Honouring a Legacy of Leadership in Health and Education
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho has officially been renamed the John Evans Atta Mills University of Health and Allied Sciences, in honour of the late President’s instrumental role in founding the institution and his unwavering dedication to healthcare and education in Ghana.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the university’s newly formed Governing Council. The renaming marks a heartfelt national tribute to the man many remember not only as a leader but as a symbol of humility, peace, and service.
President John Evans Atta Mills, who served from 2009 until his passing in 2012, laid the foundation for UHAS in February 2011. It opened its doors to students in September 2012, becoming the first public university in the Volta Region and Ghana’s only dedicated health sciences institution.
His vision was clear: to provide accessible and high-quality training for healthcare professionals who would serve the needs of communities across the country. Today, the university stands as a living legacy of that dream, producing doctors, nurses, public health experts, and other professionals essential to Ghana’s health system.
Beyond UHAS, President Mills is remembered for his efforts in eliminating schools under trees, supporting science education, and expanding the school feeding programme. The renaming of UHAS is a continuation of national efforts to preserve his memory through institutions that reflect his values and lifelong mission.
The chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council, Professor Kodzo Gavua, welcomed the renaming with optimism. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in health training, pledging to lead the institution to even greater heights.
With campuses in Ho and Hohoe, the university currently houses nine schools and three institutes, including the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health and the School of Medicine. Its role in national development remains critical, training health professionals who make real impact on the ground.
The renaming of UHAS to honour the late President Mills is more than ceremonial—it’s a symbol of gratitude, national memory, and hope. It reminds Ghanaians that great leadership is rooted in service, vision, and a relentless pursuit of better futures for all.
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