The life and legacy of Emeritus Professor George Kwabena Effah Benneh, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana has been commemorated with a memorial service at the University of Ghana. This solemn ceremony, led by the Chairman of Chaplaincy Board, Rev. Prof. Charles Antwi-Boasiako, was held in the Great Hall.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar, conveyed her appreciation to the audience present onsite and virtually. She noted that the service was a celebration of the life of Emeritus Professor George Benneh as the Former Vice-Chancellor of the University and to recognise the importance of his legacy in the University and the lives of people.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor, reading the tribute on behalf of the University of Ghana stated that the University was proud to be associated with him and his dedicated service to the University and country. She added that Prof. Benneh was a deeply principled individual remembered for his intellect, humility and tireless work ethics. “As Vice-Chancellor, he led the development of the University of Ghana’s Strategic Plan for 1996-2000, and vigorously promoted the establishment of link arrangement with African, European, North American and Asian universities”, said Prof. Amfo.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Giving the exhortation, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Mensah, Priest, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Legon, who is also a Lecturer at the Department for the Study of Religions, said the deceased lived with a heart of love for God. He admonished the congregation to live with a heart that yearns with love for God. He noted that in spite of the challenges Emeritus Professor Benneh faced, he never wavered in his personal relationship with God. Rev. Fr. Dr. Mensah further encouraged the congregation to emulate the past life of the deceased as he loved God and served humanity.
In paying tribute to the late Emeritus George Benneh, Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Former Vice-Chancellor, reminisced fond memories he shared with him and said “One cannot talk about the life achievements of Emeritus Professor George Benneh without mentioning his incredible ability to unearth, nurture and mentor talents.” He remarked “George Benneh has served his country with distinction, in academia, in politics and in sports”.
The first and second Bible Readings were done by Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities respectively. During the service, Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu, member, Chaplaincy Board and Head, Department of Psychology said a prayer for the family whilst Rev. Prof. Yaa Adobea Owusu, Associate Professor at ISSER and member, Chaplaincy Board, said the closing prayer.
Other tributes were read by Prof. Kwadwo Owusu, Head of the Department of Geography and Resource Development; Professor Edwin Gyasi (on behalf of Old Students of Emeritus Prof. Benneh); Prof. Kwaku Kyeremeh, Senior Tutor, Commonwealth Hall; Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti, Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences; Prof. Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh, Former Director, School of Communication Studies; and Prof. Kofi Agyekum, Former Acting Dean, School of Performing Arts.
A cross-section of participants at the Memorial
Giving the vote of thanks, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, son of Emeritus Prof. Benneh, extended the family’s appreciation for the support and participation in the service. He was also grateful to the Management of the University for planning the solemn, but bright memorial service to honour the Late Emeritus Professor George Benneh.
During the service, a photo slide of Emeritus Professor George Kwabena Effah Benneh was displayed. The University of Ghana Jubilee Choir rendered soulful hymns at the Service. There were also a Seperewa performance to commemorate the deceased and a lively performance from the Ghana Dance Ensemble emulating the life of the deceased.
Present at the ceremony were the Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, Prof. Clifford Nii-Boi Tagoe and Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Former Vice-Chancellors; Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia and Mr. Alfred Teddy Konu, Former Registrars; and Prof. E. H. Amonoo Neizer, Former Vice-Chancellor, KNUST.
The ceremony was graced by members of the University community, the bereaved family, friends, sympathizers, and well-wishers.
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