Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah
Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah, the Dean of the School of Law at the University of Ghana, has delivered his Inaugural Lecture on the topic, “Constitution Building, Constitutionalism and National Values: Wither Ghana?”The Inaugural Lecture, the sixth for the second semester of the 2015/16 academic year was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey.
Professor Quashigah shared a number of scholarly articles pertaining to his legal career in Ghana and collaborations with other African legal experts. He also noted research into Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ghana’s Electoral System and the Right to Education.
In delivering the lecture, Prof. Quashigah advocated a concrete appreciation, reflection and adherence to values of society by government and citizens as ways of ensuring social equality and progress. He elaborated on the purpose of the Constitution, which exists to protect rights and enhance the welfare of all manner of persons living in the country, irrespective of gender, age, status or race, as well as demand of people to fulfill certain responsibilities.
Prof. Quashigah noted Ghana’s transition from military rule to constitutional rule, and shared perspectives on the incidence of power impropriety and arbitrary constitutional amendments. He made references to the instances in Ghana’s political history, especially the government under Prime Minister Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, citing the case of Justice Smith (Balogun and others v. Edusei), and the reaction of Prime Minister Dr. K. A. Busia to the decision of the Court in the Sallah v. Attorney-General.
He maintained that the panacea to Ghana’s and to the large extent Africa’s intricate politics and instances of election violence, should be hinged on conscious deliberation, interpretation and execution of legal issues, as well as designing an education system that prioritizes the inculcation of national values right from preschool level.
He stressed the importance of upholding national symbols and songs, and called on Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the National Anthem and National Pledge. This he noted, professes self-identity as Ghanaians and helps to nurture unified ideals towards development. He added that the understanding of constitutionalism as a system in which the constitution limits the powers of government is deceptive but rather constitutionalism was a matter of values that clothe the bare constitutional skeletons.
Prof. Quashigah indicated that leaders across the continent have endeavoured to create this unified effort towards development but with limited success due to lack of ownership and appreciation of values on which the country was founded. He called on Ghanaians to embrace and practice a culture of political tolerance, respect for the general principles of democracy, respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms and the dignity of the person, non-discrimination and abhorrence of prejudice on the grounds of origin, circumstances of birth, ethnic origin, gender or religious creed or belief, as well as the inviolability of the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ghana and the protection of the good name of Ghana.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor
In his remarks as Chairman, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey noted that the lecture touched on the critical factor for nation building. He noted that the pursuit of constitutionalism should be driven by values that have been formed, agreed upon and accepted by all. He lauded Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah for sharing insight into Ghana’s past and present legal system, as well as providing the basis for a more trusted legal system in the future. Prof. Aryeetey expressed confidence in a rising Africa where a full appreciation, adherence and practice of national values, would propel political, economic, social and industrial growth.
Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia said the inaugural lectures represent an essential component of the University’s public events, adding that the lectures help to create a wider awareness of the latest developments in the academic disciplines of the University. She noted that every academic who achieves the highest rank in his or her career in the University of Ghana, is expected to deliver an inaugural lecture, which she said offers the University an opportunity to recognize and showcase the academic achievements of its staff, as well as enable the Professor celebrate an important personal milestone with family, friends, and colleagues within and outside the College about their research works.
The lecture was attended by a cross section of distinguished personalities including Dr. Henry Seidu Danaah, Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Justice Emile Short, a former commissioner for CHRAJ, His Excellency Ali Halabi the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, the President of the National House of Chiefs Naa Prof. J.S. Nabila, Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante, Paramount Chief of Asante Asokore and Mr. James Victor Gbeho, diplomat and former Minister of State. Also in attendance were the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Directors, and members of the University community as well as colleagues, students, family members, friends and the general public.
There were a number of presentations made to Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah to congratulate him.
Presentation from the College of Humanities
Presentations from the School of Law
Presentations from Commonwelth Hall
Presentation from Prof. Quashigah’s wife and children
Prior to Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah’s inaugural lecture, a week-long exhibition of his works was held at the Balme Library. The exhibition centered his research on the following; Legitimate Governance in Africa: The Responsibility of the International Community; The African Court of Human Rights: Prospects in Comparison with the European Court of Human Rights; The Role of Africa in Arms Control and Disarmament; Religious Freedom and Vestal Virgins: The Trokosi Practice in Ghana; Public Accountability under the Constitutional Framework of Ghana; among several other publications.
Please click here to access details of the remaining inaugurals for the 2015/2016 academic year.
Guests seated at the Great Hall with dignitaries in the front row
