Ambe demonstrated practical techniques to enhance surgical efficiency while maintaining safety.
Participants expressed great enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity. Their high level of engagement, energy, and eagerness to develop expertise in laparoscopic surgery were particularly noteworthy.
The management and staff of Mwin Tuba Hospital & Colo-Proctology Centre extend their sincere gratitude to Professor Peter Ambe (Dr Med) for his invaluable contribution to the training and advancement of laparoscopic and colore**al surgery in Ghana.
