University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) swore in its third Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato and the third Registrar, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, in a memorable ceremony attended by the President of Ghana and over 1,000 guests.
Speaking at the investiture and induction ceremony on 11 August 2022, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, reiterated his government’s support for the 10-year-old university in the pursuit of its progressive, transformative agenda. He said his government is dedicated to the growth of the University and will ensure that UHAS fulfills its mandate of becoming a preeminent institution dedicated to research and community service.
The President said he was confident that the mark of trust reposed in the new Vice Chancellor by the University community would not be broken, bearing in mind her wealth of experience and decades of service: “I believe that in the new Vice Chancellor, we have a person capable of not only steering the affairs of the University in the next four years but propelling it to greater heights.”
In her maiden address as Vice Chancellor (VC) of UHAS, Professor Aziato paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of UHAS for moving the University to its current “enviable state” and pledged to build on that foundation with due diligence and support from all stakeholders.
Outlining her vision for the next four years to the packed auditorium, she said her focus would be hinged on growth, integrity, fairness, technology, innovation and service in creating a dynamic and responsive environment that promotes credible research, quality teaching and learning, vibrant internal processes and active stakeholder engagement.
“I will lead a vibrant and motivated team to ensure the Great Giant, UHAS, continues to rise to become a force to reckon with within the health space,” she said.
Prof. Aziato called on all internal stakeholders to put UHAS first and work together as a family to forge ahead to develop the University, achieve its target and make an impact within the health space. She encouraged them to actively participate in and contribute to decision-making processes, and have an ownership orientation towards the University’s resources.
The VC also made a passionate appeal to the President for financial clearance to recruit more faculty and staff as well as help to complete infrastructural works on the permanent campus of the Binka School of Public Health at Fodome, the central laboratory, and the access roads on the Main campus. She also appealed to stakeholders to help the University to acquire computers; a high-powered scanner to aid teaching, learning and administrative procedures; building of summer huts for students, especially Sandwich breastfeeding mothers; and vehicles to facilitate the monitoring of students during vocational training.
Justice Victor J.M. Dotse, Chairman of the UHAS Governing Council, said the powers conferred on the VC as the academic and administrative head of the University make her responsible for driving the overall strategy, growth and development of the University under the guidance of the University Council, whereas the Registrar is the chief operating officer responsible for the day-to-day running of the University under the VC and in accordance with the policy directives of the Council.
“It is our expectation that the new VC and Registrar will move this University to greater heights,” he said.
The colourful ceremony was attended by over 1,000 people, comprising ministers of state and government officials, traditional rulers, representatives from businesses, contractors, friends and well-wishers, and members of the internal UHAS community.
On March 10, 2022 two search committees, led by Supreme Court Justice Prof. Nii Ashie Kotey and Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, were constituted and inaugurated to find suitable candidates, in accordance with the Act and Statutes of the University, for the positions of VC and Registrar respectively. After a thorough job with no controversies whatsoever, the Council approved the committees’ recommendations on June 3, 2022. Their appointments took effect on August 1, 2022.
The UHAS Community congratulates Prof. Aziato and Ms. Opuni on their appointments.
» Download Prof. Aziato’s Address
