The Governing Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has condemned what it describes as ethnocentric remarks by the National Democratic Congress’ Volta Regional Chairman.

According to the Council, they were disappointed by the comments made by Henry Ametefee against the UHAS Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Gyapong.

The Council in a statement described it as “ill-informed comments, personalised attacks against the Vice-Chancellor with unfortunate ethnocentric and political undertones.”

On Thursday, during a press conference by the NDC in the Volta Region, the former Deputy Volta Regional Minister responded to a comments by an official of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Portions of Mr. Ametefee’s response which was further commented upon by the Daily Guide Newspaper (June 29, 2020 Edition, front page and page 6) concerning UHAS read as follows:

“We have put Abomosu citizen as our Vice Chancellor. I know he’s doing so many dirty things there with removing Voltarians, but all our people are quiet — TogbeAfede and all of them — why?

“Professor Mawutor Avoke was removed from Winneba University College of Education, because he is ‘not a son of the Fanti soil’ and Volta Region, we have allowed Professor Gyapong to be our vice chancellor, because we are very civilised people.

“If the Akyems do not know that Volta Region believe in civility, then Professor Gyapong must also be careful that he’s sitting on our land as a vice chancellor, a university that we built…”

The UHAS governing council on July 10 said these allegations against the Vice-Chancellor are unfounded, false and should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

“We wish to reaffirm for the benefit of the Volta Region, the entire Country and our International collaborators, that the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Gyapong, under the guidance of the University Council, has been consistent in putting in place a robust, transparent and competitive appointment system and process to ensure that at all times, the most competent and capable officers take up available positions in the University irrespective of which part of Ghana or the world they come from,” the UHAS Governing Council said.

They added that, “Specifically, we further assure all Ghanaians that the alleged practice of “dirty things and removing Voltarians” or any other employee on the basis of their ethnic background is entirely untrue and will never have the support of the UHAS Council in any shape or form because it is at variance with our vision of building an equal opportunities University of international repute that can compete globally.”

The Council affirmed its strong belief in the character and professional capabilities of Professor John Gyapong in his quest to position UHAS as a successful University of international standing for the training of health professionals.

“Indeed, the high moral character, integrity, competence and efficiency in managing the university have earned Professor Gyapong a renewal of his tenure for another two years, to expire in July 2022.”

Meanwhile, the Council has expressed readiness to address any concerns Mr. Ametefee or any member of the general public might have regarding the administration of UHAS “and affirm that UHAS will continue to remain apolitical in its dealings, offer equal opportunities to all, and pursue diversity as its culture.”