Professor John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lectures Held in Ho

A Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Sefa-Dedeh has suggested that institutions in the country should be strategically structured and resourced to execute the national development goals.

He said higher education must raise a value system that will enable graduates to have an impact in national development and not deviant in society adding that it must create the relevant knowledge, skills and solutions to challenges impeding national growth and development.

Professor Sefa-Dedeh was speaking at the maiden edition of the “Professor John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Lectures” organised by the University of Health and Allied Sciences at the weekend in Ho.

The Professor John Evans Atta mills Memorial Lectures was held in honour of the late President whose vision resulted in the establishment of the University of Health and Allied Science (UHAS).

The event which was themed “Higher Education and its Impact on Development” seeks to examine the development of higher education in the country and the role of all stakeholders in the implementation of proposed programs in education.

It also examined the current state of tertiary education in the country and how it can be positioned to contribute effectively to the attainment of national development objectives as enshrined in the constitution.

It was attended by high profile personalities in the academia, Heads of various private and public organisations and politicians.

Professor Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, who is also the Chairman of both the Presidential Task Force Planning Committee for two public universities and the Millennium Development Authority, bemoaned the rate at which Ghanaians have ignored and neglected practical traditional sources of knowledge in solving local problems.

He urged the National Accreditation Board to check what he termed the “Phenomenon of Academic Galamsey” where a lecturer teaches in more than one institution saying that it reduces efficiency and affects students.

He commended the pioneers through which leadership and vision the country laid the foundation in education.

He urged Ghanaians to consider the constitution as sacred laws of the country since it ensures a sustainable development of all sectors of the economy.

He entreated the administration of institutions in the country to develop localities in which they are situated.

Professor Sefa-Dedeh commended the chiefs and people of Sokode Traditional Area in the Volta Region for providing lands on which the main campus of the University of Health and allied science has been built.

He described the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills as a man of faith, a statesman and a result oriented leader.

He commended him for living a legacy in high education and respect in politics.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof Fred Newton Binka noted that the University will contribute towards producing health professionals that will confront the challenges in health and health systems to ensure the general well-being of Ghanaians.

He said the event will give the necessary exposure and recognition to UHAS as a centre of excellence for on significant public health issues in our society.

He was optimistic that the lectures will be held annually to identify topical issues that need to be discussed.