Akuafo Hall
Encyclopedia
Akuafo Hall otherwise referred to as the Hall of Excellence is the second Hall of residence to be established in the University College of the Gold Coast now University of Ghana
. The Hall has its own statutes governing the administration of its affairs while the affairs of students are organized and supervised by Executives of the Junior Common Room.
. The Government and people of the United Kingdom also contribute largely to the establishment of Akuafo Hall as the second Hall of residence. In appreciation of these contributions a tablet embedded in the floor of the porters lodge, in the main Hall reads;
This memorial tablet (A.D. 1955) records our gratitude to the people of the United kingdom for their unstinted aid in the building of Akuafo Hall and with grateful hearts we likewise commemorate those same farmers of this country whose generous giving and kindness have so often benefitted the university at large
The Hall council also adopted a crest
designed by Prof. L.H Ofosu-Appiah of the Department of classics as the official logo of the Hall, the crest depicts a cocoa tree, an open book and a drum with the motto of the Hall,Laboremus et sapiamus which directly translated in English means Labour and wisdom (Let us work and learn wisdom) Akuafo Hall was opened on October 4, 1955 by the Hon. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
, then first Prime Minister of Ghana
. A highpoint of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of a plaque which commemorated the gesture of kindness of the Government and peoples of the United Kingdom as well as the farmers of the Gold Coast
towards the establishment of the Hall. On October 5, 1955, the first junior members of the Hall received keys to their cubicles and formally assumed residence. Akuafo Hall was built to accommodate 600 students however two annexes (A&B) were constructed under the Regime of Lt. General Kutu Acheampong to provided the hall with additional accommodation. As at 17thJanuary, 2005 Akuafo hall officially accommodates 1,524 students Akuafo Hall began as male hall of residence with the first badge of 131 students each allocated a single room. However in October 1991, Akuafo Hall admitted the first batch of female students and provided them with resident accommodation thus becoming a mixed hall in statu pupilari.
in Akuafo Hall, the Hall council put in place certain measures that would encourage and nurture academic excellence and moral leadership in resident students of the hall. Thus the Hall tutorial system resulted in the quest of senior members to promote the intellectual and academic progress of resident students. Every resident student was assigned to a senior member of the Hall who was to him in loco parentis. The expression, in loco parentis, was taken very seriously and as such the tutor being in the position of a senior colleague served as a parent to a student in question while such a student continued to be resident in the hall. The tutors were often not teaching in the students’ academic discipline and thus given the duty to resolve problems confronting students so as to unable such students concentrate on the pursuit of academic excellence and moral leadership.
, the combination room was provided, where both student and lecturer
s could interact with each other. Prior to this development, a student was not permitted into the Senior Common Room without invitation by a fellow while on the other hand senior members entered the Junior Common Room only upon invitation. Thus the combination room made it possible for both senior members and junior members to interact freely with each other and engage in fun activities together. When the purpose of the combination room was changed, it diminished the informal contact between lecturers and students in the Hall.
, the Hall Librarian, the Bursar
(as Secretary), one representative of Junior workers, and two Junior Members representing the Junior Common Room(JCR) which is the student body of the Hall.
In the past the government of the Junior Common Room (J.C.R) emerged out of Political Parties that were formed in the Hall and modeled after national political parties but without the ideology or institutional affiliation to such political parties. These political parties came out with their manifesto
es to contest the presidency of the Junior Common Room and other associated offices of the Halls student Government. Some of the Political Parties that have been formed in Akuafo Hall over the years include; the Liberal Party, Democratic Party, Socialist Party, Reforming Front Party, Capitalist Party, Imperialist Party, Operation knockout and Operation Victory.
Today, individual student campaign on their own ticket for executive positions in the Junior Common Room. The Junior Common Room is govern according to the rules and regulations codified in its own constitution, however the J.C.R constitution is subject to the statues
of Akuafo Hall, the statues of the University of Ghana and the Constitution and laws of Ghana
. The Senate is the Highest Decision making body of the Akuafo Hall Junior common room.
Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III has been the chief patron of this institution since its inception. He personally installs the chief farmer of Akuafo Hall during the annual Adinkra Durba which forms part of activities for Akuafo Halls’ annual Hall Week celebrations. In 2004, Nana Addo Dankwa III elevated the authority of the chief farmer to Paramount Chief during the installation of Nana Kwasi kankan Boadu as Paramount Chief and Nana Yaa Konadu Dua II as the Queen mother.
