MPs call for smooth take-off of Volta Region University

The University of Health and Allied Sciences Bill, 2011, expected to assist in the establishment of a university in the Volta Region for health professionals, was taken through a Second Reading in Parliament, during which the merits and demerits of the bill was debated.

Members of Parliament who were contributing to debate on the Second Reading on the floor on Tuesday, called on government to ensure that the university is well resourced to take off so it does not go the way of the University of Development Studies, which is still struggling after several years of its existence.

They said the university should be one in “deed and not in name” and urged that issues such as quality assurance, qualified personnel to teach, the availability of equipment and structures should be a top consideration to ensure the university churns out only qualified and well trained graduates.

Mr Mahama Ayariga, a Deputy Minister of Education, who moved the motion for the Second Reading, said the university when established is expected to concentrate on research activities and practical training for health professionals.

Prof. Dominic Fobih, MP for Assin South, said doctors and other health professionals from Ghana are respected outside the country and it is important that students who graduate from the University of Health and Allied Sciences, live up to expectation.

He urged that systems be established to retain health professionals who will be graduating from the university so they do not become enticed to seek greener pastures outside.

The university to be established in Ho and Hohoe is one of the new public universities set to take off and it will be assisted by the University of Ghana to roll out programmes.

Some funds from the GETFUND are expected to help in its establishment, once Parliament passes the bill into law for its establishment.
The University of Energy and Natural Resources Bill, 2011, is also expected to be passed by the House during this session to facilitate the establishment of a university in the Brong Ahafo region.

By Eunice Menka