The Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, has held a send-off ceremony for its former Director, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Dr. Yaw Boniface Gebe, a member of faculty who retired at the end of July this year. 

Prof. Emmanuel Debrah, Acting Director of LECIAD who chaired the event, said it was necessary to recognise the efforts of Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu as Director, and to celebrate and honour her stewardship, love and hard work which he said has enhanced the image of the Centre.  While extolling her leadership qualities, Prof. Debrah indicated that being a leader comes with a lot of efforts as one has to be not only a mentor, but seek the welfare of staff and students.  He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Mensa-Bonsu for laying a solid foundation and making his work easier even though he has “big shoes to fit in”. “You’re going at a time everyone wished you could continue, but we hope to earn your support to continue what you’ve already accomplished”, he said.   

A citation read by Ambassador Baah Duodu was presented to Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu.

Dr. Yaw Boniface Gebe, a member of faculty who also retired at the end of July was recognised at the ceremony for his efforts and contribution to the growth of LECIAD, especially his instrumentality in the running of PhD courses, his role in setting up the American Corner, and an excellent supervisor and member of faculty. 

Optional speeches in honour of the celebrants were given during the programme.   Dr. Wahab was appreciative of the advice given to him by Prof. Mensa-Bonsu which he said had gone a long way to help him in his career.   Some PhD students present also expressed their gratitude to both celebrants for personally touching their lives in different ways and presented a toast to the long life and prosperity of the two celebrants.

In response, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu thanked the faculty, staff and students at LECIAD for their cooperation which facilitated her work as Director.  She thanked the Ag. Director and entire staff for organising the send-off ceremony and wished them all the best of luck in running of the centre. 

Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu

On his part, Prof. Gebe also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the University and the Centre under five different Directors, and for the special event planned in their honour.

Prof. Mensa-Bonsu was accompanied to the event by her family, Mr. Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu and daughter, Prof Nana Akua Ankoma.  Also present at the ceremony were the Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Mrs Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Secretary, College of Humanities and Dr Sam Odipoe amd Mr Agoko Suma.