The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) celebrated its 10th Congregation on Friday, awarding degrees and qualifications to 1,097 graduates during the second session of the ceremony held at its main campus in Ho. The event honored both undergraduate and postgraduate students who successfully completed their studies in various health and allied science programs.
Bridging Africa’s Health Gap
This year’s congregation theme, “From Knowledge to Action: Bridging Africa’s Reproductive Health Gap – The Role of Health Training Institutions,” underscored the university’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges on the continent. The ceremony highlighted the crucial role institutions like UHAS play in equipping professionals to tackle these issues.
Government Commends UHAS’s Growing Influence
Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, lauded UHAS for its significant and expanding contributions to healthcare delivery, research, and national development. He recognized the university as a leading health training institution not only in Ghana but across Africa.
“UHAS continues to distinguish itself as one of the leading health institutions in Ghana and across Africa. This university is not only producing highly skilled professionals for our healthcare system, but also contributing significantly to research, innovation, and national development,” stated Mr. Gunu.
He acknowledged the university as a legacy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, initiated under the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills and President John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
While praising UHAS, the Regional Minister also addressed the challenges facing the institution. These include inadequate infrastructure, poor road networks, accommodation deficits, and the need for enhanced teaching and learning facilities.
Mr. Gunu assured the university community of the government’s commitment to improving these conditions. He specifically mentioned the ongoing commitment to completing the UHAS Multi-Purpose Laboratory Complex, described as the largest medical laboratory facility currently under construction in West Africa.
“When completed, this facility will serve students, researchers and scientists not only from Ghana but across the sub-region and beyond,” he projected. Discussions with the Ministry of Roads and Highways are also underway to improve road networks within and around the university, with construction expected to begin soon.
Government Health Sector Interventions
The minister also referenced past government health sector interventions under President John Dramani Mahama, including the Free Primary Healthcare initiative and the MahamaCare program. The MahamaCare initiative is designed to cover medical conditions and healthcare needs not fully addressed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“All Teaching Hospitals and Regional Hospitals have now been connected to the MahamaCare fund software platform, and very soon patient onboarding will commence,” he announced.
Vice Chancellor Urges Lifelong Learning and Ethical Practice
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of UHAS, congratulated the 1,097 graduates—comprising 967 undergraduates and 130 postgraduates—on their academic achievements. She emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in the rapidly evolving field of health sciences.
“The field of health sciences is dynamic, and your dedication to emerging trends and innovations will distinguish you as leaders,” Prof. Aziato advised.
She urged graduates to embody the university’s core values of excellence, integrity, innovation, service, and care in their professional lives. Collaboration and teamwork were highlighted as essential for enhancing healthcare delivery and research outcomes.
“Remain humble and continue to learn from everyone you encounter in your practice. As you advance in your careers, remember that you carry the legacy of UHAS with you,” she added.
UHAS’s Impact and Future Outlook
Professor Kodzo Gavua, Chairman of the University Governing Council, noted that UHAS has produced over 13,000 health professionals since its first congregation in 2016, serving both Ghana and other nations. He reiterated the university’s position as a premier health training institution in Africa.
Professor Gavua appealed to the government for the timely completion of vital infrastructure projects, including the central laboratory and road network, to bolster quality education and research.
He encouraged the graduating class to be compassionate, ethical, and professional, stating, “The world needs empathetic healthcare professionals who will not only treat diseases but transform lives and communities.”
Valedictorian’s Message of Impact
Ms. Abigail Afrifa, the valedictorian for Physiotherapy from the School of Allied Health Sciences, expressed gratitude and urged her fellow graduates to leverage their acquired knowledge and skills for societal benefit.
“True success is not measured by titles, certificates or achievements, but by the positive impact and legacy we create in the lives of others and our communities,” she remarked.
She stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism, compassion, and humility, acknowledging the resilience and mutual support that enabled the class to overcome challenges.
Looking Ahead
The successful congregation marks a significant milestone for UHAS and its graduates. As these newly trained professionals enter the workforce, their impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing Africa’s reproductive health gap, will be closely watched. The government’s commitment to infrastructure development at UHAS, especially the completion of the advanced laboratory complex, holds promise for further enhancing research and training capabilities, potentially solidifying the university’s role as a regional leader in health sciences education.
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