The University Of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta region has sworn into office its second Vice Chancellor, Professor John Owusu Gyapong.

The 54-year-old professor of epidemiology took over from the foundation vice chancellor, Prof. Fred Binka, whose tenure ended in July 2016, after he successfully spearheaded the setting up of the health-focused university in 2012.

Before assuming this new position, Professor Gyapong was serving his second term as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana.

He also worked in various capacities at the Ghana Health Service and was chairman of the Food and Drugs Authority Clinical Trials Technical Committee.

Speaking at the induction ceremony on Monday at the university's permanent campus at Sokode-Lokoe near Ho, Prof. Gyapong pledged to continue the good works of his predecessor.

"My vision is to finalize and implement the strategic plan to transform UHAS into a pre-eminent research and practically oriented educational institution and I intend to facilitate a vibrant intellectual climate that stimulates innovative research and community engagement."

He said he also intends to strengthen the existing systems and structures; while establishing new ones to support the growth and development of the university.

The University of Health and Allied Sciences was established through an Act of Parliament, ACT 828 of 2011 under the leadership of the late President John Mills, with the focus of training high calibre health care professionals.

According Prof. Kofi Anyidoho, chairman of the UHAS council, the university has seen exponential growth in students population, from 354 in 2012 to almost 3000 presently, with the pioneering students graduating in July this year.

He commended the foundation vice chancellor and all stakeholders who supported in nurturing the university to its present stage and expressed the hope that the new vice chancellor will captain the institution to the next phase.

The council chairman once again appealed to the central government as the Municipal and district assemblies in the Volta region to commit a special allocations in their annual budget to support the development of infrastructure and facilities for the university, which currently has campuses in Ho, Hohoe and Keta.

Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Deputy Minister in charge of tertiary education, congratulated Prof. Agyapong on his role and assured him of government's continuous support towards making UHAS a world class institution.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony were the former Vice chancellor of University of Ghana, Prof. Ernest Aryetey, Vice chancellors and registrars of some sister public universities as well as traditional leaders, including Torgbui Sri III, the paramount chief of Anlo.



Source: Ghana/starrfmonline.com