June 15, 2026
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, held the fifth edition of the Professor Margaret Gyapong Annual Lecture and Mentorship programme at its Cedi Auditorium at Sokode-Lokoe, Ho with a strong call for deliberate and sustained investment in the development of the girl child.
The event, themed “Nurturing the Girl-Child: What Investment Do We Need?”, brought together academics, students and stakeholders in education to reflect on how best to empower young girls through education, mentorship and leadership development.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Ophelia Anarfi, a faculty at UHAS School of Medicine (SOM) Department of Psychological Medicine, commended Professor Margaret Gyapong, a renowned medical anthropologist and former Director of the UHAS Institute of Health Research (IHR), for her enduring commitment to supporting female education. She highlighted that in 2022, Prof. Gyapong dedicated the full €20,000 proceeds from her EDCTP award to establish a scholarship scheme for brilliant but financially disadvantaged female students of the university.
Chairing the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, underscored the institution’s commitment to promoting equity and opportunity for the girl child. She noted that the Dora Gertrude Quaye Memorial Scholarship Fund is strictly merit-based and designed to support high-achieving but needy students.
The Lecturer for the day was Professor Esther Danso Wiredu, Pro-Vice Chancellor of University of Education, Winneba, who shared an inspiring account of her journey from a challenging childhood to a distinguished academic career. She recounted how the early death of her father left her mother to single-handedly raise six children through trade and hard work, a circumstance that shaped her determination to succeed. From her early education in public schools through her studies at the University of Ghana, to advanced academic training in Norway, the United Kingdom and Belgium, she noted that each phase involved critical support that enabled her progress.
“Anytime we get the opportunity to train our girls in leadership, let us do it,” she urged, stressing that empowering girls requires more than academic instruction. She highlighted the importance of character formation, encouraging the inculcation of values such as discipline, respect, and strong interpersonal relationships.
Professor Wiredu further called on families, communities, and policymakers to create safe and supportive environments for girls, protecting them from early marriage, violence, and other social barriers. She stressed that investing in girls goes beyond paying school fees, encompassing mentorship, confidence-building, moral guidance, and leadership development.
The programme also featured a panel discussion involving Professor Wiredu and Dr. Esther Chinere Nwogu, a faculty and Speech and Language Therapist at UHAS School of Allied Health Sciences. The discussion broadened the conversation on the girl child, focusing on education, opportunity and social responsibility.
The panel concluded that investing in the girl child should be viewed not as a social welfare measure, but as a strategic national priority, given that empowered girls are more likely to become productive professionals, confident leaders and responsible citizens.
A major highlight of the event was the award of the Dora Gertrude Quaye Memorial Scholarship to six deserving female students, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 21 since the scheme’s inception in 2022.
In addition, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, husband of Prof. Margaret Gyapong and a former Vice Chancellor of UHAS, presented a cash top-up of GH¢1,000.00 each to the six awardees. Past beneficiaries of the scholarship also presented citations in honour of Prof. Margaret Gyapong and her husband, in recognition of their sustained commitment to advancing female education.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Margaret Gyapong reflected on the growth of the initiative, expressing gratitude for how far it has come over the past five years. She attributed its success to faith, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to giving back to society.
The event was attended by the Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Yaw Asante Awuku, as well as Deans, Directors, faculty, staff and students of UHAS. Students from Mawuli Senior High School, Sonrise Christian High School and Mawuko Girls Senior High School were also present.