On 28th January 2025, a delegation from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, led by Prof. Alfred E. Yawson, Provost of the College, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Sarpong, CEO of Special Ice Mineral Water. The delegation included Mr. Worlanyo Newton Torvinyo, College Registrar, alongside other College officials.

The visit was primarily to express appreciation to Dr. Sarpong for his verbal acceptance of the College’s invitation to serve as Chairman of the CHS Advisory Board. The tenure of the current Advisory Board is set to end in June 2025, making it necessary to commence administrative processes for the transition and secure approval from the University Council.

During the meeting, Prof. Yawson provided an overview of the College, including its student and staff statistics, as well as the various Schools, Institutes, and Centres that constitute CHS.

In his remarks, Dr. Sarpong gladly accepted the invitation and confirmed his readiness to assume the role of Chairman of the Advisory Board, effective July 2025, for a three-year term. He expressed his commitment to supporting the College, its Schools, and Institutes.

The Provost of the College also proposed the nomination of two industry players to replace two outgoing members of the Advisory Board whose tenure will end in June, 2024. Dr. Sarpong accepted the request and agreed to forward the proposed names. To facilitate the administrative process, Prof. Yawson requested Dr. Sarpong’s Curriculum Vitae (CV), along with the CVs of the two nominees. It was noted that a structured meeting schedule had been designed, with physical Advisory Board meetings to be held at Korle Bu Campus, however, with the Board’s approval, venues could be alternated between Korle Bu or Legon Campus.

Additionally, the Provost committed to providing Dr. Sarpong with relevant documents, including: the Profile of the College; Details of its Schools, Institutes, and Centres; Core Functions of CHS and Pillars of the University of Ghana’s Strategic Plan subject to his request. 

A proposal was also presented for Dr. Sarpong to serve as a trustee on the College Postgraduate Endowment Fund. The rationale for this nomination was the need to rejuvenate the Board with vibrant and active members who can drive expansion projects and provide financial assistance from various avenues to support students.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties expressing optimism about future collaborations. A group photograph was taken to commemorate the visit, featuring the following attendees: Prof. Alfred E. Yawson, Dr. Sarpong, Mr. Worlanyo Newton Torvinyo, Dr. Kwaku Nicholas Dayei, Dr. Brown, Mr. Ralph Asubonteng, Ms. Cynthia A. Boateng and Ms. Gloria Addae.

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academic partnerships and enhancing the governance structure of the College of Health Sciences.