The idea to establish the first publicly-funded state university in the Volta region to become a leading health institution in Ghana and a major global player has grown into an outrageous reality with a great distinction.
At the early stages, shadows of doubt were cast over the dreams of the University of Health and Allied sciences particularly when the country was faced with difficult economic times. Critics described it as yet another unfulfilled promise by the NDC government to the people of the Volta region. Despite initial strides made to receive the first batch of students at a temporal campus on the premises of the Regional hospital, the doubting Thomas again said it was a mere propaganda and that the conception to construct a permanent facility in Sokode was trapped in a thick forest dominated by wild animals; apparently inhabitable by humans.
Three years on, the university has a stirring story to tell; a wake-up bell to people torn between facts and myths. This story is a manifestation of a goal envisioned by Ghana’s late Former President John Evans Atta Mills when he announced the establishment of the twin Universities; University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region and University of Energy and Renewable Natural Resources in Brong Ahafo Region in January 2012.
Indeed new beginnings are always difficult moments. But what is not started today is never finished tomorrow. The new baby has become a fast emerging health institution in Ghana chalking enviable successes in its formative years. From 155 foundation students in 2012 the university now has a total student population of about 1,009.
The University emerged winners in a just-ended quiz competition involving five other older tertiary institutions, namely, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, College of Health, Kintampo and the Premier School of Medical Laboratory Technology, which was organized by National Health Students’ Association of Ghana (NAHSAG).
Again, UHAS placed second out of 32 institutions that took part in the fourth edition of the TV Africa’s ‘Knowing Africa’ competition in 2013.
A recent feat is the certification granted the university by the World Health Organization to lead the Ebola Vaccine Trial in Ghana. This has placed UHAS in the league of leading health institutions in the world.
The University currently operates five schools namely, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Medicine, School of Public Health and School of Allied Health Sciences.
Others yet to be established are; School of Pharmacy, School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of Dentistry, Institute of Medical Education and Institute of Traditional and Alternate Medicine
The distinct and spectacular edifice at its permanent campus has won the admiration of many who visited the site. The Chinese Yanjian are ready to handover the construction of the lecture halls, auditorium, multi-purpose science laboratory, administration block, library, cafeteria, ICT center and residential facility for both staff and students. The ultra-modern facility would house the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences whiles the School of Medicine and Nursing and Midwifery would remain at the old campus in the yard of the Volta regional hospital. The school of public health is located at Hohoe.
Undeniably the university has not only become eye-opener to the people of the Volta Region in the area of education but has also gradually become a distinct player to train Health Professionals in providing relevant health services to the people of Ghana.
At the early stages, shadows of doubt were cast over the dreams of the University of Health and Allied sciences particularly when the country was faced with difficult economic times. Critics described it as yet another unfulfilled promise by the NDC government to the people of the Volta region. Despite initial strides made to receive the first batch of students at a temporal campus on the premises of the Regional hospital, the doubting Thomas again said it was a mere propaganda and that the conception to construct a permanent facility in Sokode was trapped in a thick forest dominated by wild animals; apparently inhabitable by humans.
Three years on, the university has a stirring story to tell; a wake-up bell to people torn between facts and myths. This story is a manifestation of a goal envisioned by Ghana’s late Former President John Evans Atta Mills when he announced the establishment of the twin Universities; University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region and University of Energy and Renewable Natural Resources in Brong Ahafo Region in January 2012.
Indeed new beginnings are always difficult moments. But what is not started today is never finished tomorrow. The new baby has become a fast emerging health institution in Ghana chalking enviable successes in its formative years. From 155 foundation students in 2012 the university now has a total student population of about 1,009.
The University emerged winners in a just-ended quiz competition involving five other older tertiary institutions, namely, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, College of Health, Kintampo and the Premier School of Medical Laboratory Technology, which was organized by National Health Students’ Association of Ghana (NAHSAG).
Again, UHAS placed second out of 32 institutions that took part in the fourth edition of the TV Africa’s ‘Knowing Africa’ competition in 2013.
A recent feat is the certification granted the university by the World Health Organization to lead the Ebola Vaccine Trial in Ghana. This has placed UHAS in the league of leading health institutions in the world.
The University currently operates five schools namely, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Medicine, School of Public Health and School of Allied Health Sciences.
Others yet to be established are; School of Pharmacy, School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of Dentistry, Institute of Medical Education and Institute of Traditional and Alternate Medicine
The distinct and spectacular edifice at its permanent campus has won the admiration of many who visited the site. The Chinese Yanjian are ready to handover the construction of the lecture halls, auditorium, multi-purpose science laboratory, administration block, library, cafeteria, ICT center and residential facility for both staff and students. The ultra-modern facility would house the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences whiles the School of Medicine and Nursing and Midwifery would remain at the old campus in the yard of the Volta regional hospital. The school of public health is located at Hohoe.
Undeniably the university has not only become eye-opener to the people of the Volta Region in the area of education but has also gradually become a distinct player to train Health Professionals in providing relevant health services to the people of Ghana.
Thank God for his blessings may the Good Lord bless all who make this dream a success
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