President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of this milestone for Ghana’s healthcare sector on Monday, July 29, 2024, when he officially opened the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Phase II expansion project.
President Akufo-Addo reflected on the project’s history and remembered the Phase II sod-cutting event that took place on September 10, 2021. He agreed that in order for UHAS to successfully carry out its mission, further infrastructure development is required. As per his instruction, the Chinese Government provided $60 million in funding, which the Ministers of Education and Finance obtained in cooperation with the UHAS administration and the Vice Chancellor at the time, Professor John Owusu Gyapong.
The President conveyed his appreciation to the People’s Republic of China’s President, Government, and People for their assistance in fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two countries. He also praised the work of the late Ambassador Her Excellency Sun Bahong and the departing Chinese ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Lu Kun. Additionally acknowledged for their contributions were the contractors, Nantong Sijian Construction Group, and Ambassador Edward Boateng, the former ambassador of Ghana to China.
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. This expansion is essential to address the growing healthcare needs of Ghana’s population and the demand for a skilled workforce. 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.
Moreover, the new facilities will support cutting-edge research and innovation, allowing scientists and researchers to explore new advancements in medicine and healthcare delivery. This progress is crucial for developing locally relevant solutions to health challenges and establishing Ghana as a leader in health research in Africa.
To mark this special occasion, President Akufo-Addo announced a personal donation of ten desktop computers and ten laptops to UHAS. These devices will aid the administration and enhance the university’s capacity to provide quality education and services.
President Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson of the University Council, the esteemed former Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse, for his exemplary leadership and contributions over the past six years. He wished Mr. Dotse God’s blessings and success in his future endeavors.
The commissioning of the Phase II expansion project marks a significant milestone in UHAS’s journey towards becoming a premier institution for health education and research in Ghana and beyond.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com