Kofi Annan appointed Chancellor of University of Ghana

Accra, July 30, 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. 30 July 08