Parliament of Ghana’s Deputy Director of Public Engagement, Margaret Donkor, popularly known as Maggie Dee, has taken office as the first President of the University of Ghana 1993 Alumni Association. The swearing-in ceremony, held on Friday, August 23, 2024, was attended by fellow alumni.
In her inaugural address, Margaret Donkor expressed deep gratitude to the Almighty God and the members of the UG ’93 group for entrusting her with the leadership role.
She reminisced about the shared journey that began over three decades ago when she and her fellow graduates embarked on their academic journey at the University of Ghana. She noted the diverse backgrounds, dreams, and aspirations that brought them together, united by the common goal of pursuing knowledge and excellence at one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions.
“The years we spent at the University of Ghana shaped us in countless ways, and today, we are here as a testament to the enduring impact of those formative years,” she said.
Maggie Dee took pride in the strength and unity of the newly elected executive team, which she described as a “formidable team” of dedicated and talented individuals who share a deep bond of friendship.
“I am particularly proud to highlight the strength and unity of our newly elected executive team. When you speak of this board, you speak of a formidable team that includes not just dedicated and talented individuals but also those who share a deep bond of friendship. I am thrilled to have my bestie, close sister, and friend, Prof. Cynthia Akwei Commey, on this journey. Her presence on the team brings an added layer of trust, understanding, and synergy that will undoubtedly propel us toward achieving our goals. Together, we are committed to leading this Association with a shared vision and unwavering determination.”
The newly sworn-in president also took the opportunity to extend her deepest gratitude to the interim executives who laid the groundwork for the Association.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the old interim executives who, through their initial hard work and dedication, brought this Association to life. Their commitment to building a strong and connected alumni community has been nothing short of inspiring, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.”
A special tribute was paid to the Association’s visionary founder, Ato Coleman, whose foresight and tireless efforts in creating the UG ’93 group were praised.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to the visionary who conceived the idea of bringing the UG93 group together, our esteemed founder, Ato Coleman. His foresight, passion, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in creating this platform where we can reconnect, support each other, and give back to our alma mater and society at large. Ato, we thank you for your leadership and for planting the seeds that have blossomed into this vibrant Association.”
Maggie Dee also noted that the success of the Association would depend on the collective efforts of all its members, calling for teamwork and collaboration as the bedrock upon which the future of the Association would be built.
She outlined a clear set of objectives that will guide the Association’s activities over the next two years, including strengthening alumni bonds, supporting the University of Ghana, promoting professional development, and engaging in community outreach, among others.
The vision of the UG ’93 Alumni Association, as articulated by Maggie Dee, is to create a thriving, inclusive community of 1993 graduates who are connected, engaged, and committed to making a positive impact both within the alumni network and in the broader society.
To realize this vision and the set objectives, Margaret Donkor announced several key programs that will define the group’s journey over the next two years.
Key among them are the Annual Alumni Reunion, Mentorship Programs, and the establishment of Scholarship and Endowment Funds, among others.
“An alumni business directory will be created to support members’ businesses and professional endeavours, encouraging collaboration and patronage within the group,” Maggie Dee noted.
She also urged all members to contribute their funds, time, and energy to the success of the Association.
“As we move forward, I urge each and every one of us to contribute our funds, time, energy, and resources to the success of our Association. Our strength lies in our collective efforts, and together, we can achieve great things. Whether it is through financial support, volunteering your time, or sharing your expertise, every contribution counts. Let us continue to be the pacesetter group we have always been, leading by example and assisting in diverse ways to ensure our Association thrives,” she stressed.
The newly elected executives of the Association include Margaret Donkor as President, Prof. Cynthia Akwei as First Vice President, and Dr. Lawrence Ofosu Agyare as Second Vice President. The rest include Charles Andoh as Secretary, Michael Owusu-Ansah as Treasurer, and Neil Armstrong Mortagbe as Communications and Publicity Officer.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
