The School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has recognised 37 outstanding students for their exceptional academic performance at the 2026 Dean’s Awards Ceremony.
The awardees, drawn from Levels 200 to 400, received certificates and cash prizes in recognition of their academic excellence. The recipients included students from the School’s satellite campuses at Dominase and Nyakrom. The ceremony was held on the theme, “Rewarding Excellence, Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Ghana.”
Addressing the gathering, the Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Desmond Omane Acheampong, explained that the awards were instituted to recognise academic excellence and inspire all students within the School to strive for higher achievement. He expressed appreciation to students from the satellite campuses for their strong participation in the event and commended lecturers across the various campuses for their dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Delivering the keynote address, the General Secretary of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU), Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, described the awards as a significant milestone in the academic journey of the recipients. He noted that excellence is not attained by chance but through discipline, integrity, perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Dr. Akortor urged the awardees to carry their achievements with humility and remain committed to sustaining their success. According to him, society looks up to high-achieving students as role models and future leaders.
He further observed that the healthcare sector was undergoing rapid transformation through advancements in artificial intelligence, digital healthcare and research, making adaptability and ethical conduct indispensable qualities for healthcare professionals.
“I encourage you to remain resilient in the face of challenges knowing that setbacks should not be viewed as barriers to success,” he stated.
He shared his personal experience of failing a course during his academic journey, explaining that the setback became a turning point that strengthened his determination to excel.
“The future belongs to those who refuse to give up,” he stated, urging students not to allow temporary disappointments to derail their aspirations. He also encouraged them to make difficult but purposeful decisions that align with their long-term goals and aspirations.
Dr. Akortor underscored the importance of honesty, compassion and professionalism in healthcare practice, reminding students that beyond being healthcare practitioners, they are healers entrusted with improving lives and promoting wellbeing. He further outlined five principles for achieving lasting success: competence, reputation, resilience, teamwork through collaboration and the courage to dream beyond one’s imagination.
The Director of .. , Prof. Samuel Kyei, who chaired the ceremony on behalf of the Provost of the College, advised the award recipients not to regard the recognition as the pinnacle of their achievements but rather as motivation to pursue greater accomplishments. He emphasised that excellence is a continuous journey that demands dedication, discipline and consistency.
The ceremony brought together lecturers, students and administrators to celebrate academic excellence and encourage students to pursue success both within and beyond the classroom.
