The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has honoured 141 retiring staff members after several years of service to the University.
The retirees, who served the UCC between six and 42 years, were made up of 19 Senior Members, 33 Senior Staff and 89, Junior staff members.
They were honoured for their meritorious and dedicated services to UCC during the 2023 Send Off and Long Service Awards Ceremony held at the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium.
Atmosphere
It was a heart-warming moment when the retirees were presented with assorted items, including furniture, gas burners, table top and double cabin refrigerators, television sets and citations based on the length of service.
Mr. John Egya Ekow Abonyi, a Technical Assistant II at the Directorate of Public Service, who served for 42 years, was full of smiles and the sheer reverence shown him by the audience who gathered to celebrate him as the longest serving staffer of the University.
Mr. John Egya Ekow Abonyi (seated) with dignitaries after the event
Commendation
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in his address, commended the retirees for their commitment and dedication to duty during their active services to the University and admitted that their contributions to the growth and development of the UCC were unquantifiable.
" Though, we cannot adequately compensate them for their invaluable services, we can at least declare the depth of our gratitude to each of them," he continued.
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong speaking at the ceremony
Prof. Boampong, who chaired the event, advised the retirees not to harbour any bitterness while on retirement, adding: “Your toes might have been stepped during your active service. Forgive us. We have also forgiven you”.
Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor noted the significant growth and milestones chalked up by the University was as a result of the untiring efforts of the retirees and urged staff in active service to sustain the good legacies and continue to build on the achievements of the retirees.
He announced that the University's Council had approved the establishment of a Provident Fund for staff and added that modalities were being put in place by the Directorate of Human Resource and the Directorate of Finance for implementation of the fund.
Mr. George Adu-Acheampong (right), Junior Hall Assistant at Atlantic Hall, receiving a citation from Rev. Isaac Sarbeng, the Director of the Directorate of Human Resource
The Vice-Chancellor underlined the need for unions on campus to invest in their members and support them to plan towards fulfilling retirement.
Prof. Boampong implored the retirees who were stepping back from public service to take care of their health by engaging in regular physical activity.
On behalf of the retirees, Ms. Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa, a former Deputy Librarian, who served for 41 years, expressed gratitude to management of the UCC for the honour done them and pledged to offer their services anytime they were called upon to do so.
Ms. Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa, immediate past Deputy Librarian at the Sam Jonah Library, speaking on behalf of retirees at the ceremony
"We look forward to spending more time with our families and pursuing hobbies that will bring us joy," Ms. Kwafoa proudly stated.
Among the retirees were some former office holders, including the immediate Past Director of University Health Services, Dr. Evans Ekanem; Director of ICT Services, Dr. Regina Gyampoh-Vidogah and Immediate Past Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Emmanuel K. Essel.