Some international students in their elegant IPO anniversary cloth
The International Programmes Office (IPO) has organized a welcome Durbar for newly admitted International students on Saturday, 13th October, 2018 at the Alexander Kwapong Quadrangle. The programme was attended by visiting students, fresh regular undergraduates and graduate students. Approximately 200 students from over 45 countries across the world were present.
The event kicked off with a cultural performance by the Performing Arts Intercessors, Integrity and Nobles Cultural Troupe. This was followed by an official welcome to the event by the Chairperson of the occasion, Prof Ama de-Graft Aikins, the Dean of International Programmes office. She welcomed the students to the UG family and encouraged them to engage in University’s cross-cultural environment, explore Ghana and stay safe.
After a buffet showcasing Ghanaian cuisine, there were a variety of performances from both international and Ghanaian students. A dance group, Club El Hispanico, kept the audience on their feet with back to back salsa and contemporary dance. There was a short skit in Twi language by a student group from UCEAP/CSU programme. Two international students; Mr Robert Lozano and Ms. Raquel Payne were the musicians of the day, thrilling the crowd with soothing music. Ms. Shainah Marie Andrews and Ms. Veronica Shepherd, both poets, gave thought-provoking performances. Towards the end of the performances, Deydzi, a student and spoken word artiste from the School of Performing Arts, engaged the audience with a powerful participatory spoken word act he calls ‘bienology’ which translates as “performing on the spot” in the Ga language. The Francophones were not left out as Mr. Alexander Kini, an English proficiency student, gave a rap performance in French.
Robert Lozano with his guitar
A performer from Performing Arts Intercessors, Integrity and Nobles Cultural Troupe engaging students with ‘Adowa’ dance
The occasion was well attended by Officials, faculty and partners of the University including Rev. Prof. Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi (Provost, College of Health Sciences), Prof. K. Tano-Debrah (Dean, School of Graduate Studies), Prof. Charity Akotia (Dean, School of Social Sciences), Prof Emmanuel Debrah (Director of LECIAD), Dr. Joana Boampong (Director, Centre for Latin American Studies), Prof. Edward Nketiah-Amponsah (Hall Tutor, Jubilee-ISH Senior), Dr. Margaret Amoakohene (Head, Communication Studies Department), Dr. Sonia Couprie (Technical Advisor for French-Ghana Higher Education), Dr. Kweku Bilson (Director for TUFTS-Ghana programme), Dr. Rose Walls (Director for CSU/UCEAP programme and Dr. Chisara Ogbogbo (Lecturer, Department of Mathematics). Representatives from Ghana Immigration Service were present at the event.
From Left: Prof. K. Tano-Debrah (Dean, School of Graduate Studies), Prof Emmanuel Debrah (Director, LECIAD), Dr. Sonia Couprie(Technical Advisor for French-Ghana Higher Education) and Rev. Prof. Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi (Provost, College of Health Sciences).
IPO Staff
For exciting photos of the durbar, visit our website and social media pages;
Website: ipo.ug.edu.gh
Facebook: International Programmes Office
Twitter: @ipoug1
Instagram: @ipoug1
