The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ghana has embarked on a significant expansion of its academic offerings, introducing a range of new programs for the 2024/2025 academic year. These programs are designed to enhance the versatility and professionalism of UHAS graduates, aligning with the university’s mission of advancing healthcare education and producing competent healthcare professionals to meet both national and global needs. The new programs span undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including a six-year Doctor of Medical Laboratory Sciences, a four-year Bachelor of Health Service Administration, and a combined six-year Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology with options in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Counselling Psychology. At the postgraduate level, new MPhil and PhD programs have been introduced in Midwifery, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Pharmacognosy. Furthermore, an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry has also been added to the university’s portfolio.
The introduction of these programs is driven by a number of key factors. UHAS recognizes the pressing global demand for advanced expertise in public health and research for development. The university aims to produce professionals capable of leading innovation in the 21st century, particularly in areas such as precision medicine. The programs are designed with a focus on student-centered, practical, and skills-based training, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the modern healthcare landscape and possess enhanced employability prospects upon graduation. This expansion of programs underscores UHAS’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of healthcare education and providing relevant, high-quality training to future generations of healthcare professionals.
The 2024/2025 academic year has witnessed a considerable increase in student enrollment at UHAS, reflecting the growing demand for its programs. Out of 14,412 undergraduate applications, 4,640 were offered admission. For postgraduate programs, 285 admissions were offered out of 417 applications, with 249 students ultimately enrolling. This cohort comprises 45.8% females and 54.2% males. The overall student enrollment for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs stands at 2,775, representing a substantial 50% increase compared to the 1,850 students enrolled in the previous academic year. This growth signifies the increasing recognition of UHAS as a leading institution for health professional training in Ghana.
UHAS has also expanded its flexible learning options to cater to a wider range of students. In addition to its traditional programs, the university now offers Access and Top-up programs delivered through a Sandwich mode. Furthermore, a weekend Master’s program has been launched at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, specifically designed for working professionals who are unable to obtain study leave. Other schools within UHAS are expected to follow suit in the near future, further enhancing the accessibility of the university’s programs. This commitment to flexible learning options demonstrates UHAS’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its student population and providing opportunities for professional development to those already working in the healthcare sector.
While celebrating its achievements and expansion, UHAS also acknowledges the challenges it faces. Key among these are the lack of potable water and inadequate student and staff accommodation on both the Ho and Hohoe campuses. The university also requires additional resources such as projectors, improved internal roads, and streetlights. UHAS is actively seeking support from both national and international partners to address these pressing needs and ensure a conducive learning environment for its students and staff. Despite these challenges, UHAS remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality healthcare education and is actively working to secure the necessary resources to overcome these obstacles.
In addressing the incoming students, Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, emphasized the university’s core values of excellence, integrity, innovation, service, and care. She encouraged the students to embody these values and become worthy ambassadors of the institution. She stressed the development of critical thinking skills and the importance of maintaining a balance between academic pursuits and social life. Professor Aziato also underscored the university’s firm stance against examination malpractice, warning of swift and unwavering sanctions for any such misconduct. She urged students to prioritize self-discipline, be mindful of their environment and security, and report any suspicious activity. The Vice Chancellor’s address emphasized the holistic development of students, fostering not only academic excellence but also personal and social responsibility.
