A group calling itself Concerned Volta Youth has registered its displeasure about a decision by the Governing Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) to confer an honorary doctorate on President Akufo-Addo.

The Spokesperson for the Concerned Volta Youth, Oscar Akaba-Norvixoxo said that the Council failed to do due diligence and hence must rescind the decision to avert their wrath.

Addressing the media in Ho, he warned of a peaceful demonstration and other democratic and lawful activities should the University go ahead with the conferment scheduled for Monday, 29th July 2024.

The University of Health and Allied Science was proposed and founded by late President John Evans Atta Mills. Established by an Act of Parliament (Act 828) in December 2011, it started operation in September 2012, with 154 students admitted as the first batch of students.

An announcement by the Governing Council of the University to honor President Akufo-Addo, with a doctorate has been received with mixed reactions.

The University issued a press release to explain that the decision was borne out of the President’s commitment to enhancing education, listing the implementation of the Free SHS, prioritization of STEM Education, and the completion of the UHAS China-aided Phase 2 Expansion project.

The Volta Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress also issued a press statement on July 18, 2024, describing the decision as a “misguided initiative”.

The wing urged the Vice Chancellor and the UHAS Council to withdraw the proposed conferment immediately.

Following that, the Concerned Volta Youth ridiculed the University’s decision and motive behind the conferment.

Its Spokesperson, Oscar Akaba-Norvixoxo said the University should rather channel resources toward honoring actors who initiated and supervised the establishment of the University.

He requested the University Council to furnish the youth group with the significant efforts of the President to the development of the University, which merits him an honorary doctorate.

“The University couldn't recognize the very people who established the University, not even in a day to acknowledge the Chiefs and land owners.

We want the Council to as a matter of urgency publish a list of development additions the President has made to the development of the school to warrant the honoring.” he said.

Mr Akaba-Norvixoxo asserted that the decision had a political undertone.

“This honorary doctorate proposal is purely partisan and should not be allowed to see the light of day. This partisan conferment tends to tarnish the image of UHAS's reputation”, he said.