UHAS Marks a Milestone with the Commissioning of a Dental Clinic, Counselling Centre, Newsletter and Cutting-Edge Laboratories

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, commissioned a suite of new facilities and initiatives designed to strengthen teaching, practical orientation, community service and research. The ceremony, which was held at the University’s School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences (SBBS) Auditorium, marked the official opening of a Dental Clinic under the School of Dentistry, a Counselling and Wellness Centre, UHAS Bulletin newsletter, Medical Imaging Stimulation Laboratory for the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS), Zebrafish Laboratory and Graduate Research Laboratory for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, described the commissioning/launch ceremony as a great step towards the fulfilment of UHAS’ strategic objectives on expanding infrastructure and investing in technology for health education and research. “These facilities will not only enhance academic training but also ensure that our students and staff gain practical, hands-on experience.” she said. Professor Aziato urged faculty and students to embrace innovation and the effective use of data, in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence. She also commended donors and partners for their contributions, while stressing the importance of proper maintenance and revenue generation. 

The UHAS Bulletin, a bi-monthly electronic newsletter, was launched by the Registrar, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni. She said the newsletter, which is a product of the Directorate of Public Affairs, will provide updates on university events, research breakthroughs, student and staff achievements and alumni news. 

Regarding the Dental Clinic and its simulation laboratory, Dr. Fernando Miguel Acevedo, Acting Dean of the UHAS School of Dentistry, noted that UHAS is the fifth university in Ghana to offer dental education. He stressed the importance of simulation laboratories in the training of dentists, especially given the country’s worrying dentist-to-patient ratio of 1:50,000 compared to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 1:5,000. He called on government to expand training opportunities and integrate oral health into primary healthcare. 

In the School of Pharmacy, Professor Kwame Ohene Buabeng, Dean of the school, unveiled the Zebrafish Laboratory and Graduate Research Laboratory for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences. He described the zebrafish facility as a “global phenomenon,” offering groundbreaking opportunities in neuropharmacology, disease modelling and biomedical research. He expressed profound appreciation to all donors, especially MES Equipment Limited for their support towards the graduate research laboratory.

The School of Allied Health Sciences also gained a Medical Imaging Simulation Laboratory. The Principal Investigator for the project, Dr. Seth Angmorterh, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Imaging, stated that the laboratory will boost both academic training and professional development and provide capacity for running continuing professional development (CPD) programmes for radiographers, radiologists and physicians. He appreciated the Ghana Skills and Development Fund for supporting the initiative.

The lead person for the newly commissioned UHAS Counselling and Wellness Centre, Dr. Emmanuel Dziwornu, Head of the Department of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health at the UHAS School of Medicine, described the centre as “critical to the well-being of any academic community”, noting that it will provide services such as psychotherapy, crisis intervention, career guidance and workshops, to be delivered with professionalism and confidentiality. 

The ceremony also featured solidarity messages from Dr. Alphonse Makafui Dzakpasu, Deputy Director of Clinical Care, Ghana Health Service Volta Regional Directorate, representing the Regional Directorate of Health Services and Ms. Ramatu Naa Ayele Attoh, Administrative Secretary of MES Equipment Limited, representing the Chief Executive Officer.

Also present at the ceremony were Professor Frank Edwin, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, students, sponsors and members of the wider university public. 
 
The new facilities stand as a symbol of the University’s mission of shaping global citizens, fostering innovation and building a supportive community dedicated to transforming health outcomes in Ghana and beyond.