Our Ghana: Reflections on Integrity and Resilience.

Abstract

Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni, renowned Investigative Journalist, has delivered the second UG@75 Public Lecture on Ghana's 66th Independence on the topic, "Our Ghana: Reflections on Integrity and Resilience.’’ Mr. Azure Awuni, Editor-in-chief at the Fourth Estate, charged Ghanaians to uphold the virtue of integrity no matter what the challenges may be. In his presentation, Mr. Awuni highlighted some of the challenges Ghana is currently facing, such as corruption and bribery, dishonesty, a lack of commitment, and a lack of resilience. He stated that in order to fix these issues, individual commitment must be the starting point. He carefully examined the roles individuals in various sectors of the country, such as government, judiciary, academia, religious institutions, the middle class and the youth, can play in promoting integrity. “Academia should take a stand against corruption and dishonesty in our country and challenge authorities with the power of their knowledge and show it by not associating with persons or institutions known to be purveyors of corruption,’’ Mr. Azure Awuni noted. His charge to the University is to support in shaping the mindset of the youth to think collectively to foster integrity. “Teach them that in the eyes of the international community, there is no difference in the reverence or disdain for the rich and the poor from Ghana or Sub-Saharan Africa. Teach them to have altruistic spirits and not expect rewards for every good they do, for the world sometimes gives you the opposite of what you offer.” he stated. Mr. Azure Awuni further urged teachers to educate future leaders to fight corruption and injustice rather than remain silent. ‘Life is full of competition, but it is not a race and again, a good name is better than riches’, he concluded. The event’s Chairperson, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo, (Rtd.), Chair of University Council, stated that she was hopeful the discussions will influence policy dialogues and contribute to reforms and positive transformation. She highlighted some of the ways the University makes numerous contributions to national development, which include research, human resource training, community service, and engagement. Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor, in her address mentioned that, ‘Independence Day celebrations were until recently observed full scale across the regions, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies. After 66 years of nationhood, it is time to reflect on the nation deeply and consciously, through the lenses of integrity and resilience. It is for this reason that the Anniversary committee organised the lecture. She also highlighted upcoming events marking the University’s 75th Anniversary. There was also an interactive session that allowed participants to contribute to the discussion. The event was moderated by Mrs. Dzifa Bampoh , UG Alumna, award winning media personality and currently the Corporate Communications Manager, at the Ghana Grid Company Limited , GRIDCo. The Ghana Dance Ensemble gave a riveting performance, that highlighted the various political regimes Ghana has gone through, from independence. Also present at the event were the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Heads of diplomatic missions, staff and students.