Samuel Koku Anyidoho, Founder and CEO of the MILLS Institute (Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, Service), has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to former President John Dramani Mahama for spearheading the initiative to rename the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in honour of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
The proposal to rename UHAS was revealed by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the university’s new Governing Council at the Ministry of Education. A Bill to facilitate this change is expected to be presented to Parliament shortly.
Established in December 2011 through Parliamentary Act 828 under President Atta Mills, UHAS was designed to be a premier, research-oriented institution dedicated to health and community service.
In 2012, the late President Atta Mills personally inaugurated the main campus in Sokode Lokoe, Ho District, emphasising the initiative as part of his commitment to enhance access to higher education throughout Ghana. “The Volta Region also deserves a public university of repute, and I am glad that today, that mission is being carried out with great joy,” he remarked at the time.
Koku Anyidoho, a dedicated aide and supporter of President Atta Mills, praised President Mahama’s recent decision as a long-overdue homage to a leader who significantly influenced Ghana’s political and educational realms.
“It has been a challenge to keep the legacy of President Atta Mills alive, and this decision by President Mahama fills my heart with immense joy,” Koku commented. “I am sincerely thankful to President Mahama, and if given the chance, I would gladly express my gratitude to him in person.”
He further stated, “All my efforts, dedication, and prayers have finally borne fruit. My happiness knows no bounds.”
Koku highlighted that this initiative transcends mere symbolism, representing a crucial step towards healing and unifying the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the political party to which both leaders belong.
“This enlightening move by President Mahama has paved the way for fostering connections within the NDC. Honouring our heroes is the most effective way to preserve our traditions,” he asserted.
Quoting one of the late President’s cherished sayings—“A nation that does not honour its heroes is a nation that is not worth dying for”—Koku emphasised that renaming UHAS would resonate profoundly with all who appreciate Atta Mills’ legacy.
He also stressed the necessity of maintaining 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 bestowed upon his memory.”
