UHAS commits to advancing role of sports in public health and national dev't

The Registrar of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, emphasized the university's commitment to sports. She believes sports play a vital role in public health and national development.

Ms. Opuni spoke at a ceremony for the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. She stated that UHAS aims to create tailored sports programs. These programs will help build expertise for healthier communities.

She mentioned that integrating sports into health and academic programs is essential. This integration promotes fitness, teamwork, and excellence for individuals and society. UHAS collaborates with stakeholders in sports and health sectors to enhance this role.

As a health-focused university, UHAS recognizes the importance of sports in disease prevention. The university aims to make sports a key part of public health policy in Ghana and beyond.

Through research, advocacy, and practical initiatives, UHAS seeks to position sports as essential in public health policy. Ms. Opuni noted that the School of Sports and Exercise Medicine was established in 2019. It offers an undergraduate program for Bachelor of Exercise Medical Sciences.

The school also provides a Professional Practice Certificate Course (PPC). This course upgrades knowledge for Health Club Managers, fitness instructors, coaches, and other professionals.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Lydia Aziato highlighted the school's role in training healthcare providers for athletes. She clarified they are not just "physical education masters."

However, she expressed concern about inadequate faculty and facilities at UHAS. She appealed to the government for support in providing necessary infrastructure.

Prof Aziato stressed that all programs are skill-oriented. Students need proper training facilities both indoors and outdoors. She emphasized that students should embody what they learn by having access to resources.

She described the theme “Healthier Communities, Stronger Nation: The Role of Sport in Public Health” as fitting. It highlights how sports contribute to peace-building and disease prevention.

Prof Nii Korley Kortey, Dean of the School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, called sports a powerful tool for progress. He urged stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions for enhancing sport's role globally.

Mrs. Joyce Detsa from the National Sports Authority encouraged recognizing sport as transformative. She believes it can lead to healthier communities and stronger nations.

Kwesi Tetteh Amanor from Republic Trust Limited advocated creating a thriving sports ecosystem. He outlined key components like governance, policies, financial structures, infrastructure investment, and athlete empowerment as crucial for promoting sports.