The completed UHAS Phase 2 Project in Ho
The eagerly anticipated Phase 2 of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Project in Ho, Volta Region, has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of educational infrastructure in the country.
Initiated with a sod-cutting ceremony by President Nana Akufo-Addo on September 10, 2021, the project has now been finalised to enhance the University’s capacity and facilities.
Phase 2, funded with a $60 million funding from the Chinese Government through its development agency, China AID, has expanded the campus significantly.
It includes the construction of the Central Administration building and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), poised to become the largest of its kind in Africa.
The completion of Phase 2 adds crucial infrastructure to UHAS, complementing the facilities established during Phase 1 with huge edifices for the administration block, classrooms, library, laboratories, an auditorium, student activity centre, and cafeteria.
These developments underscore the government’s commitment to advancing education and healthcare training, providing a state-of-the-art environment for students and faculty alike.
President Akufo-Addo, earlier in 2021, during the sod-cutting, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Education and Finance, and the University management in securing funding and overseeing the project’s successful execution.
He expressed confidence that the enhanced facilities will enable UHAS to fulfill its mandate of delivering quality education and healthcare training to its students.
The completion of this ambitious project does not only signify a substantial investment in Ghana’s education sector but also underscores the country’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and healthcare advancement.
Subsequent phases will further advance the use of the new facilities to their fullest potential, ensuring they contribute to the country’s healthcare and educational landscape for years to come.
UHAS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lydia Aziato, at an event in June announced the completion of the Phase 2, and called on the nation and international partners to join the celebration of the remarkable achievement.
Honouring Nana
Management of the University in a recent announcement indicated that a Doctorate Degree of Honour would be conferred on President Nana Akufo-Addo in recognition of his towering commitment to the advancement of education in the country, with notable achievements such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the realisation of the UHAS Phase 2 project.
A press release signed by the UHAS Director of Public Affairs, Maria Gwira, announced that there would be a special congregation to honour the President on the day of the commissioning of the Phase 2.
“The University Council approved the decision to recognise the President for his exemplary leadership in making science education more accessible to Ghanaian families through the Free SHS policy, the prioritisation of STEM Education in Ghana, and the Completion of the UHAS China aided Phase 2 expansion project,” the release said.
It added that, “as a science-focused university, the University’s Management recognises the President’s drive to raise the bar in education in furtherance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Phase 1
After almost three years of construction, the first phase of work on the permanent campus for UHAS at Green Valley, a suburb of Sokode Lokoe near Ho, was completed and ready for use in 2015.
The completed facility included the central administration block and facilities for the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences.
These facilities had lecture halls, laboratories, auditorium and residential spaces for students and staff.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak