The University has honoured 86 staff who formally retired in 2018 at a Send Off and Long Service Awards Ceremony.

The retirees comprised 18 senior members, 34 senior and 34 junior staff. The retirees received citations, cash and items ranging from furniture, refrigerators, LED television, generator and gas cooker.

Mr. Kweku Essuon, from the Environmental Health Section who served for 44 years received a table top refrigerator as the longest serving staff of the University.

Speaking at the function, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, said it was exciting that 72 out of the 86 retired staff had served the University between 15 and 44 years. He indicated that management recognised the diverse and invaluable contributions of the retirees towards the development of the University in various areas of operation.

Prof. Ampiah noted that the past years had not been rosy saying “There have been ups and downs during your active working life in this University, but we thank God that He has sustained and protected you to come this far”.  He noted that considering the long years they had served the University, it was evident that they had spent a great portion of their productive working lives for the growth of the University. He expressed gratitude to them for their meritorious services and prayed for God’s blessings, long and healthy life.

In order to ensure the wellbeing of retired staff, Prof. Ampiah said Management would continue to resource the Welfare Section to enable it reach out to senior colleagues through the Retirees Outreach Programme. He said the Retirees Outreach Programme which started a few years ago has made it possible for the Welfare Section to visit 110 retirees at various parts of the country. “This programme has really strengthened the bond of relationship between the University and its retirees and Management will ensure that the University Hospital is well resourced to provide specialised health care to benefit the University Community, including our cherished senior citizens,” he noted.

To staff who were still at post, the Vice-Chancellor asked them to ponder over their attitude towards work. He said it was their collective responsibility to contribute positively towards the growth of UCC before they retire. “Our relationship with the University as workers plays a vital role in our lives during retirement. It is in line with this, that I beseech you to demonstrate good work ethics such as loyalty, honesty, punctuality, trustworthiness, commitment and hard work at all times to enhance the image and development of the University of Cape Coast” he implored them.

The Vice-Chancellor wished the retirees well as they embark on another exciting journey of their lives. “I believe that every stage of our life is a new beginning with its own opportunities, therefore, embrace yourselves for such situations and offer yourselves as long as your health will allow,” he added. He advised the retirees to join clubs and associations to enable them fraternize, stay healthy and occupied.

On behalf of the retirees, Pastor (Prof) Peter Kofi Kwapong, thanked the University for the opportunity granted them to serve in various capacities by way of employment. He said they benefitted immensely and in diverse ways during their period of service. “One of such is the serene and beautiful environment in which we were accommodated, together with our families on this campus,” he indicated. He explained that the opportunities did not only offer them the advantage of proximity to their departments or offices, but to various facilities such as the basic school, hospital, clubhouses, library, and churches.

Pastor Prof. Kwapong said they had gained great insight and development that have led to some of them achieving great feats both internationally and locally. He said they offered quality services that propelled the University to higher heights, by helping to create conducive environment for the current and future generations. He said the professional relationships built in the offices, went way beyond family borders, thereby fostering relationships true and lasting friendships amongst all staff and their families. “Out of these, we have witnessed a number of marriages and other life-long social collaborations. We’ve celebrated with one another and we have mourned with one another as well,” he noted.

Pastor Prof. Kwapong entreated Management of the University to keep the good work and strive harder to maintain excellence to enable the present and future generations to serve UCC even better. He said it was their wish to see the University rise further by all standards.

Representatives of the various unions on campus delivered solidarity messages at the function and wished the retirees well in their future endeavours.