UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

SPECIAL REPORTER

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NO. 848 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 VOL. 53 NO. 7

PROCEEDINGS OF 2015 MATRICULATION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015
 CONTENTS

Page

Order of Proceedings 2

Welcome/Declaration of Purpose 3

Vice-Chancellor’s Address 5

Expectations of University Life Address 15

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 ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

8.45 a.m.-9.00 a.m. – Maticulants/Guests to be seated

9.00 a.m. – Procession

– Statement of Welcome by Registrar,

Mrs. Mercy Haizel Ashia

– Vice-Chancellor’s Address:
Professor Ernest Aryeetey

– Cultural Performance: Ghana Dance Ensemble

– Administration of Matriculation Oath

by Registrar

– Expectations: Ms. Jasmine Adjei-Mensah

– Signing of the Matricula

– University Anthem

9.45 a.m. – Recession

Reception

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 WELCOME/DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
REGISTRAR, MRS. MERCY HAIZEL ASHIA

Good morning Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the management of the University of Ghana, I welcome all of us to this

morning's ceremony.

We are gathered here this morning to matriculate students who have enrolled for
courses leading to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates
at the University of Ghana, in the 2015-2016 academic year. We will confer on these
new students, membership of the University of Ghana, in line with article 31 of the
University of Ghana Act, 2010, Act 806 which states that:

1. A student admitted to the University shall take the Matriculation Oath and sign the
Matriculation Register.

2. A student who fails to sign the Matriculation Register may be prevented from
graduating by the University.

Visiting students and other short stay students who are studying at the University for
one Semester or two semesters are not included in this ceremony. However, such non-
matriculated students are expected to observe the same rules and regulations as
matriculated students, while they are here.

At the University of Ghana the required dress for matriculation is a black gown worn
over formal clothes. I am happy to see that our students are in the appropriate academic
dress for the ceremony.

The ceremony is in three parts.

Part 1:
We will hear an address from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey. He will
also tell us the significance of the matriculation oath and what the University expects
from its students.

Part 2:
Students will swear the Matriculation Oath to be administered by the Registrar of the
University – this is the same oath on the website. You will repeat the words of the oath
after me when it is time for the oath.

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After the Oath, one representative of the students will tell us the expectations of the
2015-2016 cohort of students and ceremonially sign the Matricula; the Latin word for
the Register. For this year we have selected a student from the Elizabeth Frances Sey
Hall, to represent the students.

Part 3:
The third part of the ceremony takes place in cyber space! For the first time, each
student, whether resident or non-resident will go online and electronically sign the
Matriculation Oath. That is the record that indeed you are here. I am informed that as
at 7.00 a.m. today 3,200 students have sent in their registration online and indeed,
accepted to abide by the oath that we are about to swear. Well done.

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, this batch of new students have already set a few records in the
administrative processes since they arrived on campus four weeks ago. I wish to
congratulate all colleagues, at all the levels, for the roles they have played in the process
of getting students involved in University activities.

I note that:
1. For the first time, the attendance of freshmen at orientation was so overwhelming
that we had to order more chairs for the second day.

2. This morning they have chalked another first. This is the largest number of
freshmen attending the matriculation for the regular programmes. All 5,000 plus
matriculation gowns have been collected. I am told some students were unable to
find gowns and had to come here without gowns.

Students, I hope that you will all return your matriculation gowns on time, so that
you do not suffer any penalties.

2015 matriculation class, I look forward to seeing positive engagement in University

activities throughout your stay in the University.

During the course of the year, the University will hold separate matriculation
ceremonies for students in the Distance Education programme, the Sandwich
programmes and the other programmes which will take off in the second semester. So,
welcome to the University of Ghana

It is now time to call on the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, to deliver his
address.

