President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned the second phase of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.
The $60 million project is designed to house the Central Administration of the university and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), which is the largest in Africa.
The project also includes classrooms, a library, laboratories, an auditorium, a student activity centre, and a cafeteria.
These additions are set to enhance the university’s capability to deliver top-tier education and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.
The expansion is expected to double the student intake for SONAM in the next academic year.
Background
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, September 10, 2021, cut the sod to commence the second phase of the UHAS Project.
This followed the signing of the exchange of notes between the then Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana to secure $60 million for the construction of the second phase of UHAS on January 11, 2019.
The signing of the financial agreement marked the beginning of a significant journey for the university, setting the stage for a transformative project that would elevate the university’s stature and impact.
President Akufo-Addo’s administration demonstrated unwavering support by providing GH¢6.2 million in counterpart funding for essential preliminary works, such as extending electricity, municipal water supply, and constructing necessary infrastructure, underscoring the government’s dedication to supporting educational development and infrastructure.
The first phase of the University Project was funded by the Chinese Government through its development agency, China AID, at a cost of 104,850,000 RMB (Chinese Yuan), equivalent to approximately $16 million.
The facilities present at the time included an administration block, classrooms, a library, laboratories, an auditorium, a student activity centre, and a cafeteria for the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, expressed her appreciation to the President and government for the completion of phase two of the University Project.
She appealed to the President to give financial clearance to recruit about 450 staff to man the newly commissioned phase two.
Honour
In a related development, UHAS has honoured President Akufo-Addo with an honorary Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) in recognition of his significant contributions to science education in Ghana.
The special congregation ceremony was held on Monday, July 29, at the University’s Cedi Auditorium, Main Campus, Sokode-Lokoe.
The prestigious honour recognises the President’s significant contributions to science education and unwavering support for UHAS, underscoring his pivotal role in advancing Ghana’s academic landscape.
“The University of Health and Allied Sciences, a science-focused university, acknowledges President Akufo-Addo’s efforts to enhance education in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” the citation read.
A key achievement highlighted by the university is the 2017 Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, which has made secondary education free for all Ghanaian students, significantly reducing the financial burden on parents.
The recognition also comes in light of the President’s implementation of the FSHS policy, his prioritisation of STEM education, and the completion of the UHAS China-aided Phase 2 Expansion project.
The President expressed profound gratitude to UHAS for its pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers, ensuring Ghana remains at the forefront of scientific excellence.
“The future of our nation hinges on our commitment to nurturing a robust scientific ecosystem, and my administration’s steadfast support for educational institutions like UHAS is unmatched,” the President stated.
He noted that the honorary degree reflects the collective efforts toward building a knowledge-driven society.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Ho