Is UHAS a Private Institution? All You Must Know
Introduction
Is UHAS a Private Institution? The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) stands as a prominent public educational institution located in Ho, within the picturesque Volta Region of Ghana.
Despite its relatively recent establishment, UHAS has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the realm of higher education, commencing its educational journey in September 2012 by welcoming its inaugural class of 154 students.
A Glimpse into History
UHAS owes its existence to the enactment of Act 828, a legislative measure passed by the Ghanaian Parliament, and subsequently gaining the presidential seal of approval in December 2011.
This legislative foundation set the stage for UHAS to embark on its mission of imparting knowledge, driving research, and delivering services in the dynamic field of Health Sciences.
Leadership and Governance
The university’s inception saw the establishment of an Interim University Council, a governing body responsible for steering the institution’s operations, led by the capable guidance of Prof. Kofi Anyidoho, MA (Bloomington), PhD (Austin).
The institution’s formative years were under the visionary leadership of Professor Fred Newton Binka, MBChB (Legon), MPH (Jerusalem), PhD (Basel), who served as the founding Vice-Chancellor from March 2012 to July 2016.
In a subsequent chapter, a new council took the reins, with Justice Jones Victor Mawulorm Dotse assuming the chairmanship.
Multiple Campuses, Varied Excellence
Is UHAS a Private Institution?
UHAS proudly operates across two distinctive campuses, each playing a vital role in the institution’s academic landscape:
- Ho Campus – Serving as the institution’s central administrative hub, the Ho campus provides a bustling environment for academic and administrative activities.
- Hohoe Campus – This campus finds itself home to the prestigious Prof. Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, contributing significantly to the institution’s mission of advancing healthcare education and research.
Guiding Excellence: Office of the Vice-Chancellor
At present, UHAS is led by Professor Lydia Aziato, an accomplished academic who has taken up the mantle of Vice-Chancellor.
Her appointment, endorsed by the Governing Council during a special assembly on June 3, 2022, is set to become effective on August 1, 2022.
Notably, Professor Aziato’s appointment is of historic significance, as she will be the first woman and nursing professional to ascend to the prestigious position of Vice-Chancellor in the institution’s history.
Trailblazers in Leadership
The annals of UHAS’ leadership have been graced by notable individuals:
- Professor John Owusu Gyapong (2016-2022) – His tenure saw substantial strides in the university’s growth and development.
- Professor Fred Newton Binka (2012-2016) – A foundational figure, Professor Binka’s leadership set the institution on its initial course of excellence.
Nurturing Excellence: Schools and Institutes
UHAS is a nurturing ground for diverse educational pursuits, featuring seven schools, institutes, and several centers that collectively contribute to its academic vibrancy:
Schools
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences
- School of Allied Health Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Public Health
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Medicine
- School of Sports and Exercise Medicine
- UHAS Basic School
Institute
- Institute of Health Research
- Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM)
Centers
- Center for Health Policy and Implementation Research (CHPIR)
- Center for Malaria Research (CMR)
- Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases Research (CNTDR)
- Center for Non-communicable Diseases Research (CNCDR)
Efficiency in Management: Directorates
UHAS functions seamlessly through an array of administrative directorates that efficiently manage vital functions:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Academic Affairs
- Information Communication Technology
- Internal Audit
- Public Affairs
- International Programmes
- Library
- Quality Assurance
- Works & Physical Development
Ethics at the Core: Research Ethics Committee (REC)
UHAS takes ethical research practices seriously, manifested through its dedicated Research Ethics Committee (REC).
Empowered with overseeing and approving research endeavors within the university’s precincts involving both staff and students, the REC’s primary goal is to safeguard the rights and well-being of human participants engaged in research activities.
Composition of REC
The REC is composed of a balanced panel of seven (7) Scientists/Academics and 8 Non-scientists, including professionals from diverse domains such as law, journalism, religious bodies, sociology, education, traditional leadership, public health, and medicine.
The committee’s leadership includes the chair, Vice Chair, and Administrator.
Charting Academic Journeys: Admission Criteria
UHAS extends learning opportunities across a spectrum of programs, each with specific entry requirements and cut-off points:
UHAS CUT OFF Point for Various Programmes
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Bachelor of Nursing: 09/10
- Bachelor of Midwifery: 09/10
- Bachelor of Public Health Nursing: 10/12
School of Medicine
- Medical Degree (MB ChB): 08
- Bachelor of Physician Assistantship: 09
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery: 08
School of Pharmacy
- Doctor of Pharmacy: 08
School of Allied Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Dietetics: 14
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy: 16
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory: 12
- Bachelor of Diagnostic Imaging: 14
- Bachelor of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences: 16
- Orthotics & prosthetics: 17
School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: 18
School of Public Health
- Bachelor of Public Health (Disease Control): 17
- Bachelor of Public Health (Health Information): 19
- Bachelor of Public Health (Health Promotion): 19
- Bachelor of Public Health (Nutrition): 17
School of Sports and Exercise Medicine
- Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences: 21
Standing Tall: Accolades and Rankings
UHAS has been consistently recognized for its academic prowess and impactful contributions to society:
The institution’s remarkable achievements include securing the second position in Ghana and clinching the 36th rank in Africa in the World Scientist and University Rankings 2021 by AD Scientific Index.
This distinction firmly places UHAS ahead of esteemed peers like KNUST, UCC, and GIMPA.
UHAS’ unwavering commitment to promoting good health and well-being is aptly acknowledged through its top ranking among Ghanaian universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for the SDG-3 category in 2022.
UHAS HOSTELS
Check all UHAS Hostels here: UHAS Hostels and Fees 2023/2024: All you need to know
Conclusion
Is UHAS a Private Institution? The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) stands as a prominent public educational institution located in Ho, within the picturesque Volta Region of Ghana.
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has swiftly evolved into a powerhouse of health education and research in Ghana.
With its robust programs, visionary leadership, and ethical commitment, UHAS continues to make substantial strides in shaping the future of healthcare education and practice in the region.
Related articles:
 stands as a prominent public educational institution){kind=link}