Prof. Bello Calls for Improved Workplace Conditions, Highlights Role of Physiotherapy in National Health

The first Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Ghana, Prof. Ajediran Idowu Bello, has called for urgent improvements in workplace conditions nationwide, citing poor office ergonomics as a key contributor to musculoskeletal problems among workers.

Delivering his inaugural lecture at the University of Ghana on Thursday, June 27, 2025, Prof. Bello expressed concern over the state of office furniture in many institutions, stating that inadequate chairs, desks and workspaces are silently increasing physical health issues, particularly back pain and posture-related complications.

“Our workspaces are breaking us literally,” Prof. Bello said. “From corporate offices to academic institutions, workers are exposed to poorly designed furniture that predisposes them to long-term musculoskeletal disorders. We must act now to prioritise ergonomics as a national workplace policy.”

Speaking on his research on the musculoskeletal landscape in Ghana and efforts to advance physiotherapy in the country, Prof. Bello underscored the critical role of physiotherapy in reducing the burden of musculoskeletal conditions, which he described as a “silent epidemic.”

He explained that physiotherapy goes beyond being seen as just a rehabilitative tool, but a proactive approach to wellness and productivity. “Physiotherapy empowers people to move better, live without pain and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. “Its value goes beyond injury recovery; it supports a healthier, more resilient workforce.”

Prof. Bello, a former Head of the Department of Physiotherapy at the University, recommended that institutions adopt ergonomic workplace standards, regularly assess staff physical health needs and integrate physiotherapy services in employee wellness programmes.

He also called on the government and universities to invest in physiotherapy education, research and infrastructure, noting that these are key to meeting the country’s growing health demands.

The lecture drew a broad audience, including health professionals, academics, students and policymakers.

The lecture was chaired virtually by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who acknowledged the relevance of Prof. Bello’s research and the urgent need for policies focused on workplace health and prevention. She expressed hope that insights from Prof. Bello’s decades of research would help inform national strategies to improve worker wellbeing and healthcare delivery.

Prof. Amfo also extolled Prof. Bello on becoming the University’s first Professor of Physiotherapy and praised his contributions to the growth of the Department of Physiotherapy. She commended him for leaving Nigeria to serve at the University of Ghana, where his impact has extended across the continent through teaching, mentorship and collaborative research.

Earlier, Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, in her opening remarks, described inaugural lectures as an important tradition in the University’s academic calendar. She noted that the lectures offer an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of faculty members who have attained professorial rank, while highlighting their decades-long contributions to scholarship and community development.

At the end of the lecture, various gift presentations were made in honour of Prof. Bello by representatives from the College of Health Sciences, the Department of Physiotherapy and other University units as well as his family.