The International Programmes Office (IPO) of the University of Ghana has organised a Welcome Durbar to formally receive regular international freshmen and visiting international students enrolled for the 2022/2023 academic year.
The colorful ceremony which was held at the forecourt of the International House, was to promote socialisation and cross-cultural experiences among international students. This year's edition was noteworthy since it was the first following the covid-19 pandemic.
Participating students came from all over the world including Benin, Britain, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Czech Republic, England, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, Germany, Guinea, Italy, India, Iran, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, USA, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Cultural and instrumental performances enriched the cultural experience of the Welcome Durbar. The Performing Arts Intercessors (P.A.I) provided the majority of the performances, which were directed by Mr. Godson Atsu Sokpor, Artistic Director of P.A.I and Assistant Lecturer at the University of Ghana's Department of Dance Studies.
Professor Eric Osei-Assibey, Dean of IPO, welcomed the international students and wished them a fruitful stay as they pursue their preferred programmes of study.
Professor Eric Osei-Assibey, Dean of IPO
Prof. Daniel Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities and Special Guest of Honour launched the International Programmes Office E-Newsletter. He emphasised the importance of the IPO E-newsletter, which will serve as a channel to inform and educate students, partners, and potential clients about IPO and internationalisation at the University of Ghana.
Prof. Daniel Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities
He added that students would greatly benefit from the initiative especially because the Newsletter was easily accessible through their email accounts. He detailed some of the preparations being made by IPO for the celebration of its Silver Jubilee, which is set to take place later this year.
In her address, Jubilee Blivi Aduode, the Interim Vice-President of the International Students Association invited all students to participate fully in the Association's activities.
Students then had the opportunity to showcase their many talents and cultures, resulting in an incredible talent show. Rap music, French melodies, Japanese fishermen dances and West African dances provided a truly global entertainment experience. As the event came to a close, everyone enjoyed learning about Ghanaian modern music and dance, taking pictures, and socialising. An African-themed cocktail followed, bringing an end to an extraordinary evening.
The international students were able to witness the University of Ghana say "Akwaaba" in its truest meaning and form at this year’s Welcome Durbar.
The IPO and UG warmly welcome the 2022/2023 batch of international freshmen. We wish you a pleasant and rewarding academic journey.
Present at the event were the Director of Academic Affairs, Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah; Operations Manager for University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL), Mrs. Martha Osafo-Oppong; Programme Coordinator for Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE-Ghana), Coordinators of International Programmes from the College of Education (COE) and College of Humanities (COH).
