The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) held an engaging Fireside Leadership Chat as part of the Oncology Leadership Programme (ONLEP) on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Professor Anyidoho Auditorium on the Trafalgar Campus of the University at Ho. The event brought together students of the maiden ONLEP programme, UHAS regular students, faculty, staff and invited guests.
The Keynote Speaker for the event, H.E. Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, the former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and current Ambassador Designate for Canada, shared powerful reflections from her leadership journey, emphasizing service, integrity, mentorship and the importance of resilience and self-development.
Professor Edu-Buandoh took participants through her encounter with academic failure, journey in academia, challenges encountered as a woman in leadership, the experience of juxtaposing family and career and embracing opportunities even when they came unexpected. Her engaging delivery showed a depth of humility and resonated deeply with the audience. She emphasized the fact that, "Leadership is service," adding that real leadership involves a commitment to one's community, faith and country.
Her narration included the celebration of great achievements like leading high-level university committees to achieve tasks, navigating culturally sensitive land negotiations and the national assignment of chairing the Commission on Emoluments for Article 71 officeholders. Each experience underscored the importance of courage, learning and mentorship. She intimated that she had to learn financial literacy on the job to facilitate her work, despite her background as an English scholar.
Professor Edu-Buandoh made a passionate appeal to women, particularly the female student participants to blend empathy with firmness and to always remain authentic. She underscored the fact that leaders are mentors by saying "If you are a leader, think about how you can replace yourself. Mentor others to come when you are gone."
The interactive session which brought thoughtful questions from participants, centered largely on managing middle-level leadership roles, balancing female leadership expectations and navigating institutional constraints.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to leadership and mentorship, the University presented Professor Edu-Buandoh with a citation of honor, celebrating her impactful legacy and role in shaping higher education in Ghana and beyond.
The Registrar of UHAS, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, in her address, emphasized the strategic relevance of leadership engagements such as the Fireside Leadership Chat in grooming emerging leaders within academia and the healthcare space. She acknowledged the pivotal role of leadership in ensuring institutional and transformational growth and encouraged the participants to reflect on their role as change agents in their respective fields. Drawing from her own experiences, she affirmed that success stories are often written in the ink of failures and setbacks.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, highlighted the importance of the Fireside Chat initiative as a platform to nurture future leaders. She encouraged participants, especially the students, to learn from the life experiences of seasoned leaders and use such insights to shape their own leadership journeys. She commended the Keynote Speaker for her lifelong commitment to excellence.
The Fireside Leadership Chat reaffirmed UHAS' commitment to cultivating the next generation of ethical, competent and compassionate leaders.
Also present at the programme were the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Edwin, Deans, Directors and other officials of the University.