MIS Web UG Intranet Portal

UG Holds Evening Of Remembrance In Honour Of The Late Kofi Annan, Former Chancellor (2008-2018)

 

An Evening of Remembrance was held in honour of Mr. Kofi Annan, former Chancellor of the University of Ghana (2008-2018) at the Great Hall on Friday, September 7, 2018.   In a moving and solemn ceremony, the University recounted the tremendous contributions Mr Kofi Annan made to the University during his Chancellorship.

The ceremony formed part of events planned by the University to honour the memories of Kofi Annan who died last month in Switzerland.

The Chairman of Council, Prof. Yaw Twumasi, in welcoming the gathering noted the selfless contributions that Mr.  Annan made to humanity as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the first African to hold that position, and the dignity with which he served as the University of Ghana’s Chancellor from 2008 until the end of July 2018.

Delivering the University’s tribute, captioned, “What he meant to us”, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu described Mr. Kofi Annan as “a strong tower and worthy vessel from which the University drew a lot of wisdom and inspiration”

He said Kofi Annan’s name opened numerous doors for the university. He indicated that the late Kofi Annan gave the University the wings to soar among its peers, having contributed to the UG being ranked as one of the best institutions of higher learning in Africa.  Prof. Oduro Owusu noted that Mr. Annan was very instrumental in attracting the much-needed funding for the University, especially in the area of faculty research, agricultural research, library and ICT development. Please click here to access the tribute of the University of Ghana.

Rev. Prof. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, President of Trinity Theological Seminary delivered the homily. Drawing extensively from one of Mr. Annan’s books, Interventions:  A Life in War and Peace, Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu concluded that Mr. Annan had led an exemplary and distinguished life worth emulating.  Please click here to access the tributes.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble performed the dirge followed by appellations authored by Prof. Emeritus J.H Kwabena Nketia and translated into English by Prof. Kwesi Yankah, a former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, which was delivered during Late Kofi Annan’s investiture as Chancellor in 2008.  The appellations which praised Mr. Annan as a man of dignity, was performed by Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy of the Institute of African Studies.  Please click here to access the Appellations

A documentary put together by the Public Affairs Directorate was shown at the ceremony.

Some former Vice-Chancellors of the University also eulogized the former Chancellor in their tributes.  Please click here to access the tributes: Prof Ernest Aryeetey Prof C.N.B Tagoe Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah

The Ebusuapanyin of MOBA, his alma mater also on behalf of the Association, paid tribute to Mr. Kofi Annan.   After their tribute, they rendered the School hymn, “For all the saints”, accompanied by the audience.  Please click here to access the tribute of MOBA.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) where Mr. Annan is an Emeritus Board Member, also delivered a tribute in Mr. Kofi Annan’s memory. Please click here to access the tribute of AGRA.

Some past officials of the University, namely, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, Mr. Tony Oteng-Gyasi, both former Chairmen of Council; Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Prof. C.N.B. Tagoe, former Vice-Chancellors,  Prof.  Kwesi Yankah,  former Pro-Vice-Chancellor, currently Minister of State, Tertiary and Mr. A.T. Konu, former Registrar, attended the Evening of Remembrance. 

The Evening of Remembrance which was supported in part by the Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA), drew a number of its members to the Great Hall to honour him.

The Chairman of the National Funeral Planning Committee, Ambassador Anan Cato, Mrs. Cecilia Dapaah, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and Ambassador Patrick Hayford, members of the Committee were in attendance.  Also in attendance was a representative from the United Nations Office, and Dr. Ibn Chambas, currently the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, and head of UNOWAS. 

The ceremony was attended by the Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Council Chairman, Prof. Yaw Twumasi, officials of the University, members of the University.

In attendance was the Ghana Dance Ensemble and Harmonious Chorale.