UG Celebrates Legacy of 131 Retiring Staff and Faculty at Send-Off Ceremony
The University has held a heartwarming send-off ceremony in honour of 131 retiring members of staff and faculty for the 2024/2025 academic year. The event, themed “Dedication and Service: Appreciating Legacies that Last,” was held on Tuesday, July 30, 2025 and celebrated the invaluable contributions of the retirees across all categories of university staff.
The 131 retirees honoured at the ceremony included 24 Senior Members (Academic), 9 Senior Members (Administrative/Professional), 27 Senior Staff (Technical), 18 Senior Staff (Non-Technical), 17 Junior Staff (Technical), 35 Junior Staff (Non-Technical), and one Teaching Assistant.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed deep appreciation to the retirees for their commitment over the years. “We do more than celebrate your years of service,” she said. “We pause to reflect on the enduring legacy you leave behind, one built on integrity, excellence and a steadfast devotion to the ideals of the University of Ghana.”
Prof. Amfo praised the academic staff for nurturing generations of students and advancing knowledge. She also recognised the tireless efforts of the administrative and support staff, whom she described as “the backbone of our operations.”
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted key institutional milestones achieved during the years of service of the retirees, including the development of the University’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, the revision of the Statutes and the launch of the Research Strategy and Human Resource Management and Administrative Policies Manual.
She also noted that UG’s continued recognition as the top university in Ghana and the West African sub-region in the likes of the Times Higher Education and the QS World University Rankings was built on the strong foundation laid by dedicated staff like the retirees being celebrated.
“As you transition into retirement,” she added, “I hope you do so with a deep sense of fulfilment. You have given your time, your energy and your talents to this great University and we are eternally grateful.” She encouraged the retirees to remain engaged with the University through mentorship, guest lectures and advisory roles.
In a message delivered on her behalf, Director of the Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate (HRODD), Dr. Yvonne Ayerki Lamptey, described the event as the culmination of decades of dedicated service and expressed the pride of the Directorate in celebrating the hard work of the retirees to the University’s mission and values.
Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, also addressed the gathering, describing the occasion as one of mixed emotions, gratitude for the service rendered and sadness at saying goodbye to valued colleagues. “You have toiled, sacrificed and given your best to the University. Now, it is time for a well-earned rest,” she said, extending heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all retiring staff.
The ceremony featured tributes from representatives of various staff categories. Prof. Gordon S. K. Adika, speaking on behalf of academic senior members, paid tribute to the retirees’ contributions to teaching and mentorship. Mr. Samuel Nii Sodja Akropong, representing administrative and professional senior members, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and urged continued investment in the University’s human resource base. Mrs. Josephine Akosua Kpeli and Mr. Francis Kwame Moot, speaking for senior and junior staff respectively, shared reflections on their journeys and the pride they take in being part of the UG story.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of UTAG, GAUA, SSAUoG, FUSSAG, TEWU, PUJUSA and the UG Pensioners Association, all of whom praised the resilience, loyalty and institutional memory of the retirees. They commended the University for recognising and celebrating the contributions of staff who had dedicated their careers to the institution’s growth.
The ceremony also honoured individuals who had rendered exceptionally long service to the University. Mr. Eric Opoku, Senior Staff, was recognised for 43 years and 7 months of service; Mr. Victor Gala, Junior Staff, for 42 years and 3 months; Mr. Frederick Kisserh, Non-Academic Senior Member, for 42 years and 6 months; and Prof. Christine Dowuona-Hammond, Senior Member (Academic), for 33 years and 9 months of service.
Each retiree received a citation of honour, retirement benefits and special presentations from the various staff unions, as a token of appreciation for their years of selfless service. The atmosphere at the event was filled with warmth and celebration as colleagues, family and friends gathered to honour the contributions of these remarkable individuals.
As the University of Ghana bids farewell to the 2025 retirees, it extends its deepest gratitude for their service and wishes them good health, fulfilment and peace in the years ahead. Their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.