A decision by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta region to confer an honorary doctorate award on President Akufo-Addo has triggered protests from students and stakeholders, who describe the move as inappropriate.
Amidst reports of simmering discontent among the student community and the youth in the region, the Volta Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong opposition to the planned award conferral, calling on the university to abort the plan.
They are urging the science-based university’s Vice-Chancellor and Council to halt the conferment immediately, describing it as “undeserved” and “unacceptable.”
UHAS, in a press statement, announced that a special congregation ceremony would be held on July 29, 2024 at the University where an honorary doctorate degree would be conferred on the President in recognition of his contributions to science education in Ghana.
It said the recognition comes in light of the President’s implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, his prioritisation of STEM education, and the completion of the UHAS China-aided Phase 2 Expansion project.
But the youth wing, in a statement signed by Mathias Johnson Alagbo, the Volta Regional Youth Organizer, expressed disappointment at the university council’s decision.
“It is infuriating and unacceptable that UHAS would even consider honouring a leader whose policies and actions have profoundly undermined the welfare and development of the Volta region and the nation,” Alagbo said.
The youth wing highlighted the origins of UHAS, established under the Mills-Mahama-led NDC administration, which provided the vision, resources, and initial development of the university.
They argued that claims by UHAS authorities about the current administration securing funding for the China Phase II project are misleading, stating that the groundwork for continuous funding through Chinese grants was laid by President Mills before the university’s first phase of construction.
“We challenge the current administration to demonstrate any significant contributions they have made to UHAS since President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took office,” the statement demanded.
They criticised the government for failing to provide financial clearance for employing lecturers and staff at the university and for abandoning university roads started by the NDC.
The statement also pointed to broader issues of neglect in the Volta Region, such as stalled infrastructure projects like the Ho-Aflao roads and a general lack of development support from the current government.
“This honorary degree proposal is a blatantly partisan move,” the statement said, urging UHAS, as an esteemed academic institution, to remain neutral and avoid political controversies.
The youth wing believes that awarding this degree would tarnish UHAS’s reputation and send a dangerous message endorsing the current administration’s “numerous failings and misdeeds,” including economic mismanagement and grand corruption.
It called on the UHAS community, alumni, and stakeholders to oppose the conferment, adding that “we forcefully urge the Vice Chancellor and the UHAS Council to withdraw this proposed conferment immediately.”
He warned that failure to heed this demand would lead to lawful and democratic actions, including massive and sustained demonstrations against the university management.
