398 retirees from the University were celebrated for their dedicated service at a heartwarming send-off party. The retirees, including senior members, senior staff and junior staff who retired between 2021 and 2023, were joined by their families to mark this significant milestone.
The event, held at the Pool Garden of the Sports Directorate, commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Prof. Adobea Owusu, a member of the Chaplaincy Board and the introduction of the Chairperson for the occasion by the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia N.K. Agyei-Mensah.
Delivering her welcome address, Dr. Yvonne Ayerki Lamptey, Director of the Human Resources and Organisational Development Directorate (HRODD), extended a warm welcome to the attendees, particularly the retirees and their families, for gracing the occasion. She expressed gratitude to the retirees for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the growth of the University during their tenure at UG.
Dr. Yvonne Ayerki Lamptey, Director of the Human Resources and Organisational Development Directorate (HRODD)
"We are here to celebrate and acknowledge the commendable service of our retirees to the University of Ghana," remarked Dr. Lamptey. She emphasised the enduring impact of their contributions and conveyed her joy, as well as the University’s pride, in commemorating the retirees' meaningful journey at UG.
In her remarks as Chairperson, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, conveyed mixed emotions as the University gathered to celebrate the dedicated service and remarkable contributions of esteemed colleagues reaching the milestone of retirement. She expressed, "It is both a joyous occasion as we honor the achievements of individuals who have dedicated years of their lives to the pursuit and advancement of knowledge, and, at the same time, a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to valued members of our University community."
Prof. Amfo reflected on the year, acknowledging it as a time for celebration and reflection on the University's journey, from high points to low points, and aspirations for the years ahead. She expressed pride that each retiree had played a part in the history of the University and urged them, to the extent possible, to join in planning for the future.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
Touching on the legacy of the retired staff, Prof. Amfo emphasised, "In life, we often talk about the legacy we leave behind. Today, we witness the living legacy of our retirees, a legacy built not just on your service and achievements in various fields, but also on the countless lives touched and transformed through your guidance and commitment to bring change and mentorship."
She highlighted the retirees' impact beyond the confines of lecture rooms, laboratories, and offices, stressing that their wisdom and experience have shaped the minds of countless students, staff, and clients, enriching the fabric of the University community.
Acknowledging the remarkable contributions of some retirees with over 40 years of service, Prof. Amfo expressed gratitude for their time and efforts in advancing the University. She encouraged retirees to prioritise spending time with loved ones and taking care of their health in this new phase of life.
While recognising the official retirement from formal roles, Prof. Amfo expressed hope that retirees do not see it as an end but rather as a new beginning. She urged them, "Your wealth of experience and knowledge remains an asset to our community, and I invite you to continue your association with the University in any capacity that brings you joy and fulfillment as we work to build a world-class research-intensive university steeped in technology and anchored in humanism."
On behalf of the University Council and Senior Management, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated gratitude to the cherished retirees for their service, wishing them a new chapter filled with joy, fulfillment, and well-deserved relaxation. She extended wishes for good health, a long life and success in all their future endeavors.
Representatives from the various employee associations conveyed messages of felicitations to their respective members.
Mr. Shine Gaveh, Chairman of the University of Ghana Pensioners Association, congratulated the retirees and urged them to register with the Association.
As a token of appreciation, the 2021-2023 retirees were presented with awards and certificates for their dedicated services. The celebration concluded with a feast of local and continental dishes for retirees, their families, friends, and loved ones.
Dr. Alhaji Abubakar Sidick Ahmed, Station Manager of Radio Univers (105.7FM) and one of the retirees, expressed heartfelt gratitude in his vote of thanks. He emphasised the indelible mark left by the retirees and thanked the organising team and the University’s Management for the recognition.
