The Ho Technical University (HTU) has unveiled a series of busts in honour of its past leaders and instituted rolls of honour recognising former key officers, including chairpersons of council, vice-principals, vice-rectors, pro-vice chancellors, secretaries and registrars, in a ceremony marking a historic milestone in the university’s governance legacy.
The busts unveiled were in honour of late James Yao Vodzi, Dr George Mawusi Afeti, late Dr Komla Agbeko Dzisi, Dr Jakpasu Victor Kofi Afun, and Prof. Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi, who variously led the institution between 1980 and 2018. In addition, the university officially renamed its ceremonial grounds the “Leadership Garden” to serve as a permanent memorial space dedicated to the honourees.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of HTU, Prof. Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, described the occasion as a moment of deep reflection and pride, emphasising the need to preserve and celebrate the legacy of leaders whose vision and sacrifices shaped the institution since its establishment in 1968. He noted that the busts and honour rolls symbolised the university’s gratitude for years of dedicated service and transformational leadership.
Prof. Honyenuga paid special tribute to Dr George Mawusi Afeti, whom he described as the “father of the institution,” recalling his tenure as pioneering Principal from 1993 to 2006. He said Dr Afeti laid a solid foundation that transformed the then Ho Polytechnic into a reputable tertiary institution with strong infrastructure and academic direction.
According to the Prof Ben Hoenyenuga, the transition from polytechnic to technical university was not merely a change of name but a profound transformation that required collective vision, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence. He said the leaders being honoured rose to the challenge despite limited resources and high expectations, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service and stewardship.
“The busts we are unveiling today are enduring reminders of exemplary leadership grounded in service,” Prof. Honyenuga said, adding that HTU’s current recognition as the number one technical university in Ghana and among the top five universities in the country was built on the solid foundation laid by past leaders.
He also commended the Department of Industrial Arts, particularly the Sculptor, Morkporkpor Kordiabe, for producing the busts and honour rolls.
The Chairperson of Council, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, who chaired the ceremony, lauded the university’s management for recognising the contributions of former executive heads and officers. She described them as “builders of purpose” whose quiet labour continues to reflect in the growth, dignity and rising stature of the institution.
On behalf of the honourees, Dr George Mawusi Afeti expressed profound gratitude to HTU for the recognition, describing the ceremony as the unveiling of history itself.
He appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to consider constructing a galleria at the Leadership Garden to house future busts and urged staff and students to uphold positive relationships, avoid enmity and strive to leave lasting legacies in their respective roles.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
