Members of the University community and bereaved families
The 2022 Remembrance Day has been marked with a Christian service and Muslim prayers. Members of the community who passed away between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022 were remembered at the ceremonies.
At the Christian Service held in the Great Hall on Thursday, November 4, 2022, Rev. Prof. Charles Antwi-Boasiako, Chairman, Chaplaincy Board welcomed all present. He presented a brief overview of the University of Ghana Remembrance Day, indicating that the ceremony provided the opportunity for all members of the University Community to remember their colleagues who departed during the academic year.
Delivering the sermon at the Christian Service, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder and presiding Bishop of the United Denominations originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, stated emphatically that there was life after death in heaven and hell. He noted that the living joined the dead when their purpose on earth was accomplished because all humans have an appointment with death. Bishop Heward-Mills further admonished the congregation to serve Christ earnestly as heaven is the reward of the faithful. “Death is an entity that cannot be explained in books except the Bible and only those who have served Christ faithfully can receive their reward in Heaven”, he stated.
Bishop Dag Heward-Mills delivering the sermon during the Service
As an act of remembrance, the Roll of Deceased Members was called out by representatives of the various employee associations. The departed members remembered were made up of Alumni/Friends, Senior Members, Senior Staff, Junior Staff and Junior Members. A moment of silence for the departed members was also observed.
The first and second Scripture Readings were taken by Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar. Mr. Emmanuel Dattey, a representative of the bereaved families gave brief remarks to express appreciation to University Management for remembering the departed. Intercessory prayers were offered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Mensah from the Department for the Study of Religions, while the University of Ghana Jubilee Choir, directed by Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng, ministered heartfelt songs at the service.
Members of the Chaplaincy Board, University officials, and the Clergy
Other Officiating Ministers included Rev. Prof. Patrick Amoateng, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Nii-Trebi, and Rev. Prof. Yaa Adobea Owusu, who are all members of the Chaplaincy Board.
The Muslim Prayers at the Legon Mosque took place on Friday, November 5, 2022.
Presenting a short exhortation before the Islamic Intercessory prayers, Imam Abubakari Baba, Imam of the Legon Central Mosque, admonished all present to ensure their life is pleasing to Allah by counting their good and memorable deeds since that would be the proof of their existence on earth. Imam Baba stated that the uncertainties of life were only known to Allah and said, “If you would fear Allah and be righteous in your deeds, Allah will reward you with paradise and remember on that day, no one can take the burden of another person so your deeds will count.”
Imam Baba expressed appreciation to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, the Registrar, Members of the Chaplaincy Board and other senior University Officials for gracing the occasion.
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, stated the annual ceremony was significant to commemorate departed members within the University Community. He said, “The significance of this ceremony is beyond praying for our colleagues. It also signifies a sense of community and unity amongst us as a family within the University.”
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare speaking after the Muslim Prayers at the Legon Mosque
There were Quranic readings and translations, Hadith reading and recitals and Duah Khatim-Al-Quran to observe the day.
Present at both ceremonies were members of the University Community, bereaved families, friends, sympathizers and well-wishers.
Members of the University community in a group photograph at the Legon Mosque
Please click here for the roll of deceased members of the University community.
