The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has commissioned the $60 million Phase II expansion of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Volta Region.
The project, that took some barely 36 months to complete, was commissioned on Monday, July 29, 2024.
President Akufo-Addo broke the ground for the commencement of work on Phase II on September 10, 2021.
Under the instruction of the President, the Ministers for Education and Finance, in collaboration with UHAS management and the then Vice Chancellor, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, secured $60 million in funding from the Chinese Government.
Phase II is designed to house the Central Administration of the University and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM).
The project also includes classrooms, a library, laboratories, an auditorium, a student activity centre and a cafeteria.
These additions are expected to enhance the university’s capability to deliver top-tier education and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.
The design and planning phases saw extensive collaboration between the China Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CUCD) and the technical staff of UHAS, ensuring that the project met the highest standards.
USEFULNESS
The President said that the completion of Phase II will significantly enhance UHAS’s capacity to train more health professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other allied health practitioners.
According to him, the expansion was essential to address the growing healthcare needs of Ghana’s population and the demand for a skilled workforce.
He stressed that with additional facilities and resources, UHAS will be better positioned to offer comprehensive education and practical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the healthcare sector’s challenges.
Also, the new facilities, the President noted, will support cutting-edge research and innovation, allowing scientists and researchers to explore new advancements in medicine and healthcare delivery.
President Akufo-Addo announced a personal donation of ten desktop computers and ten laptops to UHAS. He said these devices will aid the administration and enhance the university’s capacity to provide quality education and services.
ACHIEVEMENT IN HEALTHCARE
President Akufo-Addo, during his acceptance speech for an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the UHAS, highlighted the achievements of his government in the healthcare sector.
According to him, his administration has spent a total of over GH¢33 billion to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country in the last seven years, emphasising the construction and equipping of polyclinics, hospitals and specialised treatment centres.
“We have successfully constructed and equipped ten polyclinics in the Central Region, located in Ajumaku Bisease, Gomoa Dawurampong, Biriwa, Etsii Sunkwa, Binpong Egya, Gyamera, Mankrong, Akonfude, Ekumfi Naakwa, and Gomoa Potsin,” President Akufo-Addo announced, among others across the country.
He added that several projects have been completed and are waiting for commissioning, including public health facilities in the Western Region, the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital Phase III, and twelve district hospitals in the Eastern, Ashanti, Ahafo, and Greater Accra Regions.
He mentioned the famous Agenda 111 projects and said they are at various stages of completion with an average rate of 65% and some at 80%.
Ongoing projects slated for completion by December 2024 include additional treatment and holding centres, staff accommodation at Dodowa, refurbishment of the Effia Nkwanta research laboratory, and a paediatric clinic in Weija-Gbawe municipality.
The government is also constructing a training facility for the National Ambulance Service at Nkenkasu in the Ashanti Region and equipping the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Block.
HONORARY DOCTORATE
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree (Honoris Causa) by UHAS, as part of the ceremony on Monday, July 29, 2024.
The recognition underscored the President’s dedication to advancing science education and healthcare in Ghana.
In his acceptance speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging that this honour reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective efforts of his administration and the support of the Ghanaian people.
He highlighted that this latest accolade adds to a distinguished list of honorary degrees he has received from prestigious institutions globally, including the University of Fort Hare, the University of Liberia, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and Valley View University.