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 VICE-CHANCELLOR'S ADDRESS AT MATRICULATION:
PROFESSOR ERNEST ARYEETEY

SALUTATION

Chairman and Members of the University Council;

Pro-Vice Chancellors;
Registrar;
Provosts, Deans and Directors;
Heads of Departments and Heads of Halls;
Senior Tutors;
Members of Convocation;
Freshmen and Women;
Parents and Guardians;
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:

INTRODUCTION
It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the University of Ghana and to this year's
matriculation ceremony. Your university experience officially starts today. Let me
begin by congratulating you on your achievements that have led you to being here. For
most of you, during the next four years, you will be a part of the most prestigious
academic community in Ghana, surrounded by lecturers, scholars and researchers -
faculty and fellow students - all of whom have come to the University of Ghana
to learn and to create new knowledge. In this environment, you will have enormous
opportunities to deepen your education, expand your understanding of society and
the world, and, perhaps, begin a professional education that will launch your
career.

Matriculation into the University of Ghana marks a special milestone as new faces
and new blood are injected into the University. It provides an opportunity for
freshmen and women who have gained admission into various programmes to be
officially inducted as Junior Members into this academically stimulating and socially
exciting community. The ceremony is also significant for the fact that it provides the
opportunity for you, young men and women, to pledge your allegiance to the authority
of the University through the administration of the Matriculation Oath, and you will
in due course, be expected to sign a bond of good behaviour and accept the authority
of the Vice-Chancellor, the Chief Disciplinarian of the University, as well as all other

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officers of the University in whom authority has been vested. You will also, by the same
token, be expected to contribute your quota to enhancing the University's image,
wherever you find yourself and ensuring that you do not bring the name of the
University into disrepute.

In pledging to be of good behaviour, freshmen and women are committing themselves

to be disciplined and worthy ambassadors of the University. It is my hope that
matriculants will reflect on the importance of this ceremony and will endeavour to live
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University, while pursuing their
programmes. We need the support, loyalty, commitment and cooperation of both
students and staff to make this University a world-class institution of higher learning.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

To show you the opportunities that University of Ghana affords you, let me
mention a few pertinent issues. The latest university rankings compiled by Thompson
Reuters places the University of Ghana in the 10th position among African
universities. This is the best position we have ever attained in any rankings, and
it is exciting to observe that our placement in the rankings has consistently improved
across all the major ranking organizations. The Times Higher Education list of the
top 15 Universities in Africa places the University of Ghana at number 12. In the
Webometrics ranking for Africa, the University of Ghana moved from 52 in 2009 to 19
at the beginning of 2015. In the QS ranking, we remain one of only 4 universities from
Sub-Saharan Africa listed for the first time ever in 2015. You have therefore gained
admission to the highest ranked university in West Africa across all the different tables.
I applaud all colleagues, students and stakeholders of the University who have enabled
us attain this feat, and I am sure that all of you, as freshmen, will join us to work harder
to ensure that our rankings go even higher both on the continent and internationally.

ADMISSIONS
Admissions into the University of Ghana continue to be very competitive. Once again,
the University made it possible for students who completed their WASSCE in May, to
enter the University in the same year of writing the examinations. Again, the University
took up the additional challenge of admitting students in the West African sub-
region who wrote their final senior high school examinations in May 2015. I
salute the teams who worked hard to make this a reality.

The University continues to receive large numbers of applications for admission each
year. However, due to the limited facilities and human resources in the University, and
in line with the process of recreating the University to be classified as a research
university, by reducing undergraduate admissions while increasing graduate
admissions, we are forced to once again turn down the applications of many otherwise
qualified applicants.

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For the 2015/2016 academic year, the University received a total of 35, 630
applications made up of 28, 665 undergraduate applications and 6, 965 graduate
applications.

For the 2015/2016 academic year, the University admitted students into
programmes on the Main Campus, the Korle Bu Campus, the Accra City Campus and
Distance Learning and was able to offer admission to 18,106 applicants made up of
14,737 undergraduate and 3,369 graduate students. Out of the number offered
admission, 8,541 have registered, made up of 6, 121 undergraduate students and
2, 420 graduate students.

