Prof. George Akanlig-Pare Honoured by Akuafo Hall
Prof. George Akanlig-Pare, 18th Master of Akuafo Hall, a distinguished alumnus and Professor of Linguistics, has been honoured and celebrated for his decades of service and mentorship at a colourful event held at the Akuafo Hall gardens.
The ceremony, which was chaired by a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and a former Senior Tutor of the Hall, Her Ladyship Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, current and former Masters and Tutors of the Hall, Fellows and students, and some members of the University community.
In his opening remarks, the current Hall Master, Prof. Kwaku Oppong Asante, underlined Prof. Akanlig-Pare’s extensive contributions, stating, “Prof. Akanlig-Pare has spent considerably more of his working life serving this noble hall than any of us here today.” He praised Prof. Akanlig-Pare for his dedicated service and efforts to build upon the achievements of his predecessors and leave a lasting legacy for his successors.
Her Ladyship Prof. Mensa-Bonsu, in her Chairperson's remarks, lauded Prof. Akanlig-Pare’s meritorious service to the University. She praised the hall for honouring a distinguished member, noting the importance of honouring individuals while they are still alive.
“In this country, we do not honour our own; we only read of them in history books and until they are dead and gone, we do not think whatever they have done is worthy of admiration,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor and Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, also recognised Prof. Akanlig-Pare’s long-standing commitment to UG and its students.
She highlighted his roles as a Sports Tutor, Senior Common Room President, Deputy Senior Tutor and ultimately Master of the Hall, praising his significant contributions to the Hall’s sports programmes and overall development.
Prof. Amfo stated, “For all the time that he has been in this University as a Lecturer, he has been not just associated with Akuafo Hall, but he has devoted his time to the service of this Hall."
Members of the Senior Common Room, led by the current President, Mrs. Naomi Amofah-Serwaa and Co-chair of the Planning Committee, Prof. Clement Appah, presented Prof. Akanlig-Pare with a bronze artwork embossed with the Adinkra symbol "Me Ware Wo," meaning "I shall marry you," symbolising his strong bond to the Hall. Along with this symbolic gesture, they also presented a cheque for GHS20,000.00.
The event, which was spiced with live band musical performances, also featured a documentary on Prof. Akanlig-Pare, highlighting his contributions to the Hall and included testimonies from various personalities.
During his speech, Prof. Akanlig-Pare candidly shared personal experiences and career milestones, reflecting on the life lessons that shaped his journey. He stressed the importance of perseverance, mentorship and the support of staff in achieving career goals and personal growth.
Prof. Akanlig-Pare expressed a deep sense of humility, acknowledging the "giants" who had come before him and the mentors who had guided him along the way. He dedicated the award to his late mentor, Mr. Stephen Kofi Mensah Ahiawordor, who had taught him the craft of navigating the tutorial office, as well as to his family, whose support had been instrumental in his success.
Prof. Akanlig-Pare also praised the Vice-Chancellor's efforts to strengthen the bond between the University and its alumni, stressing the importance of investing in the Halls to instill values that shape worthy graduates. Fellows of the Hall delivered goodwill messages, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to Prof. Akanlig-Pare.
The joyous occasion, filled with enlightened faces, began with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Kweku Boamah, Chapel Warden and concluded with music, dance and a celebratory party.