Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to facilitate the third phase of the university’s development, emphasizing the pressing need for expanded infrastructure.
Speaking during the commissioning of the US$60 million China Aid Phase Two project at the university’s main campus in Ho, Prof. Aziato highlighted the severe shortage of student accommodation as a major challenge for the young institution. Currently, UHAS provides hostel accommodation for just over 1,000 of its nearly 9,000 students.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that UHAS has formally applied for the third phase of development, which includes additional student and staff accommodation, following a recent visit to China. She appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene and help secure approval for the project, stressing the urgency of the situation.
“Mr. President, as we speak, Phase Three is before China, and the feedback is that we need to justify occupancy of Phase Two. Phase Three includes accommodation for students and staff, and so we are pleading with you to help us secure approval so our students will have a place to sleep,” Prof. Aziato stated.
During a special congregation to honor the President, Prof. Aziato outlined five “priority needs” for UHAS, including hostel and staff accommodation, the construction of internal roads on the main campus, and the completion of the central laboratory complex. She also mentioned stalled infrastructure development at the UHAS School of Public Health in Hohoe and the need for additional vehicular logistics.
President Akufo-Addo, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree for his contributions to science education, acknowledged the importance of UHAS in advancing Ghana‘s health sector. He assured that the government’s attention would remain focused on addressing the university’s infrastructural needs.
“The expansion is necessary as it will help bridge the gap between the increasing healthcare needs of our population and the available allied health workforce,” the President said. He added that the additional facilities would support practical research and innovation, positioning Ghana as a leader in health research in Africa.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, and past UHAS leaders, also featured remarks from Mr. Li Yang, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, who praised the growing cooperation between China and Ghana and commended President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support for the project.
The newly commissioned Phase Two development includes an expansive administrative complex, a 2,500-student capacity School of Nursing and Midwifery, and a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre, positioning UHAS to become a key player in health education in West Africa.
