The University of Ghana has named some facilities after three former Vice-Chancellors of the University. The road from Yiri Lodge to the Triangular Intersection behind Mensah Sarbah Hall Annex B has been named the Akilagpa Sawyerr Road, while the Circle at the end of the road from Okponglo is now called the George Benneh Circle. The third facility is the triangular intersection behind Mensah Sarbah Hall Annex B which has been named the Ivan Addae-Mensah Intersection.
Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar
In her welcome remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia expressed appreciation on behalf of the University to the former Vice-Chancellors for agreeing to have their names linked to the facilities and also accepting the invitation to the present at the ceremony with members of their family. She further acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of the University Council as well as some Council members who were present at the ceremony. The registrar further thanked the Physical Development and Municipal Services and the Public Affairs Directorates for their various roles in ensuring the planning and execution of the ceremony.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, acknowledged the various contributions of the three past Vice-Chancellors to the development of the University. He indicated that Universities worldwide name facilities after individuals or events largely to preserve the history of the institution. He said these ceremonies better appreciate how such individuals or events are linked to the institution, cautioning that care must be taken not to be overly selective and by so doing focus on some particular individuals alone. He emphasized that the three former Vice-Chancellors were chosen not merely because of their former positions but more importantly the significant and unique contributions they made during their various tenures. These contributions, the Vice-Chancellor indicated, have had lasting influence on how the university is governed today and that there is the need to make these known to students and the general public.
Prof. Aryeetey lauded the University of Ghana Alumni Association for mobilizing resources and Ecobank Ghana Limited for sponsoring the fountain at the George Benneh Circle.
Mr. Kwesi Yankey, Chairman of the University of Ghana Alumni Association
The Chairman of the University of Ghana Alumni Association, Mr. Kwesi Yankey outlined a number of projects that the Association is embarking on. He also expressed his gratitude to Ecobank Ghana Limited for their partnership over the past years and also supporting the Alumnni Association towards the construction of the fountain and assisting to beautify it. He encouraged more alumni to come together and support the University. Ecobank pledged further support to ensure the Circle grounds are kept very well.
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr (former Vice-Chancellor – 1985 to 1992)
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, whose tenure was from 1985 to 1992, in his response, recalled some of the events that marked his tenure and noted that his commitment to the good cause of the University was what guided him throughout his tenure. He described the honour done him by the university as a great privilege.
Prof. George Benneh (former Vice-Chancellor - 1992 to 1996)
Prof. George Benneh, who was Vice-Chancellor form 1992 to 1996, on his part thanked the University for the decision to honour him, which he described as the crowning of all the honours he has received. He also appreciated the hard work of staff, whose work continue to contribute to the advancement of the University.
Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah (former Vice-Chancellor - 1996 to 2002)
Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Vice-Chancellor from 1996 to 2002, lauded the faculty and staff who worked hard to make his tenure as Vice-Chancellor successful. He was grateful to the University for the honour done him by naming the intercession after him.
The second part of the programme took place at the various sites where the facilities are located. The honorees were assisted by the Vice-Chancellor to unveil the signages bearing their names.
As part of the ceremony, the fountain at the George Benneh was also inaugurated. The construction of the fountain was financed by the Alumni Association with support from Ecobank Ghana Ltd. The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the University Council, Hon. Justice S.K. Date-Bah, Members of the University Council, Members of the University of Ghana Alumni Council, Pro-Vice-Chancellor in Charge of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. John Gyapong, as well as some Provosts, Deans and Directors. Also in attendance were the family members of the former Vice-Chancellors, a cross section of the media as well as members of the University community.
Also in attendance was the Ghana Dance Ensemble. Shaibu Abdulai paid glowing tributes to the former Vice Chancellors with the Gonje.
Please click here for the write-up on the justification for the honours
Unveiling of the signages at the various facilities bearing the names of the former Vice-Chancellors
