News
President Akufo-Addo Receives Honorary Doctorate From UHAS
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Akufo-Addo-UHAS.jpg&description=President Akufo-Addo Receives Honorary Doctorate From UHAS', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Akufo-Addo-UHAS.jpg&description=President Akufo-Addo Receives Honorary Doctorate From UHAS', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
