UG GUSS Fetes 2014 Retirees

Chairman of the GUSS Management Committee, Professor F.K. Addai delivering his welcome remarks

Thirty nine retirees contributors of the University of Ghana GUSS have been feted at a fun-filled ceremony at the Yiri Lodge on the Legon Campus.  It was not all about food and drinks though, as the major highlight was the presentation of their GUSS gratuities.

The Chairman of the GUSS Management Committee, Professor F.K. Addai in his address welcomed all the retirees and their guests to the function and said it was a delight to set aside a special day to honour the retirees.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey who was the Special Guest of Honour noted the immense contributions the retirees have made in advancing the mission and vision of the University, adding that this has helped improve the lives of members of the university community, other stakeholders as well as the general public.

Recalling the challenges the GUSS has gone through, the Vice Chancellor applauded the efforts of five public universities in unifying all GUSS Schemes which he said played a vital role in the suspension of the cessation of the Scheme.  He applauded the GUSS management for introducing the increased individual member contribution which he said has markedly improved the Scheme’s solvency.

The Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tribute to some members of the university community for various roles they have played in ensuring the sustainability and enhancement of the scheme.  He mentioned Professor Kofi Kumado, former Chairman of GUSS who he said got the scheme to engage a professional fund manager; past and present Directors of Finance who helped to obtain reasonable prompt transfer of funds to the Fund Manager and facilitated the work of the schedule officers of the scheme;   Mr. Dominic Adjei-Kyere and Mr. John Mortey who have ensured that the scheme funds as well as the provident fund have been properly managed to maximise earnings and minimize costs.

The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of all members of the GUSS Management Committee especially Mr. Joseph Aidoo and Mrs. Angela Awere-Kyere for their hard work.  He said that Council's support especially in turbulent times when the fate of the scheme was in doubt was commendable.

He wished all the 2014 retirees a happy and fruitful retirement and was hopeful they would show interesting the university for a long time to come.

Mr. Nii Kotey, a member of the Management Committee who was retiring after years of service to the GUSS Management Committee received a citation for his enormous contribution to the GUSS.

Mr. Nii Kotey receiving his Citation from the Vice Chancellor

Professor Nii Ashie Kotey receiving his envelope from the Vice Chancellor

There were presentations from Vanguard Properties and Midland Savings and Loans Limited.

In thanking the GUSS for positively impacting the lives of University of Ghana retirees, Mrs. Nora Sowa, one of the retirees shared her experience from her participation in a GUSS-sponsored workshop.  She said the workshop provided her with the needed information to enable her start preparations early for her eventual retirement.  She was full of praise for the GUSS which she said had taken the lead in preparing senior member employees of the University well ahead of their retirement and also to ensure that the contributions were well managed to enable them disburse them when due.

Mrs. Nora Sowa at the ceremony.

Present at the ceremony were the Directors of Finance and Public Affairs, Mr. Richard O. Boapea and Mrs. Stella A. Amoa.

Some of the Retirees interacting at the ceremony

2014 Retirees of the GUSS pose for a group photograph after the ceremony