; Prof. Alex Kwaping, Prof. Amonoo Neizer, Prof. K.B. Dickson, Rev. Prof. S.K Agyepong, Rev. Prof. Ayettey, Prof. Emeritus Albert A. Adu Boahen, Prof Juctice A. odzo Paau Kludze, Prof. Kwame Gyekye, Most Rev. Prof. Emeritus K.A Dickson, Rev. Prof. Ansre, Rev. Prof. Gaba. Supreme Court
Judges; Justice Nicolas Yaw Boafo Adade, Justice A. Adzoe, Justice Kpegah,Justice Acquaye, Justice A.A Forster. High Court
Judges; Justice R. Apaloo, Justice G. Quaye, Justice Yaw Appau, Justice kaleo Bio.Traditional Rulers
; Togbe S.D Sorkpor, Nana Adusei Poku, Nana Nyameye Baah, Nana Owusu Ansah Kokroo II.
Statesmen
; Hon. J. S Addo, Hon. Freddie Blay, Hon. Prof. Mike Qcquaye, Hon. Kwamena Bartels, Hon. K Osei Prempeh, Hon. Victor Gbeho, Hon. Kofi Ator, Hon. F.K Buor, Hon. Joseph F.K Abakah, Hon. Mike K Akyeampong, Hon. Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, Hon. Amadu B. Sorgho, Mr. Rex Owusu Ansah(Nana). Religious leaders
; Most Rev. Emeritus Prof. K.A Dickson, Rev. E.S Mate Kodjo, Very Rev. A.A Beeko, Rev. Peter M. Kodjo, Rt. Rev. W. Blankson, Rev. Dr. D.N.A Kpobi, Rev. Dr. Annor Yeboah, Rev. Maclean Kumi. ‘’In Commerce’’; Mr. J.S Addo, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, Dr. I.E Yamson, Mr. Henry Dei, Mr. Felix Ntrakwa, Mr. Kenneth W. Mensah, Mr. Welbeck Abrah-Appiah
University of Ghana
The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest of the thirteen Ghanaian universities and tertiary institutions. It is one of the best universities in Africa and by far the most prestigious in West Africa...
. The Hall has its own statutes governing the administration of its affairs while the affairs of students are organized and supervised by Executives of the Junior Common Room.
Background Information
Akuafo Hall started functioning in 1953 with the appointment of Prof. D A. Taylor as the Hall Master designate .A thirteen member Hall Council was appointed to see to the academic and administrative activities of the Hall. In 1954, the Hall council decided to name the Hall Akuafo in appreciation of the generous gesture of the farmers of the then Gold Coast who through the cocoa marketing board contributed considerable sums of money for the establishment of Akuafo Hall as a Hall of residence. These farmers also contributed to other structural works for the University College of the Gold Coast in a project which was spearheaded by Dr.J.B DanquahJ. B. Danquah
Nana Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah was a Ghanaian statesman, pan-Africanist, scholar and historian. He played a significant role in pre and post colonial Ghana. In fact, he is credited with giving Ghana its name...
. The Government and people of the United Kingdom also contribute largely to the establishment of Akuafo Hall as the second Hall of residence. In appreciation of these contributions a tablet embedded in the floor of the porters lodge, in the main Hall reads;
This memorial tablet (A.D. 1955) records our gratitude to the people of the United kingdom for their unstinted aid in the building of Akuafo Hall and with grateful hearts we likewise commemorate those same farmers of this country whose generous giving and kindness have so often benefitted the university at large
The Hall council also adopted a crest
Crest (heraldry)
A crest is a component of an heraldic display, so called because it stands on top of a helmet, as the crest of a jay stands on the bird's head....
designed by Prof. L.H Ofosu-Appiah of the Department of classics as the official logo of the Hall, the crest depicts a cocoa tree, an open book and a drum with the motto of the Hall,Laboremus et sapiamus which directly translated in English means Labour and wisdom (Let us work and learn wisdom) Akuafo Hall was opened on October 4, 1955 by the Hon. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah was the leader of Ghana and its predecessor state, the Gold Coast, from 1952 to 1966. Overseeing the nation's independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana and the first Prime Minister of Ghana...
