President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, was on Saturday29th May honoured by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with an honorary doctorate degree in Educational Leadership (Honoris Causa) at a special congregation held at the UCC, Cape Coast.
President Akufo Addo is the second sitting President in the country, to be given such an award by the University, which has conferred similar honours on eminent personalities, including non-Ghanaians of varying backgrounds and fields of endeavour.
A citation accompanying the award read “President Akufo Addo was being honoured in the light of his distinguished service to Ghana, the international community and to humanity.
“The University of Cape Coast recognizes and salutes you for your resourcefulness educational leadership and meritorious service to the nation, Africa and the world. In honouring you, the University appreciates your efforts to promote equal access to quality education for all Ghanaians and your service to humanity” the citation said.
The citation lauded the President’s performance and recognised that since he assumed office, he and his government have demonstrated in concrete and practical terms their belief and commitment to champion educational policies in the country.
“You championed many educational policies. These include reforms in Teacher Education, PreTertiary Curriculum, Tertiary Education, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Basic Education Decentralisation, Information Communication Technology in Education and Reforms in Secondary Education. You also encouraged reforms in Operationalization of PreTertiary Teacher Professional and Management Development Framework, Introduction of a new School Supervision and Inspection System, the Ghana Partnership School, and the Legal, Institutional and Regulatory policy”.
The citation said the President supported our University, the University of Cape Coast, to upgrade the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) into a UNESCO Category II Institute.
To climax the occasion, President Akufo Addo stood up for him to be robed in his academic gown and cap by the Chancellor, Dr. Sam E. Jonah (KBE), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, amidst appellations in praise of him.
In his acceptance remarks, the president expressed his gratitude to the University of Cape Coast and pledged to uphold the highest standards with the award.
He used the occasion to state that he has been a part in leading the struggle for individual rights and freedom of press in the country adding that when it comes to the freedom of the press, he is certain that he has nothing to apologize for with reference to anything he has done or said.
“I appreciate well-argued opinions that challenge the status-quo. I need no lessons on the importance of a vigorous media in building a healthy democracy. I dare say that the atmosphere in our country is one of spirited conversation and debate among politicians, the business community, civil society organizations and ordinary citizens” he indicated
The president stated that he will not relent in finding the killers of Ahmed Suale since it remains a matter of great regret to me as the murder has not been resolved.
“In the end his murderers will be caught, tried and punished”, he said
SOURCE: ATLFMNEWSROOM / TONY SASU
