By Edward Williams
Ho, Feb. 24, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has assured Management and staff of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) of Government’s commitment to completing all projects of the University.
The projects include GETFund initiated laboratory complex, Ho Campus and the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health (FNBSPH) Departments and Administration Block at Fodome, Hohoe Campus, which are 72 and 58 per cents complete respectively.
Mr Iddrisu who paid a courtesy call on Management of the University at its main campus at Sokode-Lokoe, expressed excitement about the fact that among the tertiary institutions in Ghana, UHAS was the only University wholly dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life of all and sundry.
He pledged to facilitate the allocation of adequate financial clearance to the University for the recruitment of the much-needed staff.
Mr Iddrisu assured Management of his commitment to ensuring that the University was provided with additional student accommodation facilities and the commencement of engagements towards the 3rd Phase of the China Aided project for the University.
He said he would work with all stakeholders to ensure the promotion of high-quality health education in Ghana.
He urged UHAS to stay committed to the UNESCO values of equity, inclusion and lifelong learning.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University, earlier, welcomed the Minister and gave a brief overview of the University, highlighting pressing challenges facing UHAS.
She said the GETFund project was the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the laboratory complex, when completed would boost the capacity of the University to increase student numbers and advance teaching, learning and health research.
Prof Aziato emphasized that the stalled GETFund initiated project, particularly, the construction of departments and administration block for the FNBSPH was a matter of great concern to the University.
She said currently, the incubating facilities at the Volta Regional Hospital where the FNBSPH was located were not conducive for effective teaching and learning and required urgent attention.
Prof Aziato also drew the attention of the Minister to the poor state of UHAS main campus internal roads, which needed to be constructed urgently as well as the inadequate residential facilities for students at both campuses, particularly students at the Hohoe Campus.
Professor Frank Edwin, Pro-Vice Chancellor, reiterated the importance of the financial clearance for the recruitment of staff, especially to man the biggest Simulation Centre in West Africa, which had the potential to train healthcare professionals across the sub-region and to also increase revenue base for the University.
GNA