The Professor of Epidemiology took over from the foundation Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Binka, whose tenure ended in July 2016, after he successfully spearheaded the setting up of the health-focused university from 2012.

Before assuming this new position, Professor Gyapong was serving his second term as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana. He also worked in various capacities at the Ghana Health Service and was chairman of the Food and Drugs Authority Clinical Trials Technical Committee. 

In his induction speech, Professor Gyapong pledged to continue the good works of his predecessor.  He outlined his vision for the University, which includes facilitating a vibrant intellectual climate that stimulates innovative research and community engagement, promotion of multidisciplinary research in infectious diseases, chronic diseases, maternal and child health policy, among others.

Other areas the new Vice Chancellor seeks to promote are integrated ICT-based teaching and learning through the development of e-learning platforms, stakeholder confidence building; and completing the establishment   of the schools of Pharmacy and Dentistry.

He said “My vision is to finalize and implement the strategic plan to transform UHAS into a pre-eminent research and practically oriented educational institution and I intend to facilitate a vibrant intellectual climate that stimulates innovative research and community engagement.”

In his welcome address, Professor Kofi Anyidoho, Chairman of the UHAS Council, declared that the university has seen exponential growth in students’ population, from 154 in 2012 to almost 3000 presently, with the pioneering students graduating in July this year.

He commended the foundation Vice Chancellor and all stakeholders who supported in nurturing the university to its present stage and expressed the hope that the new Vice Chancellor will captain the institution to the next phase.

He further appealed to the central government as well as the municipal and district assemblies in the Volta region to make an allocation within their annual budget in support of the University, which currently has campuses in Ho, Hohoe and Keta.

On the part of Government, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Deputy Minister in charge of Tertiary Education, congratulated Professor Gyapong upon his appointment to the high office and assured him of government’s continuous support towards making UHAS a world class university.

The very colourful ceremony was attended by the former Vice chancellor of University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryetey, managements of other sister state universities, the Ghanaian business community,  as well as traditional leaders.

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Source: UHAS

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