The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a memorable send-off and long service awards ceremony in honour of 90 staff members retiring in 2025, for their unwavering dedication and decades of service to the University.
The ceremony recognised the invaluable contributions of staff who served between six and 42 years including 25 Senior Members, 18 Senior Staff, and 47 Junior Staff.
Each retiree was awarded a citation and received varying items including fridges and freezers, television sets, living room furniture and gas burners depending on the length of service.
Senior member retirees
Notable among the retirees were the Provost, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Emmanuel P. Owusu and Director of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah-Bentum (rtd.)
Among the honourees, Mrs. Rita Aikins of the College of Distance Education and Mr. Robert Koomson of the Transport Section were singled out for special recognition, each having served the University for 42 years. They were additionally awarded tabletop refrigerators each by Kofi Essuman Enterprise in appreciation of their extraordinary dedication.
Longest serving staff, Mrs. Rita Aikins and Mr. Robert Koomson
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong expressed profound gratitude to the retirees, describing their service as foundational to UCC’s continued excellence.
Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong
“Your commitment has been instrumental in propelling UCC to remarkable heights, including our recent distinction as the number one university in Ghana and West Africa, and among the top 10 in Africa,” Prof. Boampong said.
He reaffirmed management’s commitment to staff welfare, announcing ongoing efforts towards establishing a UCC Provident Fund in collaboration with the Human Resource Directorate. He further encouraged staff unions to invest in the wellbeing of members to ensure fulfilling retirements.
Senior Staff retirees
The Director of Human Resource, Mr. Isaac Adom-Konadu, praised the retirees for their resilience and adaptability through institutional transitions and challenges. He reminded them that though retired, they remain an integral part of the UCC community.
Director of Human Resource Mr. Isaac Adom-Konadu
Mr. Adom-Konadu also lauded the Welfare Section for consistently supporting retiring staff since the inception of the annual ceremony.
On behalf of the retirees, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University for the honour bestowed upon them and the opportunity to serve in various capacities over the years.
Outgoing Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu speaking on behalf of the University
He assured the University of their continued support, stating that they were ready to offer assistance whenever called upon. Mr. Owusu also encouraged staff still in active service to remain dedicated and committed to their roles, stressing that “it is through such commitment that the University continues to thrive.”
Junior Staff retirees
Staff unions on campus including University of Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) ,Ghana Association of University Administrators, Senior Staff Association, Teachers' and Education Workers Union and UCC Pensioners Association took turns to deliver solidarity messages at the function.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC