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President Akufo-Addo Receives Honorary Doctorate From UHAS
In a ceremonious event at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree (Honoris Causa).
This recognition underscores the President’s dedication to advancing science education and healthcare in Ghana.
In his acceptance speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging that this honour reflects not only his personal achievements but also the collective efforts of his administration and the support of the Ghanaian people.
He highlighted that this latest accolade adds to a distinguished list of honorary degrees he has received from prestigious institutions globally, including the University of Fort Hare, University of Liberia, University of Cape Coast, University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, and Valley View University.
The President emphasized the critical role of education in national development, particularly the importance of science education in fostering innovation and economic growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making education accessible to all Ghanaian youth through initiatives like the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which has significantly increased secondary school enrolment and emphasized STEM subjects.
“By removing financial barriers, we have ensured that over five-point-seven million students have had the opportunity to access secondary education, many of whom have been pursuing science courses,” President Akufo-Addo stated. He noted that the policy aims not just at increasing enrolment numbers but also at providing quality education that equips young people with the necessary skills and knowledge for modern challenges,” he said.
Under his administration, several initiatives have been launched to enhance STEM education, including the establishment of STEM high schools, upgrading of laboratories, and investment in teacher training.
The President highlighted the construction of 186 new science laboratories under the STEM Education Enhancement Programme, equipped with modern, specialized equipment to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation.
The President in his speech also touched on the broader strategy of creating a robust educational ecosystem that supports innovation and excellence. By prioritizing STEM education, Ghana is being positioned to compete on the global stage and harness the transformative power of science and technology for national development.
The President also addressed the significance of the ongoing Phase II expansion project at UHAS, funded through a $60 million grant from the Chinese Government.
This expansion is expected to increase the university’s capacity to train more healthcare professionals and support cutting-edge research and innovation.
He extended gratitude to the Chinese Government and other stakeholders for their contributions to this significant infrastructural development.
In concluding his speech, President Akufo-Addo inspired the students of UHAS, emphasizing the critical role they play as the next generation of leaders, educators, scientists, and healthcare professionals.
He encouraged them to pursue their dreams with passion and resolve, stressing that their contributions are central to Ghana’s progress.
“To commemorate this special occasion, I am pleased to announce a personal donation of ten desktop computers and ten laptops to the University. These devices will help equip the administration of UHAS and support the effective running of the University,” the President announced.
The event was marked by a sense of pride and accomplishment, as UHAS celebrated the achievements of President Akufo-Addo and his administration in advancing education and healthcare in Ghana.
The conferment of the honorary degree is a testament to the President’s unwavering commitment to national development and the well-being of the Ghanaian people.
Beyond education, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the notable strides his administration has made in healthcare delivery.
He mentioned the construction and equipping of polyclinics, the major rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, and the establishment of treatment and holding centers across the country.
These efforts reflect the administration’s recognition that a healthy population is essential for national development.
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Sammy Ayeh has picked up nomination forms to contest for the position of Deputy National Communications Officer position.
Announcing his intention, Dr. Ayeh said he is offering himself to help communicate the party’s vision clearly and connect its message with the aspirations of Ghanaians.
He expressed deep gratitude to the party’s National Communications Officer, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as an able leader on whose shoulders he has risen.
“His exceptional leadership, mentorship and confidence in me have shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve to serve,” Dr. Ayeh stated.
He said if elected, he will seek to build on that foundation by strengthening research-driven communication, empowering grassroots communicators, and enhancing strategic media engagement.
Dr. Ayeh humbly appealed to party members and supporters for their support.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Data Protection Commission has called on the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media houses to protect the personal information of 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Commission expressed concern over the public disclosure of the evacuees’ personal details, including their names, signatures and records of financial assistance received.
It warned that making such information public could expose the affected individuals to identity theft, fraud and other forms of harm, especially given the threats to their safety that some of them may have faced.
The Commission explained that the 1992 Constitution protects the dignity and privacy of every individual. It also cited the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which sets out rules for the lawful collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency, parliamentary oversight, the right to information and press freedom, the Commission stressed that these principles do not automatically justify the unrestricted publication of personal details.
It said the disclosure of the records by the Minority Caucus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media organisations must be assessed based on the law, the purpose of the disclosure and the privacy rights of the individuals involved.
The Commission further noted that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament are registered data controllers in good standing, their registration does not exempt them from their legal responsibilities under the Data Protection Act.
It has therefore urged all the parties involved to take appropriate steps to protect the affected individuals, including immediately restricting access to or removing personal details from publicly available records where their continued disclosure is not legally justified.
The Commission announced plans to conduct a regulatory review to determine whether the disclosures had a lawful basis, what safeguards were applied and whether the privacy rights of the evacuees had been adequately protected.
It said it would engage the relevant parties as part of the review and take appropriate regulatory action if any breach of the law is established.
The Commission reiterated that protecting personal information and respecting human dignity must remain central to efforts to promote public accountability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
