The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a stern warning to the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), urging the institution to cancel its proposed honorary doctorate degree for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The group has threatened to organize sustained demonstrations against the university if the proposed honor is granted. In a statement released on July 18, 2024, the youth wing, led by Mr. Mathias J. Alagbo (KABILA), angrily described the proposed honor as “undeserved, a misplaced priority, incompetent, politically motivated, and misguided.” They argued that the president’s poor performance in office, particularly in the Volta region, makes him unworthy of such an honor.
The youth group demanded that UHAS immediately cancel the proposal, warning that it would tarnish the institution’s reputation and undermine its legacy of excellence, integrity, and service to the people. They highlighted UHAS’ establishment by the previous NDC administration and challenged the current NPP administration led by president Nana Addo Danqua Akuffo Addo/ Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to demonstrate any significant contributions it has made to the university since taking office.
The youth wing cited neglect of critical infrastructure projects in the Volta region, including the Ho-Aflao roads, phase (II) of the Akatsi Township Roads, Akatsi District Hospital Expansion Project, Rural Electrification projects, Water projects, and failure to provide financial clearance for employing lecturers and staff at UHAS.
They called on the university community, alumni, and stakeholders to join them in opposing the proposed honor, which they described as a “blatantly lazy partisan move.” The statement has sparked a heated debate in the region, with many calling on the university to reconsider the proposed honor.
The university’s management has yet to respond to the demands, fueling speculation about the motivations behind the proposed honor. As the controversy unfolds, the youth wing’s stance has resonated with many in the region, who share concerns about the president’s performance and the university’s reputation.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW: VOLTA YOUTH URGE UHAS AUTHORITIES TO CANCEL HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR PRESIDENT NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO
The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is totally disappointed by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)’s proposal to confer an honorary doctorate degree upon President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We demand the Vice Chancellor and the University Council cease all actions toward this undeserved conferment immediately.
It is infuriating and unacceptable that UHAS would even consider honoring a leader whose policies and actions have profoundly undermined the welfare and development of the Volta region and the nation. UHAS was established from scratch by the Mills-Mahama-led NDC administration, who provided the vision, resources, and initial development, making UHAS what it is today.
The claims by UHAS authorities that the NPP secured funding for the China Phase II project are misleading. The relationships for continuous funding through grants from the Chinese were laid down long ago by President Mills even before the first phase of the University Construction began.
We challenge the current administration to demonstrate any significant contributions they have made to UHAS since President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took office. Where are the developments, funding, or support his administration provided to merit such an honor? The government has failed to provide the necessary financial clearance for employing lecturers and staff at the University and has abandoned the University roads started by the NDC before leaving power.
The Volta Region has faced systematic neglect under the current government. Critical infrastructure projects, including the Ho-Aflao roads, have stalled, and the region has not received its fair share of national development.
This honorary degree proposal is a blatantly partisan move. UHAS, as an esteemed academic institution, must remain neutral and avoid political controversies. This conferment not only tarnishes UHAS’s reputation but also sends a dangerous message to the youth and future leaders of this country. It implies an endorsement of the numerous failings and misdeeds that have defined the current administration, including economic mismanagement, grand corruption, and the marginalization of the people of the Volta region.
We forcefully urge the Vice Chancellor and the UHAS Council to withdraw this proposed conferment immediately. We call upon the UHAS community, alumni, and stakeholders to stand with us against this misguided initiative. The legacy of UHAS should be one of excellence, integrity, and service to the people—values fundamentally incompatible with the current administration’s track record.
Should our warning go unheeded, we will be compelled to explore all lawful and democratic means to ensure our voices are heard, including organizing massive and sustained demonstrations against the management until they are removed from our land. We trust that the Vice Chancellor and Council will act in the best interests of the university and the nation by withdrawing this unmeritorious and undeserving honor.
Signed:
Mathias Johnson Alagbo Regional Youth Organizer Volta Region, Ho July 18, 2024 0241786168
