The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, has called on the management of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) to introduce pharmacy programmes to help address the critical shortage of pharmacists in the region.
Speaking at the university’s 13th Congregation ceremony, the Minister revealed that the Upper East Regional Hospital currently operates with only two pharmacists—far below the standard requirement of four to eight. Similarly, most district hospitals in the region have just one pharmacist each, a situation he described as untenable.
“The shortage of pharmacists in our health facilities is alarming, and Bolgatanga Technical University must respond to this growing demand by training more professionals in this field,” Mr. Akamugri stated.
He emphasized that expanding the university’s curriculum to include pharmacy would not only improve healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities for the youth.
676 Graduands Honoured at 13th Congregation
A total of 676 students graduated from various programmes at the ceremony, comprising 389 males and 287 females. Among them, 291 obtained Bachelor of Technology degrees, 319 earned Higher National Diplomas, 59 received Diplomas, and seven completed Competency-Based Training (CBT) programmes. Notably, 113 graduands achieved First Class honours, including 37 females.
Vice Chancellor Appeals for Government Support
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of BTU, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, appealed to the government to prioritize investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to drive industrialization.
“If we want Technical Universities to lead Ghana’s industrialization agenda, then the government must deliberately provide the necessary equipment, infrastructure, and funding,” Prof. Alnaa stated.
He cited the success of the Asian Tigers, attributing their economic growth to strong investment in TVET.
The Vice Chancellor also called on former President John Dramani Mahama to support BTU in expanding its programmes—particularly in high-demand fields like pharmacy—to align with national development goals.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
