By: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
Founder and CEO of the MILLS Institute (Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, Service), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has expressed profound gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for initiating moves to rename the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
The announcement to rename UHAS was made by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during the inauguration of the university’s new Governing Council at the Ministry of Education. A Bill to this effect would soon be laid before Parliament.
UHAS was established in December 2011 through Parliamentary Act 828 by President Atta-Mills, with the aim of creating a top-tier, research-driven, health-focused institution committed to community service.
The late President Atta-Mills personally broke ground for the main campus at Sokode Lokoe in the Ho District in 2012, describing the initiative as part of his pledge to expand access to higher education across Ghana.
“Volta Region also deserves a public university of repute, and I am glad that today, that mission is being carried out with great joy,” the late President said at the time.
Koku Anyidoho, a long-time aide and loyal follower of President Atta Mills, hailed President Mahama’s recent decision to rename the university as a long-overdue tribute to a man who shaped the course of Ghana’s political and educational landscape.
“It has been a struggle to keep the legacy of President Atta Mills alive, and this decision by President Mahama brings great joy to my heart,” Koku stated. “I am honestly grateful to President Mahama, and given the opportunity, I shall not hesitate to thank him personally.”
He added, “All my toil, sweat, and prayers have yielded the desired results. My joy knows no bounds.”
Koku emphasized that this move represents more than just a symbolic gesture. According to him, it is an important step toward healing and uniting the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the political party both leaders served.
“This illuminating move by President Mahama has opened a new path for building bridges within the NDC. Honouring our heroes is the surest way to keep our tradition alive,” he said.
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Quoting one of the late President’s favourite sayings—“A nation that does not honour its heroes is a nation that is not worth dying for”—Koku noted that the renaming of UHAS would resonate deeply with all who value Atta Mills’ legacy.
He also underscored the importance of preserving the university’s original focus, stating, “The Act that established UHAS mandates it to remain a Health and Allied Sciences institution. President Atta Mills’ vision was clear—and his soul can now rest in peace with this great honour done his memory.”
