A
Service of Thanksgiving to climax the University of Ghana’s 70th
Anniversary Alumni Homecoming took place over the weekend, graced by the
distinguished presence of alumnus Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
President of the Republic.
In
a brief message at the thanksgiving service, the President of the
Republic said he was elated to join alumni worship to climax the
University’s 70th Anniversary. He recalled the sacrifices made by cocoa
farmers and other individuals which resulted in their establishment of
the premier University. The President reiterated the fact that the
University has produced three Presidents for the country which he said
shows the impact the University has made to the country. He said the
University’s alumni continue to excel in various fields of endeavour,
and singled out the Chancellor of the University, Mrs. Mary
Chinery-Hesse who he said has led a distinguished career of service at
the national and international levels. He extended best wishes to the
University on the occasion of the University’s 71st Anniversary
.
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President of the Republic OF Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
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Using the Biblical story of feeding
the multitudes, Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu who delivered the sermon, said
the disciples of Jesus distributed what was given them and there was
multiplication and enough to feed the multitudes. He said, in taking
care of the multitudes, God also took care of their needs and there was
more than enough for them after. Prof. Osafo, who is Head of the
Department of Psychology at the University of Ghana, added that
“wherever we work, we have to see ourselves as serving the needs of
people and our needs shall be served in return.” He advised all to
eschew all forms of corrupt practices as corruption robs us all of
sufficiency and abundance!
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| Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu delivering the sermon |
Professor
Joseph Osafo Adu said in the midst of challenges, our attitudes as
members of the university community, and also as Ghanaians, would
determine the altitude we can get to, and posited that challenges
provide opportunities for growth. He maintained that as a university
and as a nation, moments of distress should lead us into a time of
reflection to generate ideas to address the problems. One way of doing
this, he said, is to be grateful, adding that gratitude draws one’s
attention to what one has and distracts one from the cycle of ruminating
on petty difficulties! He said a lot is gained from being optimistic
in hard times rather than being pessimistic.
On
obligations as leaders and employees, Prof. Osafo said we all hold
positions in trust, and he urged all to be willing to serve others as
this act meets God’s requirements of justice and love.
Earlier
Rev. Professor Patrick Ayeh-Kumi, in recognizing the principal officers
of the University, government officials and other dignitaries, singled
out the President of the Republic for special mention. He thanked him
for honouring the University with his presence.
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| Rev. Professor Patrick Ayeh-Kumi |
Other
officiating clergy were Rev. Dr. Charles Antwi-Bosiako, Member of the
Chaplaincy Board and Head of the Department of Physiology; Lady Pastor
Grace Fleischer, Principal Administrative Assistant, School of Graduate
Studies, who led the liturgy and prayers of dedication of offertory and
thanksgiving respectively. Special prayers were offered by Ms. Esther
Prah, a level 200 student and Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public
Affairs representing the student body and employees respectively. The
Scripture readings were done by Mr. Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu, former Chairman
of the UG Alumni Association and Ms. Doris Ansah, President of the Volta
Hall Alumnae Association.
All
three choirs present, Winneba Youth Choir, Humble Band (composed of
visually challenged members), and University of Ghana Jubilee Choir (led
Dr. B. Amakye-Boateng), displayed their choral mastery, rendering an
exciting blend of repertoire in both English and local languages. The
Praise Session was led by Minister Bernard Twumasi.
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| University of Ghana Jubilee Choir |
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| The Humble Band |
An Anniversary
Cake donated by the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Hon. Lydia Seyram
Alhassan was cut by the President of the Republic, assisted by Madam
Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Prof. Yaw Twumasi, Chairman of
University Council, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice-Chancellor, Chief
of Staff, Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare and Dr. Benoni Bondzie-Simpson, one of
the 1948 matriculants of the University.
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