UG Unveils Bust of Former Vice-Chancellor

Bust of Former VC, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

The University of Ghana on Friday, August 13, 2021, held a colourful ceremony to mark Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu’s successful completion of tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University. Prof. Oduro Owusu, Professor of Entomology, was Vice-Chancellor of the University for the period, 2016 – 2021.

As is the custom, the University unveiled the bust of Prof. Oduro Owusu as the 12th Executive Head of the University of Ghana at the Vice-Chancellors' Court, Convocation Group of Buildings, Legon.

In her introductory remarks before the unveiling, the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, recounted the academic and administrative positions held by Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu and his valuable contribution to the University’s Strategic Plan of becoming a world-class research-intensive University. Mrs. Agyei-Mensah wished the former Vice-Chancellor well in his future endeavours.

The Chair of the University Council, Justice Sophia Abena Akuffo (Rtd), in an address, commended Prof. Oduro Owusu for his diligent service to the University. She expressed the hope that the Management of the University would carry on and equip the focal teams instituted by the former Vice-Chancellor to excel.

Justice Sophia Abena Akuffo (Rtd)

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, commended Prof. Oduro Owusu for his exceptional leadership, especially in strengthening the financial management of the University in accordance with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 and the Public Procurement Act 2003. She also lauded the numerous initiatives and projects undertaken by the former Vice-Chancellor to improve both the academic and infrastructural projects of the University during his five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor, adding that, the University community was appreciative of the services he rendered.

Prof. Appiah Amfo accentuated the significant initiatives led by Prof. Owusu to protect both staff and students from the Covid-19 pandemic while academic work continued. She congratulated Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu on the successful completion of tenure and wished him well in his future pursuits.

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

In brief remarks, the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, shared memories of how his journey to becoming Vice-Chancellor began. He expressed immense appreciation to all those who helped him to accomplish a fruitful tenure and urged the new and future leaders of the University to be institutional thinkers by placing the University first and ahead of all priorities.

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

Leaders of the various Unions on campus shared fond memories of the former Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Samuel N. Nkumbaan, President, University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), praised the former Vice-Chancellor for operating an open-door policy, which enabled the association to seek his advice on matters of interest to the faculty of the University.

Mr. Francis Sosoo, President of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSAUoG-UG), expressed the appreciation of staff to Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu for ensuring salaries were promptly paid throughout his tenure.

Mr. Jonathan Kabu, President, Federation of University Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG-UG), described the former Vice-Chancellor as ‘a man who loves the ordinary man, not only in words but in action’.

Mr. Kwame Ntow Fianko, Ag. President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), expressed the appreciation of the student body to Prof. Oduro Owusu for effectively engaging with the students whenever the need arose.

Staff and Student Unions Present at the ceremony

The Chair of Council and Acting Vice-Chancellor made a presentation on behalf of the University to Prof. Owusu in appreciation of his immeasurable service to the University.

Present at the ceremony were the former Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Yaw Twumasi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Asante, former Vice-Chancellors, current and former Provosts, Deans, Directors and Chairman of the University of Ghana Chaplaincy Board, Rev. Dr. Charles Antwi-Boasiako.

Group picture of officials present at the ceremony

Others were the Moderator of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, Rev. Dr. Martin Obeng of the Trinity United Church, Members of University Council, University officials, alumni, family members of Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, and other invited guests.

The University of Ghana Jubilee Choir put up heartwarming performances throughout the ceremony.

University of Ghana Jubilee Choir