Cape Coast, Ghana – February 13, 2024
The University of Cape Coast Medical Students' Association (UCCMSA) once again proved that Valentine’s Day is not just about love but also about compassion, health, and service to the community. For years, the UCCMSA has hosted its annual Valentine’s Day Seminar, a tradition designed to engage medical students in thought-provoking discussions on health, relationships, and career growth. However, this year’s edition, held on February 13th, took on an exciting new twist, making it one of the most impactful events in the association’s history.
A Star-Studded Panel Discussion with UCCSRC
This year, UCCMSA partnered with the University of Cape Coast Students’ Representative Council (UCCSRC) for a powerful panel discussion, bringing together top-tier professionals who shared their wisdom and experiences with future healthcare leaders.
The distinguished speakers included:
Dr. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Esther Ekor – Spoke on "How to Balance Love Life and Education," offering practical guidance on maintaining academic excellence while nurturing personal relationships.


Prof. Emmanuel Kusi Acheampong – Addressed the topic "Appreciating Self-Love," highlighting the importance of mental well-being and self-care in personal and professional life.


Prof. Kingsley Asare Preko, Vice Dean of UCCSMS – Provided mentorship and leadership insights, inspiring students to embrace excellence, resilience, and ethical medical practice.
Dr. Elvis Amponsah – An alumnus of UCCSMS and a well-loved mentor to past and current students. He provided a youthful perspective on the discussion, making it more relatable and practical.
Dr. Belinda Obour – Also an alumnus of UCCSMS, she shared insights on "How to Genuinely Be Yourself in a Relationship," encouraging authenticity and emotional intelligence in personal connections.
Prof. Eugene Dartey – Delivered an inspiring talk on "Education: Your Priority," emphasizing the importance of academic excellence while managing other aspects of life.
The auditorium of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at UCC was filled with eager students, actively participating in discussions on topics such as:
How to Balance Love Life and Education – Practical strategies for maintaining a healthy personal life while excelling academically.
Appreciating Self-Love – The importance of self-care, mental health, and personal growth as a foundation for strong relationships.
How to Genuinely Be Yourself in a Relationship – Encouraging authenticity and emotional intelligence in personal connections.
The event not only equipped students with practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of community, reminding them that self-love, discipline, and ethical medical practice go hand in hand. The UCCMSA continues to uphold its commitment to holistic development, proving that Valentine’s Day can be a celebration of love in its many forms, including self-care, education, and service to society.
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A Historic Blood Donation Drive for the Cape Coast Community
While knowledge was being shared inside the auditorium, a life-saving initiative was happening outside!
Recognizing the growing need for a constant supply of blood at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Blood Bank, the UCCMSA Health Office spearheaded a blood donation exercise, making history as the first Valentine’s Day Seminar to feature a health-centered community outreach activity.
The initiative saw dozens of students and faculty members rolling up their sleeves to donate blood, supporting a vital cause that goes beyond the student body to serve the entire Cape Coast community. This thoughtful addition to the seminar aligns with UCCMSA’s mission to merge education with impactful healthcare initiatives.
A Testament to Leadership and Innovation
This event was one of a kind, a testament to the visionary leadership of the UCCMSA Executive Board of the 2024/2025 tenure. Their ability to blend tradition with innovation has set a new standard for future Valentine’s Day events, making it more than just a seminar, but a platform for networking, community service, and student engagement.
Calling on Partners and Sponsors
The overwhelming success and impact of this year’s event present an exciting opportunity for corporate bodies, health institutions, and NGOs to come on board. Future collaborations can help expand this initiative, making it an even bigger platform for health education, medical outreach, and mentorship programs.
Interested organizations are encouraged to partner with UCCMSA to support and sustain initiatives that empower students and improve healthcare access.
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact UCCMSA at [insert contact details].
Final Thoughts
The Valentine’s Day Seminar 2024 was a perfect blend of education, mentorship, and healthcare impact, showing that love can be expressed in more ways than one—through learning, giving, and saving lives.
With such a successful precedent set, next year’s edition is already shaping up to be even bigger and better!
Congratulations to the UCCMSA Executive Board 2024/2025 for this incredible achievement!
#UCCMSA2024 #ValentinesWithAPurpose #FutureDoctors #BloodForLife #UCCSRC #CapeCoastTeachingHospital #MSAUCC