The University Health Services started as a clinic at the Achimota School west compound and shared facilities with the Achimota Hospital. The clinic was under the charge of Dr. A. B. Boyd, a Scottish Doctor, who was assisted by one staff nurse, Ms. Letitia Ayiku.
The Clinic transitioned to the University College Hospital in 1959 after a team of medical personnel moved from Achimota Hospital to the current location behind the Legon Police Station. The College Hospital had an out-patient department; facilities for X-ray, minor surgeries; a Laboratory for examination of pathological specimens; and a block consisting of six wards for in-patient care for college personnel. Subsequently the Hospital expanded to include a Maternity Ward and staff quarters. It became popularly known as the Legon Hospital.
The Hospital was originally established to cater for the health needs of the student population, staff, and their dependents. However, around 1976/1977 as the communities around the University started developing, the inhabitants sought healthcare from the University Hospital. In recognition of the change in the function of the University Hospital, the Ministry of Health (MOH) assisted the Hospital yearly with drugs, equipment, and instruments. This arrangement worked well until 1986/87 when the "cash-and-carry" system was introduced and assistance to the hospital ceased.
The University Health Services comprises of the University Hospital, Legon and six Satellite Clinics located on various University of Ghana campuses and Research Centres in Accra, Kade, and Kpong.
Previous Medical Directors of the University Health Services include Dr. Samuel Bamfo (1969-1983); Dr. Isaac Kofi Frimpong (1983-1987); Dr. Comfort Dzokoto (1987-2000); Dr. Eugenia Ofori-Adjei (2000-2009); and Dr. Christian Kofi Amenuveve (2011-2020). Dr Vivian Akoto in 2003, and Dr. Josephina Blankson-Hemans in August 2009 to March 2011, served temporarily as Medical Directors of the University Health Services.