The University continued with its policy of giving the opportunity of university
education to applicants from Less Endowed Schools on concessionary basis.
Following the introduction of the policy on the Admission of Student Athletes, the
University, for the second year running, offered admission to talented sportsmen
and women based on their sporting abilities. Students admitted under the policy must
first satisfy the general entry requirements of the University, and also show proof of
athletic ability. The first batch of students admitted under this programme is excelling
both academically and in their sporting activities. We welcome the second batch of
students admitted under this policy, and trust that you will work hard to effectively
combine your participation in sports with your academic work.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The University of Ghana continues to attach great importance to the cross-cultural
experience that is made possible by the presence of international students on our
campuses, For the 2015/2016 academic year, 2, 967 undergraduate and 1, 593
graduate international applications were received. Out of this number, 844
undergraduate and 310 graduate students of various nationalities were admitted into
our programmes as regular, as well as special admission students. Altogether, a total
of 291 undergraduate and 90 graduate international students have registered.
These students come mainly from the sub-region and there are also students on
exchange programmes from our partner institutions in the United States of
America, Canada and Asia. I am very pleased to welcome all international
students to the University of Ghana and urge them to enjoy their stay in Ghana, feel
at home and make use of the services offered by the International Programmes
Office. You are all encouraged to make use of the rich diversity of cultures from all
these countries here present at Legon.

THE COLLEGIATE SYSTEM

The University of Ghana adopted the collegiate system of governance at the
beginning of the 2014/2015 academic year and I am happy to inform you that you are
the first batch of students admitted directly into the four (4) new Colleges, namely;

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Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Some University officials seated at the ceremony
delivering his Address

Mrs. Mercy Haizel Ashia, Registrar, Matriculants seated at the matriculation

welcoming Matriculants to the grounds
ceremony

Ms. Jasmine Adjei-Mensah delivering an address on the Expectations of University Life,

as her colleague freshmen/women listen attentively

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Ms. Jasmine Adjei-Mensah signing the Matricula under the supervision of Mr. Enoch Amartey,
Director, Academic Affairs Directorate

Matriculants taking the Matriculation Oath

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Matriculants at the matriculation grounds

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1. College of Health Sciences
2. College of Basic and Applied Sciences
3. College of Humanities
4. College of Education

The collegiate system is meant to decentralize the academic functions of the University
and provides more room for innovations at the school and college levels. The semi-
autonomous nature of the colleges will enable them take more decisions on their
academic programmes and administration. Students are therefore expected to contact
their college administration for solutions to problems and for advice. Your
provisional admission letters provide you with the contact address in your college to
which all concerns should be addressed.

The success of the collegiate system will depend largely on how you embrace and use
the system.

The Distance Learning programme in the College of Education has been restructured
and is an opportunity for applicants to earn a University of Ghana degree without
leaving the comfort of their homes. The mode of delivery will be through a
combination of e-learning and face to face interactions. The programmes
currently available are the Bachelor of Science programme in Administration, the
Bachelor of Arts programme and the Bachelor of Science programme in Information
Technology. These programmes will begin in October. Also on offer is the
Bachelor of Science programme in Nursing which was introduced in the 2014/2015
academic year for professional nurses who already have the Diploma in Nursing
certificate from recognized Nursing Training Colleges in Ghana. Students
admitted to this programme start their studies in February each year. All of these
programmes will be run in the Regional Learning Centres, so students who are workers
can remain at post while pursuing their programmes. Perhaps most significant about
this is that students can obtain a degree from the University of Ghana at their
doorsteps, with all lectures and examinations taking place at the Regional Learning
Centres, so there is no need for major disruptions in their lives

SOME NEW PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTS

At this point, I would like to highlight some initiatives being pursued by the
University with a view to making your stay here more beneficial.

Towards the modernization and improved efficiency in service delivery at the

University of Ghana, the University proposes to undertake a number of projects and
business ventures aimed primarily at providing improved services to its community
and at generating significant income for the University. The University has
entered into partnership with private investors to undertake the following projects:

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In March 2011, the late President John Atta Mills cut the sod at the University for the
Commencement of work for the relocation of the College of Health Sciences from
the Korle Bu campus to Legon. When completed, the University of Ghana Medical
Centre, as it is called, will place the University as one of the most advanced medical
training institutions in West Africa. It is expected that the Medical Centre will start
working by March 2016.

