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‘Varsity, industry collaboration key to national development’
To manufacture vaccines particularly COVID- 19 products requires huge doses of investment, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Prof. John Owusu Gyapong, has said.
He has established also the critical relationship between science and vaccine development.
Prof. Gyapong made the argument when he delivered a talk on ‘Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on higher education in Ghana: Threats and Opportunities’ at the just -ended 2021University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) Congress at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT),Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
He said, scientists in the universities needed huge investmnts to conduct researches for products,noting that, the United States of America spent huge dollars in such a venture.
This,he explained involved series of trials in communities to erase all reasonable doubts.
Again, Prof. Gyapong said, there was the need to provide protection to the communities,stressing “it’s about billion of dollars.”
To achieve this goal, he encouraged universities in Ghana to collaborate with one another in their research work in this era of science, in order to make the needed impact in the country.
“Many of us like to work in our small corners but this requires that we work together through consortia across the world and even in this country, there is no reason universities should not work closer”. he said.
Prof.Gyapong stated that the COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake -up call for research capabilities, science, technology and innovation systems, manufacturing capabilities, inter-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration through existing consortia.
He said, “Despite innovations made in some universities the scale of collaboration with the industry that takes headline-making innovation beyond the walls of an institution, is conspicuously missing.
“This can provide an opportunity for further validation and a path to widespread adoption and commercialisation.” he told the delegates.
The UHAS Vice Chancellor explained that “When the pandemic broke in Ghana, we met leaders in the educational sector and they gave us all the promises but when the rubber hit the road, we were found wanting.
“We could have thrown our hands in the air and said, we don’t have it, so that is the end.But as university managers, administrators and academia, we have to do the teaching — to get things going.The digital dividehad been a very key transformational issue when it comes to managing COVID in the educational environment.”
According to Prof.Gyapong”even in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic should end, with the kind of infrastructure that we have developed, it would be very unwise to throw away all the online teaching platforms.This requires very good and effective policy.
“The policies that l have seen are not good enough and we need to collaborate as institutions to ensure that we are on top of the issues. Since we are the knowledge hub we can take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to develop science and make sure that we are on top of issues.”
Funding of research in universities, he believed, should not just be a talk it should be materialised and hoped that national research fund would be operationalised so hat researhers can access monies for research across various disciplines.
“The pandemic has really brought a major challenge to the educational institutions. We need to examine and re- consider how we would manage our digital educational system because it is now becoming part of us”
From Clement Adzei Boye, Tarkwa
AS Valentine’s Day is marked around the world with flowers, gifts and romantic gestures, a marriage counsellor has encouraged Ghanaians to move beyond the commercial celebration and reflect on the deeper meaning of love rooted in faith.
Speaking to The Spectator, Counsellor Prince Offei, who is also a mental health professional and a Reverend Minister, said Valentine’s Day has strong Christian origins that were often ignored in contemporary celebrations.
He explained that the day was linked to Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly officiating weddings for young couples. Saint Valentine was later arrested and executed for his actions.
“Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life; that legacy is what inspired the celebration of love that we now know as Valentine’s Day,” Counsellor Offei said.
He noted that the celebration remains relevant to Christianity when approached from a spiritual perspective.
“As Christians, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity,” he said, citing 1 John 4:19, which states that love originates from God.
“When love, kindness and generosity are at the centre, the celebration aligns with Christian values.”
Addressing debates over the origins of Valentine’s Day, Counsellor Offei mentioned that the modern observance can be redeemed when believers focus on demonstrating Christ-like love.
“We can use the day to strengthen relationships, share scripture and show love in practical ways,” he said, referencing John 13:34, which urges believers to love one another as Christ loved them.
On how the day should be observed, Counsellor Offei stressed that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic relationships.
“For singles, it can be a time to practise self-love and appreciate family and friendships,” he said, adding that for couples who are dating, it is an opportunity to deepen understanding, while married couples can use the day to reconnect and renew their commitment.
He also encouraged acts of service, noting that showing compassion to those in need reflects the true spirit of love.
However, the counsellor expressed concern over the growing association of Valentine’s Day with promiscuity.
“It is worrying when the day is used to justify immoral behaviour,” he said. “Christian teachings emphasise that sexual intimacy is sacred and meant for marriage. When this is ignored and misused, it often leads to emotional and psychological harm,” he added.
Counsellor Offei urged Christians, particularly the youth, to resist societal pressure and remain grounded in faith.
“Young people should remember that true love is rooted in God’s love,” he said. “Social media trends should not define their worth or relationships. Scripture and godly counsel remain the best guides.”
He called on Christians to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of love that is sacrificial, responsible and reflective of God’s nature.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has congratulated radio journalists and station owners across the country as the world marks World Radio Day 2026, and renewed calls for the passage of the long-pending Broadcasting Bill.
In a statement issued in Accra on February 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Association joined UNESCO and the international community in celebrating the day under the theme: “AI is a Tool, Not a Voice.”
According to the GJA, the theme highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in broadcasting but reminds media practitioners that technology cannot replace the human voice.
It said while AI can support radio work, credibility and public trust depend on ethics, professionalism and sound editorial judgment.
The Association described radio as the most accessible and inclusive medium in Ghana. It noted that radio continues to inform, educate and unite people in both urban and rural communities.
It said the medium plays a key role in promoting accountability, encouraging public dialogue and sharing important information on health, education, security, the economy and climate change.
The GJA congratulated radio journalists, presenters, producers, editors, technicians and support staff for their dedication and resilience.
It said their work has helped to sustain one of the most vibrant radio industries in Africa and has strengthened Ghana’s democracy.
It commended private radio station owners, including commercial and community broadcasters, for operating despite financial and regulatory challenges.
The Association said many of them face limited revenue, high operational costs and stiff competition, yet they continue to invest in local content, multilingual programming and job creation.
While celebrating the achievements of the sector, the GJA expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive Broadcasting Law.
It pointed out that the Broadcasting Bill, which has been pending since 2009, is needed to modernise and properly regulate the industry.
The Association urged the Executive and Parliament to treat the passage of the Bill as a national priority.
It said a well-regulated and independent radio sector is essential for democratic growth and national development.
As the country marks World Radio Day, the GJA encouraged media professionals to uphold high standards of integrity, accuracy and responsibility.
It stressed that even as technology evolves, innovation must not weaken the ethical foundation of journalism.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism and pushing for reforms to strengthen broadcasting in Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
