President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo marked a momentous occasion on Monday, July 29, 2024, with the commissioning of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) ‘s Phase II expansion project, underscoring its profound impact on Ghana’s healthcare sector.
Reflecting on the project’s inception, President Akufo-Addo recalled the sod-cutting ceremony held on September 10, 2021, emphasizing the imperative for UHAS to expand its infrastructure to effectively fulfil its educational mandate.
The project secured $60 million in funding from the Government of China in collaboration with the Ministers for Education and Finance and under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Professor John Owusu Gyapong.
The President thanked the People’s Republic of China for its steadfast support and highlighted the project’s role in strengthening bilateral relations.
He also acknowledged the pivotal contributions of the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Lu Kun, and his predecessor, the late Ambassador Her Excellency Sun Bahong.
Special recognition was extended to Nantong Sijian Construction Group and Ghana’s former Ambassador to China, Ambassador Edward Boateng, for their instrumental roles in the project’s realization.
Completing Phase II significantly enhances UHAS’s capacity to educate and train healthcare professionals, encompassing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health practitioners.
This expansion addresses the burgeoning healthcare demands of Ghana’s populace, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to tackle contemporary healthcare challenges. With state-of-the-art facilities and expanded resources, UHAS is poised to offer comprehensive education and practical training, equipping graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings.
Moreover, the new infrastructure will catalyze groundbreaking research and innovation, empowering scientists and researchers to pioneer advancements in medical science and healthcare delivery.
This research impetus is pivotal for developing context-specific solutions to health issues and positioning Ghana as a hub for health research excellence within Africa.
To commemorate the occasion, President Akufo-Addo announced a personal donation of ten desktop computers and ten laptops to UHAS. These technological tools are intended to bolster administrative efficiency and augment the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality education and services.
In closing, President Akufo-Addo extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Chairperson of the University Council, former Supreme Court Justice Mr Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse, for his exceptional leadership and enduring contributions over the past six years.
He conveyed best wishes for Mr Dotse’s future endeavours, invoking divine blessings for continued success.
The commissioning of UHAS’s Phase II expansion project represents a pivotal milestone in the institution’s journey towards excellence in health education and research. It reaffirms its pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s healthcare landscape and advancing regional health outcomes.
