Senior Members Thrilled with Performances and Recognition at 2024 End-of-Year Party
It was all excitement, music and an atmosphere of camaraderie as senior members of the University of Ghana gathered at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence for the 2024 end-of-year party.
Hosted by Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the event celebrated the University’s resilience, achievements and the significant sacrifices and contributions of faculty and staff during the year. Key initiatives including the launch of the new Strategic Plan (2024-2029), the establishment of the Legon Leadership Academy among many other initiatives and the renewal of key leadership appointments were also celebrated.
In her address, Prof. Amfo acknowledged the challenges faced during the year but stressed the resilience of the staff and faculty in navigating the challenges. "It has certainly not been an easy year. We have not been isolated from global or national challenges, but by God’s grace, we have sailed through and are ending the year on a high note," she said.
She praised the dedication and hard work of the management team and highlighted the University’s strong performance in the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa rankings, which reaffirmed its position as the leading university in Ghana, the leading institution in West Africa and the fifth-best university in Africa. "This achievement reiterates what we all know, that the University of Ghana is a leader in higher education," she added.
Prof. Amfo celebrated key milestones, including the renewal of her appointment as Vice-Chancellor, alongside that of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Gordon Awandare and the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei-Mensah.
She also announced new appointments, including an incoming Director of Finance and leadership roles for the recently established Safety and Security Directorate.
The highlights of the evening included lively musical and dance performances by celebrated Ghanaian Musician Okyeame Kwame and the Pop Band of the School of Performing Arts. Various employee associations were invited to perform on stage, adding to the fun-filled atmosphere of the event.
As part of efforts to recognise the contributions of selected past officials of the University, the Vice-Chancellor honoured Mrs. Bernice B. Agudu, outgoing Director of Finance, Mrs. Stella Amoa, a former Director of Public Affairs and Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, the first female Registrar of the University of Ghana, with plaques, citations of honour and national symbols.
Mrs. Agudu was recognised for her innovative contributions to financial management during her tenure. Her citation, read by Senior Assistant Registrar Ms. Pascaline K. Songsore, highlighted her passion for incorporating private sector perspectives into public sector financial management.
Prof. Amfo, presenting the citation with the Registrar, commended her efforts, saying, “This is for you and wherever you see it, you will remember your days at the University of Ghana. I know there were tough days, but you embraced them and instituted financial prudence.”
Mrs. Amoa’s citation, read by the current Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, acknowledged her pivotal role in communicating the University’s 2014-2024 Strategic Plan.
Prof. Amfo expressed gratitude for her dedication, saying, “In recognition of your outstanding service to the University of Ghana, we want to publicly recognise and appreciate you.” In response, Mrs. Amoa thanked the Vice-Chancellor for continuing the tradition of the end-of-year party, adding, “This is institutional advancement; this is institutional continuity.”
The celebration concluded with Prof. Amfo extending warm wishes to attendees. "I wish all of us a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year. We pray that 2025 will be kinder to us than 2024 has been, bringing blessings, progress and fulfillment in our personal, family, and professional lives," she said.
The contributions of Senior and Junior Staff of the University were also recognised, as each person took home end-of-year packages made up of products from the various Agricultural Research Centres of the University.
These thoughtful gestures added to the festive spirit, recognising the dedication and hard work of staff members who played vital roles in the university's achievements in 2024.