University of Ghana Holds 2021 Remembrance Day Programmes

The University of Ghana has observed the 2021 Remembrance Day with Muslim Prayers at the Legon Mosque on Friday, November 5, 2021 and a Christian Service in the Great Hall on Sunday, November 7, 2021 to remember members of the University Community who passed away during the 2020/2021 academic year.

Announcing the purpose of gathering at the Mosque, Dr. Osman Alhassan, President of the Legon Muslim Society who chaired the ceremony, emphasised the importance of intercessory prayers for the dead. He opined that one of the greatest gifts one could give to another is to pray for their souls. Dr. Alhassan applauded the University for instituting the All Souls Day to remember departed members of the University to honour their memory. He lauded the Muslim students for participating in extracurricular activities organised by the University. Above all, he thanked the Vice-Chancellor and other University officials for participating in the Muslim Prayers.

Imam Abubakar Baba, who led the Muslims Prayers, welcomed all to the Mosque. He expressed his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Members of the Chaplaincy Board and other senior University officials for gracing the occasion with their presence.

Imam Abubakar Baba

In a short exhortation before the intercessory prayers, Imam Baba admonished humanity to eschew evil and live peaceably with all men, since on the day of burial, one could only count on their deeds, as neither wealth, family or title would accompany them to the grave.

There were Quranic readings and translations, Hadith reading, and recitals and Duah Khatim-Al-Quran to observe the day.

The President of the Ghana Muslim Students Association (GMSA), Luqman Mumuni Dabone expressed appreciation to God for His goodness over the past year. He reiterated the need for good inter-personal relationship, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and believers of different faiths. He commended the University for providing a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning and thanked the Chaplaincy Board for the support over the years.

Group photo after the Muslim Prayers

In brief remarks, Rev. Dr. Charles Antwi-Boasiako, Chairman of the Chaplaincy Board, lauded the peace and cordiality that has existed between Christians and Muslims on campus over the years. He called on the two groups to ensure a continuous peaceful coexistence in order to promote a serene atmosphere for teaching and learning.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo who spoke at both the Muslim prayers and Christian service, expressed appreciation to the Imam and the Clergy for their continued support for the Remembrance Day celebrations. She recounted her first official visit to the Legon Mosque upon assuming office as Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA) in 2019, and the prayers and well wishes bestowed on her by the Muslim leadership.

She encouraged all to live right and be mindful of the mortality of man. “Every day, we should live in this remembrance. When we do so, we will be able to manifest love to everyone that we come into contact with”, she noted. Prof. Amfo similarly acknowledged the contributions of the departed staff, alumni and students whose efforts have contributed to the sustenance of the University.

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

Delivering the sermon at the Christian Service, Rev. Steve Mensah, Founder and Head Pastor, Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry, affirmed that upon death, every man will be judged according to his/her works. He noted that God expects the living to carry out specific duties, which they will account for upon death. Rev. Mensah admonished the congregation to shun wickedness or mere associations with popular or important personalities and rather show acts of compassion and love to the poor and strangers. “There are people whose works will last forever. The impact that they have on humanity, the things they did for mankind will last for the most time”, Rev. Mensah stated.

Rev. Steve Mensah

As an act of remembrance, the Roll of Departed members was called out by representatives of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, (UTAG), Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana, (FUSSAG), Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and the Student Representative Council (SRC). A minute’s silence for the departed members was also observed.

The first and second Bible Readings were done by Prof. Felix Asante, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Innovation and Development) and Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar. Dr. Victor Moffat, a representative of the bereaved families, gave brief remarks to express appreciation to the University Management for remembering the departed. Prayers were said by Rev. Dr. Prosper Amegashie on behalf of staff and students.

The University of Ghana Jubilee Choir, directed by Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng and the Adlersgate Voices (Ghana Methodist Students’ Union Choir), ministered soulful songs at the service.

Dr. Benjamin Amakye-Boateng leading the congregation to sing a hymn

Officiating Ministers included Rev. Dr. Charles Antwi-Boasiako, Chairman, Chaplaincy Board; Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo, Member, Chaplaincy Board and Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Tsegah, member, College of Health Sciences Chaplaincy, Korle-Bu.

Group Photo after the ceremony

The ceremony was graced by members of the University community, bereaved families, friends, sympathizers and well-wishers.