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Kofi Annan, the new Chancellor of
University of Ghana
Accra, July 30, Ghanadot/GNA
– Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, has been
appointed Chancellor of the University of Ghana, the
University Council announced on Wednesday.
President John Agyekum Kufuor would perform his investiture
and swearing-in on August 11 at a Special Congregation in
Accra.
Mr. Annan succeeds the late Nana Wereko Ampem II, former
Omanehene of Amanokrom and Gyasehene of Akuapim Traditional
Area in the highest office of the University, formerly
occupied by the Presidency until the coming into force of
the 1992 constitution.
The position had been vacant since the death of Nana Ampem
II in 2005.
Mr Anthony Oteng-Gyasi, Chairman of the Council, told
newsmen at a press briefing in Accra that the Council was
proud to have such a distinguished personality to work with.
He said the Council had the confidence that working with Mr
Annan would add credibility to the University.
Mr Oteng-Gyasi stated that the appointment of the former UN
Secretary General had come at a crucial time as the
University celebrated its 60th Anniversary, describing his
appointment as "an anniversary gift".
He therefore entreated the entire population to accept the
appointment and to join the University to celebrate this
illustrious son of Ghana.
On other decisions by the Council, Mr Oteng-Gyasi said as
part of efforts to improve systems within the University, it
had adopted some recommendation of a Visitation Panel.
The panel was tasked to review the academic programmes,
infrastructure, resources, administrative and governance
structures of the University to meet national development
needs and international accreditation standards.
He said an implementation committee would soon be
inaugurated to implement some of the recommendations, which
include the amendment of the University's basic law and the
development of a human resource policy.
Other developments, the Chairman of Council mentioned were
the construction of a central science laboratory to house
the Department of Biochemistry and 12 specialised
laboratories funded with the GETfund to be completed by
December.
An over 6,000 bed capacity students hostel, being funded by
Ghana Commercial Bank was also expected to be ready by May
next year, Mr Oteng-Gyasi said.
Other ongoing projects include a new Physics laboratory and
a new complex for Performing Arts.
Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, Vice Chancellor, assured
the public that the University was working at addressing
accommodation needs of students.
He said it had entered into agreements with some banks to
provide 26 million Ghana cedis for construction of hostels,
adding that, it had also given lands to private developers
to provide hostels of between 10,000 and 30,000 beds.
Prof. Tagoe also gave the assurance that the University
would do its best to ensure that students graduate soon
after completion of their courses.
GNA
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