H.E. Gregory Andrews, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana (shown above, third from left), paid a courtesy call on UHAS to familiarize himself with the University's objective of being at the forefront of health for development. The stopover at UHAS was part of Mr. Andrews’ working visit to the Volta region on 12 January, to explore opportunities for already existing scholarships for Ghanaian students studying mental health in Australian universities.

Mr. Andrews enquired and was briefed on the University’s role in COVID-19 containment efforts and plans for mass vaccinations. He also discussed various areas of mutual interest and possible collaboration, particularly mental health education, with the Vice Chancellor.

Dr. Francis Acquah (shown above, third from left), a Ghanaian-Australian psychiatric nurse and President of Mental Health and Well-being Foundation, who facilitated the visit, said there are many Ghanaians studying in Australian universities who are willing to come back home to contribute to national development, and called on stakeholders to create the enabling environment for them when they come.

Professor John O. Gyapong, Vice Chancellor, mentioned the possible benefits of having Australian academics coming to UHAS to assist in setting up various programmes. He noted in particular that collaboration between the University and Australian institutions in mental health education would be a great pillar of support for the University’s mental health programme under the School of Nursing and Midwifery.