The University of Ghana has entered into a US$64 million project with Africa Integras.
The project will involve the construction of an expanded facility for the College of
Humanities, a new College of Education, a new dedicated facility for the College of
Basic and Applied Sciences, as well as a new facility for the College of Health
Sciences to be located near the new medical centre. 1,000 new student hostel beds will
be provided under the project, to be divided between undergraduate and graduate
students, mostly to serve the College of Health Sciences. The Vice-President of the
Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, performed the ground-
breaking for the commencement of work on the construction of the above-named
academic buildings for the University in September this year, with a targeted
completion date of September 2017.

FINANCIAL AID TO STUDENTS

In 2005, the University instituted a process to assist students to significantly reduce
or eliminate financial barriers that might limit their access to education here. Through
the Students Financial Aid Office, financial assistance is provided to qualified students
who, without such assistance, may not be able to meet their educational expenses. This
aid is available in the form of scholarships, either in full or in part. For the 2014/2015
academic year, the University received a total donation of GHc 639,912.09 from
both local and foreign donors towards financial aid for students. About 120
students are sponsored each year through the benevolence of individuals and
corporate bodies. I would like to salute all our donors and encourage other corporate
bodies and individuals to assist us to fund the education of students who would
otherwise have to interrupt or terminate their studies. Students facing financial
challenges are encouraged to apply for consideration for the various support schemes
when they are advertised. The Students Financial Aid Office is located at Bungalow
Number 11, East Legon (adjacent to Akuafo Hall Annex A).

EXCELLENCE AND DISCIPLINE

Education comes with responsibility. Those of you, who are fortunate enough to have
been admitted to study at the University of Ghana, have an obligation to use your
education for the benefit of others. We believe that each of you must become an active
citizen of this community and every community that you will inhabit in the future. As
you begin your studies at the University of Ghana, I want to encourage you to strive for
excellence.

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During the last academic year, a number of our students excelled internationally,
making the University very proud. A final year PhD Student from the University of
Ghana Business School won the best paper award at the 2015 Annual
Conference of The Emerging Markets Conference Board held in Dubai. Two
University of Ghana graduate students also won awards under the internationally
competitive Carnegie Fund for Conference Attendance. I encourage you
freshmen and women to take inspiration from those who have gone ahead of you and
work hard to attain laurels for yourselves and for the University.

You cannot strive for excellence if you are not disciplined. We live in a civilized society
and civility must reflect in all our actions. The University is governed by rules and
regulations and there are procedures for engaging in various activities. I therefore urge
all students to carefully read the regulations which you have been given and follow the
procedures accordingly. I assure you that if you do this, your days in the University
shall be happy and fruitful. Guard against anti-social activities such as occultism
and the peddling and usage of narcotic drugs and study diligently and you will well on
the way towards achieving excellence.

CONCLUSION
As I conclude my speech, I would like to remind all matriculants that your
primary aim in coming to this University is to go through your chosen academic
programme and graduate with flying colours. You should therefore begin with the end
in mind. You are adults now, and we shall treat you as such. There is no more rising bell,
no 'prep' and no dining time. Enjoy your freedom but use it responsibly. Being at the
University is special for many different reasons. For many of you, this is the first time in
your life that you will be truly living independently. This is an opportunity to grow and
learn as a person, and to discover who you are.

You have been prepared well for this day by your parents, family and teachers. Many of
your loved ones have sacrificed so much so that you may enjoy the privilege of a
University education. Honour their sacrifice by behaving responsibly and
making the most of this extraordinary opportunity.

Make time for social activities like scholarly lectures, sports and religious
activities if you are so inclined, but do not allow these to make you lose sight of the
main reason why you are here.

No doubt, some of you are entering the University with a good idea of what you want
to do with your lives. Some of you are certain that you want to be Doctors, Lawyers,
Engineers or Lecturers. I am also sure that the vast majority of you do not have a clue
what you want to do with the education that you will go through here. My advice to you

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is that there is no need to worry. You have at least four years to figure this out. Always
keep an open mind, as you may discover your passion in unexpected places.

