Vice President, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo unveiling the 50th Anniversary clothe
The Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) has launched its Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration on the theme, ‘50 years of shaping local and global population issues towards sustainable development’.
Speaking at the function before performing the official launch, His Excellency, the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who was the Special Guest and Keynote Speaker of the event, noted that the 50th anniversary of RIPS provides an avenue for ‘stocktaking, reflecting and recounting’ of the impact of the Institute. He acknowledged the efforts of all the Vice-Chancellors, Directors of RIPS, and those whose dedication had culminated in the attainment of the vision of RIPS. H.E Dr. Bawumia congratulated RIPS on providing requisite and rigorous training in population/health science in Africa.
Vice President, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, gave a brief history of the Institute. She also presented an overview of the research and technical assistance RIPS offers to national, regional and international stakeholders in the development industry in addition to its teaching mandate. Prof. Amfo commended RIPS for the significant milestone and all the impactful contributions.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Dr. Grace Bediako, former Government Statistician, an alumna RIPS and Chairperson of the Anniversary Planning Committee, who chaired the launch called for the documentation of the achievements of the Institute’s alumni. She expressed gratitude to all faculty and staff who had contributed to RIPS’ success. Dr. Bediako also urged all to participate in the year-long activities.
Earlier, Prof. Ayaga Bawah, Acting Director, RIPS, who declared the purpose of gathering, was thrilled that the Institute had attained a prime age, worthy of celebration. He noted that the Institute would engage with four key objectives planned for the next fifty years: consolidate the RIPS Endowment Fund which will be established to support the growth of the Institute; establish a population House to serve as permanent home for the Institute; develop and employ cutting-edge technology-driven educational platforms to improve delivery of educational content; expand and tailor academic programmes to meet the needs of the industry and student-workers.
Acting Director, RIPS, Prof. Ayaga Bawah
Dr. Pali Lehohla, former Statistician-General of South Africa and alumnus of RIPS, presented a eulogy of the Institute, while solidarity messages were delivered by Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country representative and Dr. Eugene Owusu, Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals.
The occasion of the launch was also used to unveil the 50th Anniversary cloth of RIPS. The Vice-Chancellor, presented a plaque and a piece of the anniversary cloth to H.E. Alhaji Dr. Bawumia for gracing the occasion. Pieces of the anniversary cloth were also presented to Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and Dr. Pali Lehohla.
There were beautiful dance performances by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and the University of Ghana Jubilee Choir as well as poetry recitals by pupils of the University Basic School.
This special event was attended by Development, Industry and Private Sector Partners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Provosts, Deans, Directors, alumni, students from some selected Senior High Schools; staff and students of the RIPS and the University community.
Group photograph of officials after the event
