The International Programmes Office (IPO) has organized a week-long celebration of the 2019 International Week themed “Ghana in the Global Imagination” from 25th February to 1st March, 2019. The celebration which was open to the entire University community gave international students the opportunity to showcase their home-country traditions and learn more about Ghanaian cultures.
The celebrations began with a social event captioned “Disconnect to Reconnect”, which was aimed at getting students to put aside their phones for a few hours to engaged in conversations about politics, social issues and related matters. There was also an Open House Day where international students were given the opportunity to understudy IPO staff and learn about the various roles played at the Office. Study Abroad Clinic aimed at providing students with information on opportunities to study abroad ran concurrently and continued throughout the week.
Students having discussions during “Disconnect to Reconnect”
A glossary of the five Adinkra symbols featured at International House was unveiled on Tuesday, 26th February, 2019. The symbols are: Gye Nyame, which means except for God, Nkontim meaning loyalty and service, Akofena which is a symbol of courage, valor, and heroism, Biribi wↄ soro which means hope and reliance on God and Akokↄnan which denotes parental nurturing and discipline.
IPO also hosted the promotion of “The Mind of Africa”, a classic pan-African philosophical book written by Professor William E. Abraham in 1992 and re-issued in 2015 by Sub-Saharan Publishers. The event was coordinated by Professor Ama de-Graft Aikins, Dean IPO, Mr. Henry Abraham, son of Prof Abraham and Mrs. Akoss Ofori-Mensah, CEO of Sub-Saharan Publishers and chaired by Professor Michael Okyerefo, Dean of School of Arts. Dr. Richmond Kwesi (Department of Philosophy) reviewed the book and Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo (immediate past Director of Institute of African Studies) joined the panel to discuss the significance of the book to African development today.
Unveiling of Adinkra symbols at International House
A section of the audience at the book launch
A debate on the motion “Google has hindered creative thinking” was also organised. The Ghanaian team was represented by Ms. Nana Adwoa Opoku-Mensah, Ms. Lois Adjei-Kumi Blankson and Mr Fataw Abdul with Ms. Promise Amor, Mr Ezekiel Ukpabio and Mr Soungalo Ousmane Sanon representing International students’. Both teams gave sterling performances as the audience cheered on. At the end of the debate, both teams were adjudged winners. The forecourt of International House was filled beyond capacity for the Karaoke and charades night. Students enjoyed chilled drinks and popcorn as they cheered on performers on stage.
Dr Richmond Kwesi giving his final verdict
Doris Kemde and Raquel Payne, two of the Singers during Karaoke Night, posing for the cameras
As part of activities marking the celebration, outdoor and indoor games were organized for students. These included video games, card games and board games. Some International students tried Ghanaian indigenous games like chaskele and oware.
Students engrossed in playing "ludo” and “draught”
Friday, March 1, was a full day of fun-packed activities as international students learned about Ghanaian traditional costumes, modeled and danced to live-band traditional music. Continental cuisines prepared by students from sixteen (16) countries including Burkina Faso, Mexico, Canada, Britain, Jamaica, USA, Philippines, Ireland, Sierra Leone, Japan, Benin and France were displayed for sampling. Ghanaian traditional dishes and drinks such as ɔfam, ɛtɔ and mpɔtɔmpɔtɔ, indegasana, pito and Palm wine were not left out.
International Students dressed in Akan royal costumes
Students sampling various dishes
Asana, Pito and Palm wine on display
The International week celebration ended on Saturday, March 2, 2019 with a fun trip to Ocean Green View beach villas in Prampram, Accra.
Some students enjoying sumptuous meals after swimming
For a photo gallery of the International Week, visit the social media pages below;
Facebook: International Programmes Office
Twitter: @ipoug1
Instagram: @ipoug1
