The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has installed its maiden Master and Warden for the Sokode and Asogli Halls of residence of the university at a brief ceremony.
Dr David Adedia, a Senior Lecturer assumes the responsibility of the Sokode Hall, while Dr Inemesit Okon Ben, a Senior Lecturer, takes over the Asogli Hall for a renewable period of three years.
Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, disclosed that the university is appointing hallmasters/wardens for its university-owned halls to foster a positive environment for students and staff after attaining approval from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
She said Hallmasters/wardens are responsible for the overall leadership and management of the hall, including administration, governance, security, welfare, and facility maintenance and have oversight responsibility for other smaller, privately-owned hostels.
The ceremony is to officially recognize the appointed of the individuals as leaders of the halls but report to the Dean of Students.
Prof Aziato said the university emphasizes the need for strong leadership in the halls for the growth and development of the university and invest in its halls of residence as well as recognize the importance of effective management.
She noted that the appointment of hallmasters/wardens is a key step in ensuring the smooth operation and positive environment of the halls.
The university is committed to supporting the hallmasters/wardens in their roles and providing them with the necessary resources adding ‘’a strong leadership in the halls is seen as crucial for the overall development and success of the university.’’
Prof Judith A. Torgbor, Dean of Students, said the appointment of the duo is a testament of their dedication, leadership potential, and trust placed in their ability to uphold values and standards.
She said their leadership is defined by four pillars of excellence, integrity, innovation and social welfare.
She urged the appointees to maintain the highest standards across all facets of students’ residential life stating act in loco parents- a guardian, a mentor and primary point of contact for students, and nurturing the potential of every student.
Prof Torgbor urged them to ensure each Hall of residence becomes safe, secure mainstreaming security measures, mental health awareness, accessibility in distress, emergency and grievance protocols.
The call to action entreated them to lead with excellence, embrace innovation, maintain integrity and prioritise student welfare.
Dr Adedia and Dr Ben highlighted the importance of the new task and pledged to uphold the tenets of the high offices with diligence and integrity.
They pledged to champion student-centered governance, invest in sustainable and inclusive systems, ensure general hygiene and wellbeing, and support infrastructure expansion.
They announced to beef security measures by installing CCTV cameras at vantages points including entrances, establish emergency lines, institute hall week celebrations and annual training regimes as well as create budget committee with student staff representation.
The Sokode and Asogli Halls and other privately-owned facilities hold up to 2,622 students.
GNA
