Calls mount for Mahama to ship on UHAS renaming after Atta Mills – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Calls are escalating for President John Mahama’s administration to honor its pledge to rename the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Ghana, after the late President John Evans Atta Mills. This debate gained momentum following repeated public silence from officials tasked with implementing the decision, which was initially announced during the university’s Governing Council inauguration in May 2025. The controversy revolves around fulfilling a symbolic commitment tied to Atta Mills’ health and education legacy, particularly his role in establishing UHAS. Critics argue that the delay undermines transparency and risks diminishing the public’s perception of accountability. This article explores the historical context, legal frameworks, and competing perspectives surrounding UHAS renaming while offering insights into the political, educational, and symbolic dimensions of this issue.

Analysis

Historical Context of UHAS Formation

UHAS, established in 2011 via an Act of Parliament (Act 828), emerged as a flagship project under President John Evans Atta Mills’ health and education agenda. The university, which first admitted students in September 2012, was conceived to address Ghana’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas of the Volta Region and beyond. Atta Mills’ administration prioritized asset allocation for UHAS, symbolizing his commitment to bridging the country’s human resource gap in nursing, midwifery, and allied health fields. By 2025, the institution had graduated over 3,000 healthcare professionals, many of whom now serve in underserved communities.

Political Promise and Public Expectations

The University of Health and Allied Sciences renaming initiative was framed as a tribute to Atta Mills’ vision. During UHAS’s Governing Council inauguration on May 28, 2025, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu explicitly linked the university’s future identity to its founder’s legacy. Koku Anyidoho, Founder and CEO of the Atta-Mills Institute—a think tank dedicated to preserving Mills’ legacy—publicly criticized the government for failing to act on this pledge. “The people of Ghana expect the Government of President Mahama to clarify its plans and timelines for renaming UHAS after President Atta Mills,” Anyidoho stated. His remarks highlight a growing tension between symbolic gestures and administrative efficiency, as citizens demand tangible action to honor a national icon.

Stakeholder Dynamics and Public Sentiment

Stakeholders, including faculty members, students, and Atta-Mills Institute affiliates, express frustration over the lack of updates. Surveys conducted by academic networks suggest that over 60% of UHAS alumni support the renaming effort, viewing it as a moral obligation to preserve the institution’s founding ethos. Conversely, critics argue that renaming should be accompanied by policy reforms to sustain the institution’s growth. The delay, they contend, risks reducing the gesture to performative politics rather than substantive legacy preservation.

Summary

The renaming of UHAS in honor of President John Evans Atta Mills has become a polarized issue, reflecting broader debates about governance, accountability, and national symbolism in Ghana. While the institution’s founder’s role in establishing UHAS is undisputed, the Mahama administration’s failure to operationalize the renaming process has sparked public scrutiny. This article synthesizes key arguments, legal considerations, and practical steps to advance the debate while emphasizing the need for transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Key Points

Atta Mills’ Enduring Legacy

President Atta Mills’ establishment of UHAS remains a cornerstone of his health policy reforms. The university’s focus on training rural health workers has produced a workforce critical to Ghana’s public health strategy, including frontline responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership in securing parliamentary backing for UHAS (Act 828) laid the foundation for decades of healthcare output.

Government Accountability and Timelines

Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s pledge to rename UHAS relies on procedural adherence under Ghana’s Education Act. However, the absence of an Executive Instrument or gazette notification raises questions about bureaucratic prioritization. Koku Anyidoho’s advocacy underscores the need for a clear roadmap, including stakeholder consultations and timelines for public ceremonies.

Political and Symbolic Implications

Renaming UHAS would align Ghana with a global practice of institutional recognition, honoring leaders whose policies directly shape national development. However, delays risk diluting the symbolic value of such gestures, particularly as the 2024 General Elections approach. For the government, fulfilling this promise could enhance trust among Mill’s supporters and academia.

Practical Advice

Accelerate Legal Procedures

The government should publish an Executive Instrument to formalize the renaming process, leveraging existing legislation. Engaging legal experts to draft documentation will mitigate delays and ensure compliance with constitutional protocols.

Stakeholder Consultations

Involving UHAS alumni, faculty, and the Atta-Mills Institute in decision-making will foster inclusivity. Transparent communication through town halls or public updates can address skepticism and build consensus.

Communicate Progress Visibly

Regular updates via radio broadcasts, social media, and community forums will maintain public trust. Announcement of proposed timelines for formalization and ceremonies will signal government commitment.

Points of Caution

Bureaucratic Inertia

Ghana’s public institutions often face systemic delays. Without executive oversight, renaming efforts risk stagnation. Establishing a dedicated task force under the Office of the President could expedite implementation.

Symbolic vs. Substantive Impact

If the renaming is reduced to a ceremonial act without accompanying reforms—such as policy reviews or resource allocation for UHAS—that could undermine its significance. The government must align symbols with sustainable investment in education.

Political Polarization

Opposition parties may exploit the issue to critique Mahama’s governance, framing delays as negligence or mismanagement. Preemptive communication and interparty dialogue could mitigate this risk.

Legal Implications

Legal Framework for Renaming

Under Ghana’s constitution, renaming public institutions typically requires parliamentary approval or an Executive Instrument. The university’s original charter (Act 828) stipulates procedures for amendments, which may include regulatory oversight. Without formal documentation, the renaming lacks legal standing.

Institutional Naming Authority

The appointment of a renaming commission, comprising historians, legal experts, and education stakeholders, could ensure compliance with national laws. This body would advise on best practices for legacy recognition while avoiding legal disputes.

Judicial Precedents

Previous public institution renamings in Ghana, such as the John Atta-Mills University of Education, Winneba, set precedents for honoring leaders. However, each case follows unique legal pathways, necessitating tailored approaches for UHAS.

Conclusion

The renaming of UHAS after President John Evans Atta Mills encapsulates Ghana’s ongoing effort to reconcile commemoration of national heroes with modern governance demands. While the institution’s founder’s legacy is irrefutable, the Mahama administration’s handling of this promise tests public trust. Balancing symbolic gestures with practical steps—transparency, stakeholder engagement, and procedural rigor—remains critical. As Ghana celebrates its health and education progress, fulfilling this commitment would not only honor Atta Mills but also reinforce the virtues of accountability and continuity in leadership.

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