Accra School of Hygiene aims for world-class status
The Accra School of Hygiene has launched its centenary with a renewed focus on expanding its academic programmes, strengthening international partnerships and enhancing infrastructure to position it as a centre of excellence in public health education.
The Principal of the school, Smile Kobina Ametsi, said the institution, which had been instrumental in training environmental health professionals in the country since 1925, had outlined a series of initiatives aimed at modernising its curriculum and facilities to meet global health standards.
For instance, he said the school now offered a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Sanitation, alongside two newly introduced diploma programmes in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Health and Safety.
Mr Ametsi added that plans were also underway to roll out additional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Event
The centenary launch, which was held in Accra last Thursday, doubled as the second matriculation ceremony of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Sanitation programme where 160 students were formally admitted to the institution.
They comprised regular students who are beginning their academic journey in Environmental Health and Sanitation and Top-up students, many of whom have previously obtained Diploma or Certificate qualifications in Environmental Health and are now pursuing advanced academic and professional growth.
International recognition
The Principal emphasised that the school had gained international recognition for its contributions to public health, notably featuring in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report on COVID-19 as a key institution in country pandemic response.
He also said collaborations with institutions such as Yale University and the Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology in Canada had further solidified its global standing.
Challenges
Despite its achievements, Mr Ametsi said the school faced challenges, including limited infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles affecting staff transitions.
These limitations, if unaddressed, risk compromising the quality of education we provide,” he said.
He, therefore, advocated increased government and stakeholder support to fund the construction of a modern campus equipped with advanced laboratories, lecture halls and student facilities.
Fresh students
The Principal welcomed the new students, describing their admission as a testament to academic excellence and a commitment to public health.
He emphasised the school’s focus on technology-driven training, highlighting collaborations that introduced e-waste management and GIS into the curriculum.
While noting improvements in IT infrastructure, he acknowledged challenges such as limited digital resources and unstable internet and called for government and private sector support to enhance digital learning.
He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to producing skilled and ethical environmental health professionals and encouraged students to uphold discipline and integrity.
