The Volta Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its total disappointment at the University of Health and Allied Sciences’ (UHAS) proposal to award an honorary doctorate degree to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The NDC Youth Wing urged the Vice Chancellor and the University Council of UHAS to immediately halt all proceedings related to the proposed honorary doctorate degree award to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which they deem unwarranted.
“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”.
NDC V/R Youth Wing
Furthermore, the Youth Wing disputed the claim made by UHAS authorities that the NPP secured funding for the China Phase II project, calling it misleading.
As such, the Youth Wing pointed out that the groundwork for securing continuous funding through grants from the Chinese government was laid by President Mills long ago, even before the commencement of the University’s first phase of construction.
The NDC Youth thus challenged the current administration to demonstrate any notable achievements or contributions they have made to UHAS during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
The Youth Caucus called for clarity on what specific developments, funding, or support the President’s administration has provided to UHAS that would justify conferring such an honor upon him.
Accordingly, the Youth Caucus highlighted the government’s neglect in providing the required financial clearance for the recruitment of lecturers and staff at the University, hindering its proper functioning.
The Youth Caucus also alleged that the government has neglected to complete the University road projects initiated by the NDC administration before they left office, leaving them in a state of abandonment.
Volta Youth Decry Regional Neglect
Moreover, the NDC Volta Regional Youth Wing asserted that the Volta Region has been subjected to deliberate and systemic neglect by the current administration, perpetuating a cycle of disregard and marginalization.
The Youth Wing lamented that crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Ho-Aflao road development, have ground to a halt, and the region has been denied its rightful allocation of national development resources, further exacerbating its growth challenges.
“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”.
NDC V/R Youth Wing
As such, the Youth Caucus forcefully urged the Vice Chancellor and the UHAS Council to withdraw this proposed conferment immediately.
They further urged the UHAS community, alumni, and stakeholders to join forces with them in opposing this ill-conceived proposal, uniting against a decision that undermines the university’s values and legacy.
The Youth Caucus stressed that UHAS’s legacy should be defined by excellence, integrity, and service to the people, values that are in stark contrast to the current NPP administration’s dismal record.
As such, the Caucus cautioned that if its warning is ignored, it will be forced to explore all lawful and democratic avenues to make its voices heard, including organizing massive and sustained protests against the management until they are removed from the institution.
“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”. – NDC V/R Youth Wing
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