Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh, Chief Executive Director of The Trust Hospital Company Ltd., delivered a compelling address at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) 9th Congregation, emphasizing the critical need for Ghana to prioritize and elevate its healthcare system. She framed healthcare not just as an economic imperative, but a fundamental moral obligation, asserting that every Ghanaian deserves access to quality care, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Dr. Ameh underscored the tangible benefits of a robust healthcare system, including reduced disease burden, increased productivity, and extended lifespans. She called for strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, expansion of services to both urban and rural populations, and the integration of technological advancements to modernize and optimize the system. Citing a 2018 Lancet Global Health Commission report, she highlighted the devastating economic impact of poor healthcare quality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, noting that it poses a greater obstacle to mortality reduction than limited access itself. She urged graduating healthcare professionals to uphold national standards to deliver safe and effective care.
Connecting her remarks to the event’s theme, “Situating quality healthcare in national development and sustainability,” Dr. Ameh encouraged the graduates to consider their role in contributing to national growth. She praised their academic accomplishments and recognized their potential to significantly impact lives and contribute to Ghana’s development. Furthermore, she emphasized the graduates’ responsibility to assume leadership positions and actively shape the future of healthcare in the nation. She urged them to relentlessly pursue excellence, prioritizing patient care and upholding the highest standards. Dr. Ameh underscored the importance of integrity, accountability, and personal responsibility, urging them to embody the values they expect to see in others. She specifically commended the graduating class of the School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, recognizing their pioneering status in sub-Saharan Africa and encouraging them to achieve groundbreaking success.
Dr. Ameh concluded her address by encouraging the graduates to embody the core values of UHAS—Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Service, and Care—in their professional and personal lives, emphasizing their potential to shape the future of healthcare in Ghana. The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of outstanding students, including Miss Darlington Ekua Acquah, recognized as the overall best graduating student with a CGPA of 3.94. Miss Irene Fafa Atadika, from the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, received the award for the best student in the Morning Session. Additionally, the university celebrated Dr. Vivian Della Atuwo-Ampoh for receiving the first postgraduate certificate in Medical Imaging in the West African Subregion.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of UHAS, announced the university’s plan to introduce new programs in 2025. These include a pioneering PhD in Imaging, a first in Ghana, and a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s program in Psychology. Further expanding their postgraduate offerings, UHAS will also introduce new MPhil and PhD programs in medical laboratory sciences, pharmacology, and related fields. Prof. Aziato highlighted the success of international collaborations, including the Science of Defeating Malaria course and the second U.S. Research Conference, which resulted in 224 attendees and 254 scholarships awarded. Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, she advocated for increased funding to expand these valuable educational opportunities.
Justice Victor J.M. Dotse, Chairman of the University Council, highlighted UHAS’ significant contribution to Ghana’s healthcare workforce since its inaugural graduation in 2016, with over 8,944 graduates entering the field. He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to fostering an academic environment that prioritizes clinical competency, ethical conduct, and professionalism. Justice Dotse acknowledged the ongoing infrastructural developments, including the Sokode-Titrinu Bypass Dual Carriage Road Project, which has improved accessibility to the university. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by limited infrastructure in accommodating the growing student population.
Addressing the graduating class, Justice Dotse congratulated them on their accomplishments and urged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their careers. He also emphasized the importance of responsible conduct during the 2024 elections, advising them to avoid any involvement in violence or misconduct. He concluded with inspirational quotes, encouraging them to pursue their chosen paths with passion and dedication, reminding them that consistent effort, fueled by love for their work, is the key to shaping fulfilling lives. The quotes from Anthony Robbins and Simon Sinek underscored the difference between stressful toil and passionate pursuit, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and purpose in their professional endeavors.
