The University of Ghana has held a Special Congregation ceremony, at which honorary degrees were conferred on 18 distinguished individuals in recognition of their invaluable contributions in various fields. The honorary award categories included Contribution to Education, Distinguished Scholarship, Alumni of Whom We are Proud, Contribution to Public Service, Contribution to Industry, Institutional Builder, Former Vice-Chancellor and 2023 Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lecturer.
In delivering the opening remarks, Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse congratulated the awardees on exhibiting leadership, resilience, and innovation, to pave the way for significant developments in their respective fields, while inspiring younger generations to strive for greatness.
Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse
She stated that she hoped the achievements of the 18 distinguished individuals, who have played their part in continuously helping to solve national challenges, would serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others to seek innovative and progressive ways to contribute to the betterment of the society.
“You have joined the long list of distinguished persons honoured by the University, and I am certain that you will all continue to be faithful ambassadors of the University,” the Chancellor remarked.
A cross-section of dignitaries at the Ceremony
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in a statement emphasised that while the University counted its gains over the decades, it was only appropriate to celebrate the illustrious personalities who have contributed in different ways either directly or indirectly to the fortunes of the University of Ghana, most especially at a time when the University is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
She disclosed that the selection of the 18 individuals was done through a rigorous process, starting with a call for nominations from members of the University community, and ending with approval by the University Council.
“I am grateful to the adhoc Committee, chaired by Prof. Kweku Osam that did the initial work, and to the Business and Executive Committee, Academic Board and the Governing Council for the necessary approvals”, she stated.
The Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, in giving welcome remarks, noted that, the university community is delighted that the group of accomplished persons had accepted to be part of the ceremony and to receive honorary degrees from the University of Ghana.
Some members of Convocation who were in attendance
She added that, “It is our hope that others gathered here and watching proceedings online, will be inspired by their achievements, and commit to playing their part to also contribute effectively to building a better society”.
The awardees were robed and presented with awards after citations on their achievements in their respective fields were read during the Ceremony.
Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante, a distinguished Lawyer and Paramount Chief of Asokore Asante, one of the 18 distinguished persons, who spoke on behalf of the honorands, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Council of the University of Ghana for the honour done them in a grand and memorable manner.
Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante expressing the gratitude of the honorands to the Council
He acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of his colleague honorands and pointed out that some of them had combined their specialised accomplishments with profound scholarship and earned high commendations from the university for their laudable service to their alma mater and to the vulnerable and voiceless in our society.
Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante saluted the University of Ghana for its pivotal role in the development of Ghana.
Participants of the ceremony were thrilled with some cultural dances and musical interludes by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and a Seprewa performance from Mr. Osei Korankye and his daughter.
The Ghana Dance Ensemble treating dignatries to an entertaining performance
The colourful ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development (RID), Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante; past and present members of university management; traditional rulers; government officials; staff; family members and friends of the awardees, as well as members of the University community and the public.
The Honorees in a group photo with Senior Officials of the University
Please click on the following link for the list and awardees and award categories
Please click on this link to the Special Congregation brochure