You should remember that you will not be embarking on your journey here alone. You
will form close friendships and make enduring relationships during your stay here. The
bonds you will form as you help one another grow will fortify your friendships for
many years to come. These friends will be with you through your major life events -
from new jobs to career changes, from marriage to new families. Cherish these
relationships, but remember that you were admitted to the University as an individual
and you will graduate as an individual. You are therefore solely responsible for all
your actions.

Life in the University can be very exciting both intellectually and socially. The
University's Counseling and Placement Centre is available to offer assistance if
required. Do make time to read notices, listen to Radio Univers on 105.7FM and
regularly visit the University's website www.ug.edu.gh since important information
will be communicated to you through these media.

On behalf of the Council of the University, Members of Convocation, and on my own

behalf, I would like to wish you a refreshing stay at the University of Ghana. Once
again, welcome to our community. I urge you to take advantage of every facility
available to develop yourselves fully and to prepare for future
opportunities and challenges. Education comes with responsibility and those of you
who are fortunate enough to make it here have an obligation to use your education for
the benefit of others who are not so fortunate. I pray that the good Lord will crown all
your efforts with success.

Thank you and God bless you all.

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 EXPECTATIONS OF UNIVERSITY LIFE ADDRESS BY
JASMINE ADJEI-MENSAH

The Vice Chancellor,

Pro Vice Chancellors,
Registrar,
Members of the convocation,
Fellow Matriculants,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honor done me to be chosen to deliver this address on behalf of all freshmen

of this noble institution on our expectations of university life. I believe we were all
filled with joy upon gaining admission into this university; this brings to mind a famous
quote by John Dewey of blessed memory who once said “education is not a
preparation for life but rather education is life itself ”. As such let us embrace this
challenge and live life to the fullest on the campus of the premier university.

Mr. Vice-Chancellor, I would first like to express my profound gratitude to the

university for the use of the online residential registration system. While enhancing
the technological development of the university, it has also made the process less
tedious especially for those outside the capital. Though not entirely perfect, the online
system serves its purpose and we hope the few drawbacks would be addressed to
enhance its effective utilization in the coming years.

Mr. Vice Chancellor, I strongly believe at the end of our stay here, we would not only
achieve excellent knowledge in our various fields of study but also be very well-read
individuals with general knowledge of other disciplines. To help achieve this purpose,
the university has provided facilities such as the Balme Library; for our health and
leisure we also have a wide range of sports offered through the Sports Directorate.
Even more the University of Ghana Required courses (UGRC) are excellent examples
of extending our knowledge beyond our respective disciplines. The existence of such
extra and co-curricular activities prepare us both academically and socially for the
working world. It is our hope also that the SRC will liaise effectively with the
authorities to disseminate information and also to receive feedback as promptly as
possible. In view of this, the social media even though it has its disadvantages can be
of use. Platforms such as WhatsApp, twitter and Facebook can be employed to send
official information faster and easier instead of the use of the emails which are not
usually patronized by the youth of today.

To my fellow Matriculants, you will bear me out that being part of the chosen few to be
admitted in the premier university is a dream come through but remember, just as our
parents are responsible for bringing us into this world, we are also responsible for

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whatever happens to us. We have come this far by making decisions and living with the
consequences. To harvest the best out this university, we must stay focused, be vigilant
be ready to burn the midnight oil, and above all look to the creator for guidance. With
these we sure will be on the path of becoming alumni of this noble institution and to
cause a change in our communities and nation at large.

In conclusion, I recall these words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr., “if you can’t fly, run
if you can’t run, walk, if you cant walk, crawl, but whatever you do just keep moving”.
Let this be our motivation in rough times as there certainly will be. We will crawl, walk,
run or fly whenever we have to. Not only to make us proud but our parents and the
nation as well. The future of Ghana depends on us.

The lines have been drawn the race has begun, hopefully I will be seeing you all at the
finishing line, when the four years are over, beaming with radiant smiles, God being
our helper.
Long live the University of Ghana,
Long live the Matriculation class of 2015,
Long live Ghana.

Thank you.

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© 2015, Public Affairs, University of Ghana