Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, being assisted by the Provost of CBAS, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu (left) and the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Paa Kobina Turkson (right) to cut a ribbon to symbolize the formal opening of the animal hospital.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, has inaugurated the physical structures of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the University of Ghana. The veterinary hospital, which was completed in 2014, would be used to accommodate and cater for domestic animals that are ill, diseased, or injured and need special treatment and attention.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey in his address noted that the construction of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital was made possible through the vision and hard work of Prof. Kwame Aning, the foundation Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. He lauded the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Veterinary Council of Ghana for their enthusiasm and contribution towards the putting up of the facility. He acknowledged the commitment of the University to furnish the hospital with all the necessary equipment, while working hand in hand to support and address challenges that would affect the operations of the hospital.
Prof. Aryeetey indicated that as the University of Ghana is focusing more on research, it is incumbent on UG to train new generation of veterinarians who are dedicated to the welfare of small animals. He called on the first batch of graduating students of the School of Veterinary Medicine to return to the University and offer their expertise by taking up administrative and teaching positions when the hospital is fully operational. He thanked the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu for his guidance and support to the School.
Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences
The Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, and incoming Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, chaired the ceremony. He called to attention the need and responsibility to protect and care for small and defenseless animals. He noted that the Small Animal Teaching Hospital was established to enable researchers in Animal Science to study, learn and obtain an appreciable understanding of the culture of animals. He stressed on the symbiosis between humans and animals, adding that it is important for humans to become “Friends of Animals” to gather invaluable lessons from them.
Prof. Oduro Owusu expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey for providing the College with the facility, adding that he was optimistic that the equipment would soon arrive to make the facility fully operational.
Prof. Paa Kobina Turkson, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine
Earlier in welcome remarks, the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Paa Kobina Turkson, recounted the procurement process that facilitated the commencement of the hospital project. He noted that the School of Veterinary Medicine has been test-running the facility for now, while waiting for all the other necessary equipment to be brought in and installed.
He mentioned in particular that the hospital with its mission to educate, improve animal life and innovate, would deal mainly with pets and companion animals. The mission of the hospital, he further noted, would include a dedication to provide exceptional patient care, serve as a referral centre for animal owners and veterinarians, advance veterinary education and develop innovative solutions to the health problems of animals.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ernest Aryeetey, unveiled a plague and cut a ribbon to formally inaugurate the facility.
The Coordinator of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital Dr. Hope Otsyina conducted guests at the ceremony around the facility.
Present at the inauguration were the Chairman of Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr. William Amanfo, and the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. K. A. Boadi, staff of the hospital and students from the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Prof. Aryeetey unveiling a plaque
The treatment room
Weighing area
The laboratory
The surgical ward
Students from the School of Veterinary Medicine in a group photograph with UG Officials
