School of Arts Marks 10th Anniversary with Focus on Arts and National Development
The School of Arts celebrated its 10th anniversary under the theme, "A Decade of Impact: Sustaining the Arts for National Development."
At a grand durbar to mark the anniversary celebration, the Dean of the School, Prof. Wazi Apoh, remarked that the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on their achievements and challenges, as well as strategically launch future activities and innovations.
‘I'm happy that I also have a support team of strong employees from all the departments that are working hand-in-hand with me to realise the objectives for the school," he stated.
Founding Dean of the School, Prof. Kodzo Gavua, who served as the Keynote Speaker, highlighted the importance of the Arts in shaping individuals and society. He noted that many students fail to recognise the value of Arts disciplines, such as History, Archaeology, Philosophy and Religious Studies. He emphasised that these fields are key to developing critical thinking, understanding cultural diversity and preparing for a better future.
‘‘The skills that we learn in these disciplines enable us to think critically, to question, to interrogate and respond to what is presented as our experiences in order to have imaginations about the future and prepare for a better world in the long run.”
The Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Joseph Yaro, chairing the event on behalf of the VC, congratulated the School on the celebration of a milestone and noted that the vision to establish the School ten years ago has borne many fruits.
Speaking on behalf of the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, Counselor for Foreign Affairs at the Colombian Embassy, Ms. Kelis Zulay Moreno Mosquera, thanked the University for the many years of collaboration provided to the Embassy of Colombia. She also pledged Colombia’s commitment to continue supporting academic projects to benefit both Ghana and Colombia.
Ms. Alina Ebbecke, a representative from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, briefly expressed her gratitude, saying, ““We are so happy that you thought about us and invited us to this anniversary,” while sharing her anticipation for valuable insights and experiences.
The celebration also included a panel discussion on the topic, ‘The Role of Arts in National Development’, which featured Founder and Former President of the African University College of Communications, Hon. Kojo Yankah; Visiting Scholar, Universadad De Cauca, Colombia, Senior Lecturer, Department of History, Dr. Cyrelene Amoah-Boampong; Head of the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan and Ferney Quiñones Sinisterra.
Hon. Yankah expressed concern about the lack of unity and self-sufficiency among African nations. Speaking on the need for a shift in mindset, he pointed out that despite the continent's vast population and resources, African countries remain disconnected and reliant on Western powers.
Dr. Ferney Quiñones Sinisterra emphasised the importance of understanding Africa's true history, embracing its cultural identity through high-quality art, and fostering collaboration with Afro-descendants worldwide to drive the continent's development. He stressed the need to reclaim Africa’s narrative, using art as a tool for national progress, and pointed to examples like Colombia's Afro-descendant festivals as models for cultural impact and unity.
Dr. Cyrelene Amoah-Boampong praised the University of Ghana's commitment to the arts and national development, spotlighting how the institution’s strategic priorities, particularly around multilingualism and the arts are taken seriously by its senior management. She emphasised the University’s efforts to integrate the arts into research and teaching, citing courses in the African diaspora offered by the Department of History that foster global connections.
Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan discussed the practical achievements of the School of Arts over the past decade under the theme, "A Decade of Impact: Sustaining the Arts for National Development," shedding light on the essential role of the arts in national progress. He stated that “you cannot think of national development without ethical leadership,” underscoring the importance of integrity and values in shaping the future of the nation.
Prof. Kodzo Gavua and Prof. Michael Perry Kweku Okyerefo, the second Dean of the School of Arts, were honoured with awards to acknowledge their significant contributions.
The event also featured a cake cutting session, fundraising, cultural and drama performances.
In light of the celebration, the School also held an inter-departmental marketing campaign competition and debate. The debate, held in the British Parliamentary format, saw the Department of Philosophy and Classics emerge as the winner.
The motion, "This house believes that developing nations should heavily incentivise students to pursue liberal arts courses in tertiary education," sparked engaging discussions and showcased the relevance of liberal arts in addressing real-world challenges. The Department for the Study of Religions also emerged as the winner of the inter-departmental marketing campaign competition.
Click here to watch a recording of the event.