Professor Dolphyne cutting the birthday cake with some family and friends
Professor Florence Abena Dolphyne, a retired professor of Linguistics at the University of Ghana was honoured on her 80th birthday at an event held to celebrate her achievements. The event was themed: “New Frontiers in Language Studies in Ghana”.
Prof. Dolphyne had served the University of Ghana for 36 years after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Ghana in 1958 and a PhD in Phonetics and Linguistics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in 1965. From a lecturer in the department of Linguistics, she rose through the ranks to become the Head of Department and later the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, currently known as the School of Arts. She was later promoted to the status of a Professor in Linguistics and advanced to become the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University.
In 2004, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University. She was also a member of the University of Ghana Council. She has served on many boards and societies in Ghana.
Prof. Dolphyne, in a speech urged the current generation to be dedicated and passionate in whatever they aspire to do. She said that the educational opportunities given to the youth is a stepping stone hence the need to remain focused to achieve their dreams. She was grateful to the Department of Linguistics for honoring and celebrating her.
Professor Florence Abena Dolphyne
Prof. Kweku Osam of the University of Ghana described Prof. Dolphyne as an embodiment of history, noting that she was the first Ghanaian woman to obtain a PhD in Phonetics and Linguistics and gain a promotion to the status of an Associate Professor by a Ghanaian University.
Tributes were read in her honour, including that from the former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur.
Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur paying glowing tributes to Prof. Dolphyne
The Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia who was in attendance, made a presentation to Prof. Dolphyne. The event was well attended by family, friends, past students, faculty members, University officials and loved ones.
Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia presenting a gift to Prof. Dolphyne.
