The Governing Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, at its special meeting on June 3, approved the appointment of three women to high-ranking positions to take effect in the 2023 academic year.
Professor Lydia Aziato, incoming Vice Chancellor, will take over from Professor John Owusu Gyapong. She would be the third VC of the young university, and the first woman to hold that position.
Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, incoming Registrar, will replace Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo; and Senior Architect Ruth Xoladem Ayittey, incoming Director of Works and Physical Development, will replace Dr. William Vidogah. The appointment of the trio takes effect from August 1, 2022, each for a four-year (renewable) term.
Professor Aziato is currently Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, with more than 20 years under her belt as a nurse.
She obtained her first degree in nursing and psychology in 2001; and in 2005, she graduated with an MPhil in Nursing from the University of Ghana. She also has a specialty certificate in Oncology Nursing from the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Canada and completed in 2006. Subsequently, she graduated with a PhD. in Nursing from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2013.
She holds both local and international positions in nursing organisations, such as Sigma Theta Tau, serves on a number of boards and committees and is an external examiner for a number of Universities in Ghana and abroad.
She has at least 70 publications in over 39 international peer-reviewed journals and is a reviewer for 12 credible journals spanning 2012 to date. Her research interests encompass pain management, cancer, and surgical nursing. She has advanced skills in qualitative research and curriculum development, is interested in training and mentoring young nurses and students to enhance their skills and independence, and holds professional membership in/affiliations with 10 establishments.
Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni was among the pioneer, core senior administrators appointed in the University of Health and Allied Sciences to put systems and structures in place for the commencement of the University in 2012 and she has continuously and diligently served the University in various capacities to date. She has risen through the ranks as Assistant Registrar at the Office of the Registrar; Senior Assistant Registrar and Head of Recruitment, Promotion and Separation at the Human Resource Directorate; School Officer at the School of Public Health; and is currently the School Officer at the School of Pharmacy, UHAS.
She served as the Recorder of the University Council from 2012 to 2017 and currently represents Convocation (non-professorial) on the University Council, making her the longest serving officer on the University Council. Additionally, she served on the University Appointments and Promotions Board from 2012 to 2017, the University Audit Committee from 2012 to date, and several other committees of the Council, Academic Board and the Schools where she worked.
Prior to her appointment at UHAS, Ms. Opuni worked in the Human Resource Unit of the College Central Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.
Ms. Opuni has proven leadership qualities and a wealth of experience in university governance and administration. She is a Chartered Professional Administrator (ChPA) and obtained a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Ghana in 2009. She also pursued a programme of study at University of Education, Winneba where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education (Secretarial and Management option) in 2004.
Arc. Ayittey is currently a Senior Architect at UHAS. Mrs. Ayittey comes with over 20 years of experience, of which the last six and half have been in Senior Member positions at UHAS.
She has degrees in Design, Architecture, and Construction Management, all from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, with advanced technical competencies in the fields of Architecture, Construction, Procurement and Project Management, including expertise in top industry software.
She brought her skills to bear in shaping and branding the UHAS environment and also providing the most conducive learning environment for students and the various professionals in the health sector. She also chairs or serves on numerous University committees and is a member of the Architects’ Registration Council, the Ghana Institute of Architects, and Project Management Institute.
In her over-20 years of working experience, she has worked on numerous urban and community development schemes as an Architect and a Project Manager in all the ten regions of Ghana and the West Africa sub-region. She is very passionate about and researches on Sustainable Architecture for underprivileged communities.