The first organized group of African doctors in Ghana was the Gold Coast Medical Practitioners Union which was formed in 1933 to act as a vehicle for redressing grievances of African medical officers in government employment. It was jointly founded by three Ghanaian doctors namely F. V.Nanka -Bruce (President and Spokesperson), C. E. Reindorf and W.A.C Nanka Bruce with J.E. Hutton Mills as secretary.

Subsequently in January 1953, the Ghana Branch of the British Medical Association was inaugurated following the formation of an African government in 1951. With Dr F.V .Nanka Bruce again as its first President, the Branch quickly gained legal recognition because of its relationship with the parent BMA.

Five years later, on January 4, 1958, the Gold Coast Medical Practitioners Union and the Ghana Branch of the British Medical Association officially ceased to exist having been amalgamated to form the Ghana Medical Association. With an initial membership of forty, the GMA was inaugurated at the Arden Hall of the Ambassador Hotel at Accra by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President, then the Prime Minister with Dr C. O Easmon as its first President.

With a current membership of over 1700, the GMA is housed in a modern secretariat in Korle-Bu opposite the auditorium of the University of Ghana Medical School. The GMA is made up of ten Divisions whose Chairmen together with the National Executive Committee and a representative each from the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners , Ghana Dental Association and the Junior Doctors Society, constitute the National Executive Council. The National Executive Council meets every other month to deliberate on matters affecting the association. The highest decision making body of the Association is the General Assembly which meets at the Annual General Meetings held in different parts of the country.

The GMA is a member of the Confederation of African Medical Associations and Societies (CAMAS), Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) and the World Medical Association).

Some of the activities carried out by the GMA each year include the Annual National Health Week, Annual Public Lectures, Seminars on Continuous Professional Development etc.

Philosophy of GMA:

1. The Association affirms that health is a right and must be made accessible, equitable, affordable, and appropriate and safe at all times to all the people in Ghana.

2. The Association is committed to partnerships and collaborations with all Professions and Groups interested in promoting optimal health for the people of Ghana.

3. The Association affirms the belief that the health of the people of Ghana means the total well being of the people and not the mere absence of disease.

4. The Association is committed to the welfare of members and other health professionals as essential to achieve and sustain optimal health care delivery in Ghana.

Goals and Objectives:

1. To continuously promote good health amongst all people, through participation in the development and maintenance of the highest possible standards of healthcare delivery in Ghana.

2. To seek the total welfare of members of the Association.

3. To maintain the honour, dignity and professionalism of the medical and dental professions.

4. To develop partnerships with all stakeholders who subscribe to and support the philosophy of the Association.

5. To remain true to the philosophy of the Association in carrying out its activities at all times