Volta NPP fights Volta NDC over UHAS' honorary doctorate on Akufo-Addo

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region has called on the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to substantiate their claims against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with factual evidence.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the party, Makafui Kofi Woanya, said this at a press conference on Wednesday in Ho, in response to the threats issued by the youth wing of the NDC related to an award of an Honorary Doctorate to the President of the Republic.

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho has announced it will honor the President in a special congregation on July 29, 2024.

According to UHAS, this award is in recognition of the President's exemplary leadership in making science education more accessible to Ghanaian families through the free SHS policy, the prioritization of STEM education in Ghana, and the completion of the UHAS China-aided phase 2 expansion project.

The youth wing of the opposition NDC described the move as infuriating and unacceptable, arguing 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.

According to the youth wing, UHAS was established from scratch by the Mills-Mahama-led NDC administration, which provided the vision, resources, and initial development, making UHAS what it is today.

"The government has failed to provide the necessary financial clearance for employing lecturers and staff at the University and has abandoned the University roads started by the NDC before leaving power," the group said.

The NPP Volta's Chairman, Makafui Kofi Woanya, defended the decision to honor the President, citing his contributions to science education through initiatives like the free Senior High School (SHS) policy and advancements in STEM education.

Additionally, he emphasized the government's support for UHAS, including securing a $60 million investment from China for the university's expansion project, which aims to enhance educational facilities and increase student capacity.

He indicated that the NPP's focus on infrastructure development is a strategic move to strengthen its electoral prospects in the upcoming general elections in Ghana.