Dean, School of Languages, Prof. Helen Yitah
The School of Languages, College of Humanities held its Fourth Biennial Conference (SOLCON IV) from 3rd to 5th November 5, 2021 on the theme, ““Literary, Linguistic and Cultural Studies in a Time of Crisis”.
The Dean, School of Languages, Prof. Helen Yitah, in her opening remarks, indicated that the theme for the conference was carefully selected to reflect the current research in the Humanities and Arts; while inviting the exchange of rich ideas in the various disciplines. Prof. Yitah explained that this year’s SOLCON broadened its interdisciplinary scope by collaborating with the Language Centre, Centre for Asian Studies, Centre for Latin American Studies and the Centre for European Studies. She further expressed the School’s appreciation to the past and present Directors of the Language Centre for their continuous partnership with the SOLCON since its inception. Prof. Yitah also expressed profound gratitude to the sponsors of SOLCON IV and announced the commencement of the maiden School of Languages Teaching and Research Awards at the conference to motivate faculty to give off their best.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her address, commended the Dean, School of Languages and the SOLCON collaborators for their determination to continue with the intellectual conference during these challenging times. Additionally, she congratulated the School on the introduction of the awards scheme. She described the conference theme as a “conversation starter in itself”. Prof. Amfo said, “It is interesting to note there’ll be conversations on how language and literature have been used as mediating measures in these times. I firmly believe that as this year’s School of Languages Conference sets the tone for us to delve further into issues emanating from the pandemic and how they have impacted language use in varying contexts”.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo lauded the School for continuously contributing its quota to the research activities of the University by consistently organising weekly seminar sessions for faculty and students.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Veronika Koller, Lancaster University, UK, expressed delight to be part of SOLCON IV as it deepens the long-time ties between the two universities. She presented a paper on the theme, “Public Messaging during the Covid-19 pandemic: a crisis communication perspective”. In her presentation, she compared the speeches by the Ghanaian President, His Excellency Nana Akuffo-Addo and the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in their address to their compatriots during the peak of the pandemic to draw out the similarities and differences in how the two leaders persuaded people to comply with the emergency restrictions.
Keynote Speaker, Prof. Veronika Koller
A question-and-answer session was held after which Prof. Kofi Agyekum, Chair of the Opening ceremony, conveyed the School’s appreciation to the Keynote Speaker. He pointed to some research ideas that could emerge from the Keynote Speaker’s presentation and encouraged faculty present to expand their research.
Prof. Kofi Agyekum
There was an interlude of a multilingual recital of the origin of languages by students of the School.
During the closing ceremony of SOLCON IV, Prof. Yitah commended the School for successfully holding its first hybrid conference. Members of the Planning Committee, headed by Prof. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie were called out and commended for their efforts in the organisation of the conference. Dr. Gladys Nyarko Ansah, Department of English was adjudged the winner of the School of Languages Teaching and Research Awards for her contribution towards teaching, research and service to the University. She was presented with a citation and a cheque. The School also honored Prof. Veronika Koller with a citation and a piece of the School cloth.
Prof. Evershed Kwasi Amuzu, Director, Language Centre who chaired the closing ceremony applauded the School for the successes of SOLCON IV. He congratulated Dr. Ansah on her award and encouraged other faculty members to continue being conscientious. Prof. Amuzu further urged participants of the conference to forge collaborations which will lead to academic publications in high level journals.
Present at the ceremony were the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs and Provost, College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Heads of Department at the School of Languages, faculty, staff and students.
