School of Public Health Celebrates Three Decades of Excellence In Education, Research and Community Service
The University of Ghana's School of Public Health celebrates its 30th anniversary, honoring its significant contributions to public health in Ghana and its impact on global public health policy and practice.
Chairing an event to officially launch the anniversary, Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, in his remarks, stated that the School has been able to produce, in the past 3 decades, over 1,500 alumni who are spread across the country, continent and globe, shaping the field of medicine and science.
According to Prof. Awandare, as the University establishes more global connections with sister universities, there are opportunities for mentoring and scholarships for both faculty and students of the School to enable them to reach their fullest potential in an ultra-competitive world of science and medicine. He lauded the School for its many successes over the years.
Dean of the School of Public Health, Professor Kwesi Torpey, saluted the efforts of the former Directors, particularly the late Prof. Ofosu-Amaah, the first Director, for his contribution to the growth and development of the School.
He indicated that his vision for the 30th anniversary celebration and beyond is to develop more sustainable partnerships and research collaborations with both educational institutions and corporate organisations over the next few years, to give more prominence to the world class abilities of the faculty of the School, across the continent and beyond.
He reiterated the fact that the School remains the destination of choice for World Health Research Projects and Clinical Evaluations as well as donor funded medical investigations from the USAID for the Anglophone West Africa, to disseminate knowledge to the next generation of public health personnel. This he believes shows the calibre of professionals working in the School.
“I am very proud to be heading this prestigious school that is shaping up policy and science education and undertaking deep-seated research that transforms the teaching and learning experience of our students and staff. This has been the hallmark since the early 1990s and has seen its impact transcend national boundaries into the sub-region and establishing working partnerships within the West African sub-region as well as leaving our undeniable footprints on the continent involving big research opportunities that are being funded by globally respected multilateral agencies like the WHO and the USAID,” he stated.
He added that, “Apart from our partnerships on research, the next aim of the School is to leverage on existing inter-university relationships to solicit scholarship opportunities for both students and faculty to get more hands-on experience in various locations across the globe and geographical environments which further sharpens their intellectual abilities, skill sets to prepare them adequately for the world of work in the field of science and innovations.”
Dr. Frank John Lule, World Health Organisation representative in Ghana in his remarks as the Guest Speaker, stated that Public Health Education remains critical to ensuring a healthier and more equitable society. He lauded the Dean for his contributions to the school, which have led to a beneficial partnership and profound infrastructural development.
Dr. Lule re-echoed the World Health Organisation’s commitment to the UG’s School of Public Health to leverage research and data to help address Ghana’s health challenges.
Prof. Awandare was joined by other dignitaries present to officially outdoor the 30th anniversary logo and the lineup of activities.
In earlier remarks, Former Dean of the School, Emerita Prof. Isabella Quakyi, gave a brief history of the School of Public Health, its growth and development over the decades. She indicated that, established in 1994, the main purpose of the school is to respond to a growing demand for a cadre of Public Health Practitioners who will provide leadership in Public Health reforms in the country, and also primarily to train Public Health Practitioners equipped with relevant skills for diagnosing community health problems.
She added that this training enables these highly trained health professionals to perform effectively at District, Regional, and National levels within governmental, quasi-governmental, non-governmental, and private organisations.
The anniversary celebration will feature various activities, including health screenings and a health walk, an SPH Alumni homecoming, fundraising events, a fun day out, a webinar/lecture series and a research call focusing on the environment, an awards night, a dinner dance and will conclude with a thanksgiving service.