The UGMC Management

Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko is a distinguished Ghanaian cardiologist and healthcare leader who is the immediate past Head of the Cardiology Division at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.  On 6th May 2025, he was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd. (UGMC).

Dr. Tanko attended Salaga Secondary School, where he had his “O” Levels in 1983. He then proceeded to Cuba for his A-levels in 1987 on scholarship. He also began his medical education in Cuba, earning his BSc and Doctor of Medicine degrees in 1993.  After his internship at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, he proceeded to Germany to specialise in cardiovascular medicine. Posted to the National Cardiothoracic Centre upon his return in 2004, Dr. Tanko worked for 2 years and then went for his Post Graduate Diploma and MSc. in Clinical Cardiology at Imperial College of Medicine, University of London, UK. He furthered to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Heart Failure at the University of Glasgow Medical School in Scotland, as well as for a certificate in Public Health in Emergencies from Merlin/IHE London.

Dr. Tanko joined the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in 2004.  Before that, he had held various roles, including Senior Resident in Cardiology at Ruhr University Medical School in Germany and also served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School before being appointed Head of the Cardiology Division at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a position he occupied until his recent appointment as CEO of UGMC.  

Dr. Tanko's research interests encompass cardiac involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, atrial fibrillation management, bacterial endocarditis in drug users, and the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation on the heart.  

Dr. Tanko is fluent in Gonja, Hausa, Twi, English, Spanish, French, and German. 

 

He stands out as one of Ghana’s and Africa’s most distinguished healthcare professionals, blending exceptional clinical expertise, visionary leadership, and a rare depth of national service experience.

Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko’s remarkable life and career highlight the power of visionary leadership, clinical excellence, and a commitment to service in transforming healthcare systems.