UG Honours Outgoing Pro Vice-Chancellor, RID and Registrar for Distinguished Service
The distinguished careers, service and contributions of the immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation and Development (RID), Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante and Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, have been celebrated at a farewell ceremony in recognition of their exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to the University.
The event, coordinated by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, brought together members of the University Council, Senior Management, former University officials, Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Units, representatives of staff unions and members of the families of the retirees to celebrate the two accomplished senior officials whose dedication and leadership have meaningfully shaped the University’s growth and transformation.
Welcoming guests, the Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, described the gathering as an opportunity to honour two distinguished colleagues whose years of dedicated service, professionalism and commitment had significantly advanced the University.
He noted that although they were retiring from office, the institution would continue to benefit from their wealth of experience. He wished them good health and fulfilment in the years ahead.
In her keynote tribute, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, reflected on the remarkable careers of the two retirees and thanked them for their commitment to the University.
She recounted Professor Asante’s journey from the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) as a Research Fellow to becoming Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation and Development, describing his career as one characterised by sustained excellence, visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the University’s research enterprise.
Prof. Amfo highlighted his role in decentralising research support across the Colleges, leading the development of the University’s first Research Strategy, establishing the University of Ghana Graduate Research Fund and initiating the University of Ghana Research and Innovation Fund.
She also acknowledged his leadership in expanding strategic international partnerships through the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), strengthening grant management systems, completing the Research, Innovation and Development Directorate building and chairing the Infrastructure Development Team that delivered the University’s Diamond Jubilee Hall.
She noted that his contributions have significantly enhanced the University's research ecosystem and global visibility.
Turning to Mrs. Agyei-Mensah, the Vice-Chancellor described her 27-year career as one defined by diligence, professionalism and people-centred leadership. From her appointment as a Junior Assistant Registrar to becoming the University’s Registrar, she consistently demonstrated exceptional administrative leadership and commitment to institutional excellence.
Among her notable contributions, Prof. Amfo highlighted her leadership in the revision of the University’s Statutes, the development of the Human Resource Manual, the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures across administrative units and the institutionalisation of a formal mentorship programme for senior administrative and professional staff. Beyond these achievements, she praised Mrs. Agyei-Mensah’s humility, patience, accessibility and deep knowledge of University regulations, describing her as a dependable leader whose calm disposition and sound judgement earned the admiration of colleagues across the University community.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson; the Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Joseph Awetori Yaro and the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana. They reflected on the retirees’ outstanding leadership, professionalism and enduring contributions to the University.
Directors of administrative units, Deans and representatives of the University’s staff unions also paid tribute to the retirees, describing them as approachable, principled and dedicated leaders whose wisdom, mentorship and commitment to service positively impacted generations of staff and strengthened the University's administrative and research landscape.
Responding to the honour, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante expressed profound gratitude to the University Council, Management and the entire University community for the recognition accorded him.
He reflected on his years of service, recounting the memorable experiences, enduring friendships and professional relationships that shaped his career. He also thanked colleagues for their support over the years and pledged to remain available to serve the University whenever his experience and expertise are needed.
For her part, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah thanked the University community for the confidence, support and goodwill extended to her throughout her years of service. She reflected on the rewarding experiences, lasting friendships and strong professional bonds she had built during her career, describing them as among the greatest blessings of her tenure.
Mrs. Agyei-Mensah also assured the University of her continued commitment and pledged to remain available whenever called upon to support the institution.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of gifts by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, on behalf of the University, in appreciation of the retirees’ exemplary leadership, distinguished service and enduring contributions to the institution.
Colleagues, friends and family also presented gifts and shared personal tributes in celebration of the two remarkable careers that have left a lasting legacy of excellence, integrity and selfless service to the University of Ghana.
