The University of Health and Allied Sciences Alumni Association has successfully held its
second annual Alumni Lecture, featuring a historic homecoming of an alumnus as keynote
speaker. The event, held under the theme “Revolutionizing Sports Medicine in Ghana: A
Multi-faceted Approach,” highlighted the growing importance of specialized healthcare in
sports.
In her welcome address, Prof. Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, emphasized the
strategic importance of the university’s program in sports and exercise medicine. “Today’s topic is very
relevant to the School of Sports and Exercise Medicine,” she stated. “We are not training
people to become footballers or physical education teachers. We are training healthcare
professionals who can take care of people within the sports space.”
Professor Aziato elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the training, highlighting that it
covers “prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and other illnesses related to physical
activity.” She emphasized the practical competencies being developed: “When something
happens on the field – whether it’s an emergency, a fracture, muscle injury, or joint injury –
our graduates will know what to do as sports and exercise medicine professionals.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Eric Tetteh Ayertey (MD, MSc Sports & Exercise
Science), who marked a significant milestone as the first UHAS alumnus to serve as keynote.
speaker. Dr. Ayertey echoed the Vice-Chancellor’s sentiments, describing his return as a
“homecoming” and emphasizing that sports medicine sits “at the heart of Ghana’s sporting
fortunes and Ghana’s future.”
In his trailblazing presentation, Dr. Ayertey expanded on the scope of sports medicine, stating
that “Sport and Exercise Medicine is not simply about treating injuries. It is the very
scientific foundation of athletic performance and community well-being.”
A highlight of his address focused on his pioneering work in anti-doping, where he
developed African football’s first anti-doping manual for U15 players and created
the CAF Anti-Doping Ambassador Program. “I’m happy to see our youth athletes now
equipped with knowledge of what to take and what not to take,” he noted, ensuring their
performance isn’t “short-chained by taking substances that will affect their well-being.”
The event was chaired by Mama Bobi III, Queen of Bake, Ho Bankoe, Asogli State, who
commended the Alumni Association for creating platforms that “expand not only our
knowledge but also our imagination about what is possible for Ghana’s health and sports
sectors.”
The Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Member of the
Council of State, demonstrated strong support for the initiative with a generous donation
of GHC10,000 to the Alumni Lecture series.
Mr. Gabriel Agbanyo, UHAS Alumni President, celebrated the university’s growth in
“stature, confidence, and tradition,” while calling for collective resolve to contribute
meaningfully to national development.
The lecture attracted the registrar Madam Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, deans and directors of UHAS faculty, staff, students, alumni and healthcare professionals, reinforcing UHAS’s
commitment to advancing specialized healthcare education in Ghana and positioning sports
medicine as a critical component of national health and sports development.
Story by: Emmanuel Junior Hamenoo, Ho.
