The Ghana Medical Association has chosen a new leader, with Professor Ernest Yorke emerging president after Saturday’s national elections. He secured 1,857 votes, representing 53.6 percent of valid ballots, to beat his closest contender, Dr Justice Yankson.
The results were announced by the Chairperson of the GMA Electoral Committee, Dr Rita Larsen-Reindorf, at the close of polls on November 15, 2025.
Prof. Yorke, an educator and long-time health advocate, has held several roles within the Association, including Junior Doctors’ Representative Council member, Divisional Secretary, Divisional Vice Chair and member of the GMA Council.
Profile
Professor Ernest Yorke is a respected physician, academic, and leader in Ghana’s medical community. A Fellow of both the West African College of Physicians and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, he has built an impressive career in internal medicine and endocrinology, marked by clinical excellence and a strong commitment to research and training.
He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School and a Consultant Physician/Endocrinologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. In these roles, he combines teaching, clinical practice, and mentorship, shaping the next generation of medical professionals while providing specialised care to patients.
Prof. Yorke has been deeply involved in organising and facilitating metabolic and cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education programmes, engaging health professionals both within Ghana and internationally. His approach to medicine is grounded in the use of practical tools and emerging technologies to solve problems, improve patient outcomes, and advance scientific understanding.
His scholarly output reflects this dedication; he has published widely in reputable local and international peer-reviewed journals.
Beyond academia and clinical work, Prof. Yorke plays a significant leadership role in professional medical associations. He is the Chairman of the Greater Accra Division of the Ghana Medical Association and also serves as the Vice President of the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana.
His recent teaching and training engagements include courses on managing diabetic patients during fasting, improving early detection of transthyretin amyloidosis in West Africa, strengthening expertise in diabetes management, and applying multidisciplinary approaches to real-life Type 2 diabetes cases.
