March 18, 2026
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) branch, commemorated International Women’s Day with a vibrant programme at the University’s main campus in Sokode-Lokoe. The event brought together management, faculty, staff, students and invited guests to celebrate women’s achievements while advancing dialogue on their role in leadership and decision-making within academia.
Guided by the theme “Give to Gain – Enabling the Participation of Women in Leadership and Decision-Making in the Academic Environment,” the programme underscored the idea that empowering women enriches institutions and society at large.
Dr. Thelma Alalbila Aku, UTAG-UHAS Women’s Commissioner, opened the event with a stirring address. She reminded attendees that women have long given leadership, mentorship and sacrifice, yet often receive limited support in return. Dr. Aku urged institutions to adopt intentional inclusion measures, recommending that at least 30% of nominees for committees and leadership roles be women. “When society gives to women, society gains.” she declared.
Representing the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar of UHAS, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, highlighted UHAS’ growing number of women in senior leadership positions, citing the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, University Librarian, and Director of Physical Development. Drawing on the adage “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” she emphasized the transformative impact of women’s empowerment. She cautioned, however, that rhetoric must be matched with action, urging the community to provide resources, remove barriers and ensure representation at every level.
The UTAG-UHAS President, Dr. Felix K. Nyande, on his part, reinforced the day’s theme as a call to responsibility. He encouraged participants to extend the spirit of “Give Today” into daily life, advocating for respect, recognition, mentorship and justice for women.
The keynote address, delivered by Professor Evelyn Korkor Ansah, was the centrepiece of the celebration. Blending data with personal reflection, she noted Ghana’s achievement of gender parity in tertiary education but highlighted stark disparities: women make up only 24% of academics and 8% of professors nationwide. “What happens to the high-flying young ladies who excel in school? Why do so few make it to the top?” she asked. Professor Ansah identified barriers such as family-career balance, patriarchal norms, and lack of mentorship and called for practical interventions including mentorship programmes, breastfeeding spaces and research endowment funds. Her closing words - “Keep breaking the glass ceiling and hold the ladder down for others.” - resonated deeply with the audience.
A panel discussion featuring Professor Alexander Ansah Manu, Dr. Theresa Adu, Professor Anita Dartey and Dr. Inemesit O. Ben further explored structural and cultural reforms needed to enable women’s full participation in leadership.
The commemoration was more than a celebration; it was a declaration. UTAG-UHAS affirmed that women deserve not only applause but also opportunity, visibility, support and leadership.