The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has hosted the 5th Professor Margaret Gyapong Annual Lecture and Mentorship Programme, awarding scholarships to six female students and advocating greater investment in the education and empowerment of girls.

UHAS Champions Investment in the Girl Child at 5th Margaret Gyapong Mentorship Lecture

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has renewed calls for increased investment in the education, leadership development, and empowerment of girls as it hosted the fifth edition of the Professor Margaret Gyapong Annual Lecture and Mentorship Programme.

The event, held on June 9, 2026, at the University’s Cedi Auditorium at Sokode-Lokoe in Ho, brought together academics, students, policymakers, and education stakeholders to discuss strategies for nurturing the next generation of female leaders.

The programme was held under the theme “Nurturing the Girl-Child: What Investment Do We Need?”

UHAS Commends Prof. Margaret Gyapong’s Commitment to Female Education

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Ophelia Anarfi of the Department of Psychological Medicine at the UHAS School of Medicine praised Professor Margaret Gyapong for her unwavering commitment to advancing female education and empowerment.

Dr. Anarfi highlighted that in 2022, Prof. Gyapong dedicated the entire €20,000 cash prize she received from an international research award to establish a scholarship scheme for brilliant but financially disadvantaged female students of UHAS.

The scholarship initiative has since become an important source of support for female students facing financial challenges while pursuing higher education.

Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment to Equity and Opportunity

Chairing the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, , reaffirmed the university’s commitment to creating opportunities for talented female students.

She explained that the Dora Gertrude Quaye Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to support academically outstanding students who demonstrate financial need.

According to her, investing in girls’ education remains one of the most effective ways of promoting social mobility, gender equality, and national development.

UEW Pro-Vice Chancellor Shares Inspiring Story of Resilience

The keynote lecture was delivered by , Pro-Vice Chancellor of the .

Speaking on the theme, Professor Wiredu shared her personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of Ghana’s leading academics.

She recounted how the death of her father at an early age left her mother with the responsibility of raising six children through hard work and trading.

Despite the difficulties, she pursued her education through public schools, later attending the before advancing her studies in Norway, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.

Professor Wiredu emphasized that her success was made possible through the support and encouragement she received throughout her educational journey.

Empowering Girls Beyond Academics

She urged parents, educators, and policymakers to invest intentionally in leadership development for girls.

“Anytime we get the opportunity to train our girls in leadership, let us do it,” she advised.

Professor Wiredu stressed that nurturing girls goes beyond academic achievement and requires deliberate efforts to build:

• Confidence and self-esteem
• Leadership skills
• Discipline and integrity
• Respect and responsibility
• Strong interpersonal relationships

She further called for greater efforts to protect girls from early marriage, gender-based violence, and other social barriers that hinder educational advancement.

Panel Discussion Focuses on National Development

The programme also featured a panel discussion involving Professor Wiredu and Dr. Esther Chinere Nwogu, a Speech and Language Therapist and faculty member at the UHAS School of Allied Health Sciences.

The discussion examined broader issues affecting girls and young women, including:

• Access to quality education
• Leadership opportunities
• Gender equity
• Community support systems
• Social responsibility

Panelists agreed that investment in girls should be viewed as a strategic national development priority rather than merely a social intervention.

According to the discussants, educated and empowered girls are more likely to become productive professionals, transformational leaders, and active contributors to national development.

Six Female Students Receive Scholarships

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Dora Gertrude Quaye Memorial Scholarship to six deserving female students.

The latest awards bring the total number of beneficiaries to 21 since the scholarship scheme was established in 2022.

The scholarship continues to provide financial support to academically talented students facing economic challenges.

Former UHAS Vice-Chancellor Supports Beneficiaries

In a further demonstration of support, , husband of Professor Margaret Gyapong and former Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, presented an additional cash award of GH¢1,000 to each of the six scholarship recipients.

The gesture was warmly received by students and participants at the event.

Past beneficiaries of the scholarship programme also presented citations to Prof. Margaret Gyapong and Prof. John Owusu Gyapong in recognition of their continued contributions to female education and student welfare.

Prof. Gyapong Reflects on Five Years of Impact

Addressing participants, reflected on the growth and impact of the initiative over the past five years.

She expressed gratitude for the progress achieved and attributed the success of the programme to faith, resilience, and a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

Professor Gyapong encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic goals and use the opportunities provided to make positive contributions to their communities and the nation.

Distinguished Attendance

The event was attended by several senior university officials, including:

• Deans and Directors of UHAS
• Faculty and administrative staff
• Students of the university

Students from various second-cycle institutions, including , , and , also participated in the programme.

Looking Ahead

Education experts at the event emphasized that sustained investment in girls’ education remains one of the most effective strategies for achieving inclusive national development.

As Ghana continues to pursue gender equality and educational transformation, initiatives such as the Professor Margaret Gyapong Annual Lecture and Mentorship Programme are expected to play an increasingly important role in preparing young women for leadership and professional success.

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