The University of Ghana (UG) on Saturday held a remembrance service for the late Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere; a former Vice Chancellor of the university.
Prof Asenso-Okyere, who was Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana from 2002 to 2006, died on Saturday, May 10, 2014 while on a Food and Agricultural Organisation mission outside Ghana.
Several dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Minister of education, Prof J.H Kwabena Nketia, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor UoG, former officials as well as former Vice Chancellors and Pro-Vice Chancellors of UoG and family members, attended the solemn service.
Others were the Old Vandals Association, members of the University of Teachers Association Ghana, Ghana Association of University Administrators, Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research, Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana, Teachers and Educational Workers Union, University of Ghana Alumni Association and loved ones.
Tributes read by family members, friends and colleagues, described the late Prof Asenso-Okyere as a husband, friend, brother, mentor, great Legonite, role model, shining evidence, an ardent supporter and an incomparable star whose life changed the lives of many.
Eulogizing Prof Asenso, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang described him as a patriot who contributed to the country’s progress by initiating several programmes not only for students of the UG but the country at large and students who passed through his hands in their academic lives.
She said Prof Asenso-Okyere had paid his dues to the nation by doing his national service in helping to position the country, UG, family, community and other associations he belonged to on a high pedestal.
“Ghana has lost a great son who uplifted the image of the University of Ghana and advanced the educational circles of students as a Vice Chancellor," she said.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang urged the family, country, loved ones and other mourners to see the death of Prof Asenso-Okyere as a commemoration of a life fully lived and has now been called by His maker gloriously.
Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, in his tribute described Prof Asenso-Okyere in five phases as a man who was full of life, a strong academic, a leader with vision and finally a man who had an appetite for beautiful things.
“Prof Okyere’s appetite for beautiful things reflected during his tenure of office as a Vice Chancellor for University of Ghana when he launched a beautification programme at the University of Ghana and ISSER," he noted.
Prof Aryeetey added that he was a great son of the country who was a good researcher, promoter and communicator in all of his work fields.
“Professor Asenso-Okyere had considerable experience in research and advocacy on economic development issues such as food and agriculture, health and nutrition and international trade policies which helped the country greatly in her advancement," he said
He pledged the university’s commitment of being with the family in their time of bereavement.
President John Dramani Mahama donated a 46-seater Yutong bus to the Old Vandal Association to help contribute towards the activities of the Old Vandals.
Professor Asenso-Okyere died at age 67; he is survived with a wife and six children.
A final funeral rite for Professor Asenso-Okyere comes off on Saturday, July 19th, 2014 at St Peters Catholic Church Kumawu Woraso in the Ashanti Region.
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