The College of Education, University of Ghana has honoured eleven retiring members of staff for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the College, in a special ceremony that also bid farewell to its outgoing Provost, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, celebrated outgoing members of the College Advisory Board and recognised individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the College's mission.

A cross-section of attendees

The four-fold event brought together members of the College community, family and friends of the honourees and distinguished guests to celebrate decades of service, leadership and commitment to excellence. The ceremony also served as a platform to pay tribute to Professor Codjoe, who will assume office as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development of the University of Ghana, effective 1st August, 2026, after serving as Provost of the College since August 2022.

Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, welcoming attendees at the ceremony

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, the College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, described the occasion as one of both joy and nostalgia. While expressing appreciation to the retirees and outgoing leaders for their dedication and invaluable service to the College, he acknowledged that their departure would be deeply felt by the College community. "We are excited to celebrate your achievements, yet we will greatly miss your presence and contributions," he remarked, urging the retirees and the outgoing Provost to remain connected to the College and continue supporting its growth in whatever capacity they could.

Mr. Nana Dwumoh Benneh, Chair of the College Advisory Board and Chairman of the Ceremony, delivering opening remarks

Chairperson of the occasion and Chair of the College Advisory Board, Mr. Nana Dwumoh Benneh, congratulated the 2026 retirees for their years of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to the progress of the College. He noted that their collective contributions had played an important role in strengthening the College's reputation for excellence.

A Cross-section of attendees

Mr. Benneh also paid glowing tribute to Professor Codjoe for his exemplary leadership and the remarkable growth the College experienced during his tenure as Provost. He expressed the Board's appreciation for the cordial and productive working relationship it enjoyed with him and assured the incoming Provost of the Board's continued support.". "On behalf of the College Advisory Board, we wish Professor Codjoe every success in his new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development," he said. He further commended the individuals receiving special recognition awards and encouraged them to continue lending their expertise and support to the advancement of the College.

Messages of goodwill and appreciation were delivered by the College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah; the College Finance Officer, Mr. Michael Owusu-Ansah; the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Professor James Sefe Dzisah; the Director of the Legon Centre for Education, Research and Policy (LECERP), Dr. Clement Adamba; the Acting Principal of the University of Ghana Takoradi City Campus, Professor Yaw Owusu Agyeman, and the School Administrator for the School of Continuing and Distance Education, Mrs. Regina Afari Boateng. The speakers reflected on the enduring legacies of all honourees and commended their commitment to service and institutional excellence.

A cross-section of retirees receiving certificates and gifts in appreciation of their years of dedicated service

The ceremony also featured the presentation of citations, certificates and gifts to the various categories of honourees. 

From left: Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe receives a bronze-plated Adinkra symbol representing transformative leadership, alongside a citation presented by Mr. Nana Dwomoh Benneh, Chairperson of the College Advisory Board

Professor Codjoe received a citation and gift in recognition of his transformative leadership and dedicated service to the College. Outgoing members of the College Advisory Board were presented with certificates and gifts by the Chairperson of the occasion and the Provost, while the 2026 retirees received certificates and gifts from the Provost and members of College Management in appreciation of their years of service.

A cross-section of recipients of the Special Recognition Awards category honoured for their outstanding contributions

Special recognition awards were additionally presented to four individuals, namely the Board Chair of the University of Ghana Press, two faculty members of the College and the University's Public Affairs Director, who formerly served as School Administrator of the School of Education and Leadership, for their exceptional contributions to the growth and development of the College.

Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, expressing his gratitude to members of the College community

In his farewell remarks, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe expressed profound gratitude to members of the College community for their unwavering support and commitment throughout his tenure as Provost. He acknowledged the instrumental role the College had played in his professional journey and described his years of service as both fulfilling and transformative. "The College of Education will always remain very dear to me, irrespective of the office I occupy," he remarked. He expressed pride in the significant strides made by LECERP and pledged his continued interest in supporting and nurturing the Centre. He further encouraged members of the College community to maintain the relationships and collaborations established over the years.

Mr. Samuel Djentuh delivering remarks on behalf of his fellow retirees

Speaking on behalf of his fellow retirees, Mr. Samuel Djentuh thanked the College for honouring their service and celebrating their contributions. He also expressed appreciation to Professor Codjoe for his encouragement and support, particularly in creating opportunities that enabled staff members to pursue professional and career development.

A cross-section of attendees

Bringing the ceremony to a close, Mr. Nkansah thanked all guests for joining the College in celebrating the achievements and enduring legacies of the honourees. He wished the retirees good health and fulfilment in retirement and congratulated Professor Codjoe on his appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development.

The ceremony was a fitting celebration of service, leadership and institutional excellence, underscoring the College of Education's enduring commitment to recognising individuals whose dedication and contributions continue to shape its growth and success.