, then first Prime Minister of Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
. A highpoint of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of a plaque which commemorated the gesture of kindness of the Government and peoples of the United Kingdom as well as the farmers of the Gold Coast
Gold Coast (British colony)
The Gold Coast was a British colony on the Gulf of Guinea in west Africa that became the independent nation of Ghana in 1957.-Overview:The first Europeans to arrive at the coast were the Portuguese in 1471. They encountered a variety of African kingdoms, some of which controlled substantial...
towards the establishment of the Hall. On October 5, 1955, the first junior members of the Hall received keys to their cubicles and formally assumed residence. Akuafo Hall was built to accommodate 600 students however two annexes (A&B) were constructed under the Regime of Lt. General Kutu Acheampong to provided the hall with additional accommodation. As at 17thJanuary, 2005 Akuafo hall officially accommodates 1,524 students Akuafo Hall began as male hall of residence with the first badge of 131 students each allocated a single room. However in October 1991, Akuafo Hall admitted the first batch of female students and provided them with resident accommodation thus becoming a mixed hall in statu pupilari.
Hall tutorial system
Shortly after the first badge of students where provided accommodationLodging
Lodging is a type of residential accommodation. People who travel and stay away from home for more than a day need lodging for sleep, rest, safety, shelter from cold temperatures or rain, storage of luggage and access to common household functions.Lodgings may be self catering in which case no...
in Akuafo Hall, the Hall council put in place certain measures that would encourage and nurture academic excellence and moral leadership in resident students of the hall. Thus the Hall tutorial system resulted in the quest of senior members to promote the intellectual and academic progress of resident students. Every resident student was assigned to a senior member of the Hall who was to him in loco parentis. The expression, in loco parentis, was taken very seriously and as such the tutor being in the position of a senior colleague served as a parent to a student in question while such a student continued to be resident in the hall. The tutors were often not teaching in the students’ academic discipline and thus given the duty to resolve problems confronting students so as to unable such students concentrate on the pursuit of academic excellence and moral leadership.
The combination room
After the establishment of Akuafo Hall, a Junior Common Room was allocate to resident students where such students could relax, debate over issues and interact with each other without any form of interference from senior members, similarly, the Senior Common Room provided senior members with a place for entertainment without interruptions from students. However, to avoid isolationismIsolationism
Isolationism is the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement and remain at peace by...
, the combination room was provided, where both student and lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
s could interact with each other. Prior to this development, a student was not permitted into the Senior Common Room without invitation by a fellow while on the other hand senior members entered the Junior Common Room only upon invitation. Thus the combination room made it possible for both senior members and junior members to interact freely with each other and engage in fun activities together. When the purpose of the combination room was changed, it diminished the informal contact between lecturers and students in the Hall.
List of Hall Masters of Akuafo Hall
Below is a list of past Hall Masters of Akuafo Hall.| Name of Hall Master | Tenure in Office |
|---|---|
| Prof. D.A Taylor | 1955–1959 |
| Dr. David Kimble | 1960–1962 |
| Prof. L.H. Ofosu-Appiah | 1962–1965. |
| Mr. Raphael S. Amegashie | 1966–1968. |
| Dr. Thomas A. Mensah | 1968-1968. |
| Mr. H. C. A Bulley | 1968–1975. |
| Rev. Prof. Gilbert Ansre | 1975–1979 |
| Prof. G.C. Clar | 1979–1980 |
| Prof. K.B. Dickson | 1980-1980 |
| Prof. S.K Gaise | 1981–1986 |
| Mr.Y. Ofori-Anyinam | 1986–1988 |
| Prof. P.A.V. Ansah | 1988–1992 |
| Prof. J.N. Ayertey | 1993–1999 |
| Mr. E. Asiedu Yirenkyi | 1999–2003 |
| Rev. Dr. Cephas Omenyo | 2003–2008 |
| Rev. Dr. W.S.K Gbewonyo | 2008– to date |
Membership and Organization
The Membership of the Akuafo Hall has remained the same since its inception; it consists of the Hall Master, Fellows, Honorary and Associate Fellows and Junior Members. The Hall Master is elected by Fellows, whiles Fellows are assigned to the Hall by the Vice Chancellor. Honorary and Associate Fellows are elected by Fellows while Junior Members are assigned to the Hall as members in Statu pupilari. The Administration of Akuafo Hall is supervised by a Governing Council consisting of all the Fellows assigned to it by the Vice-Chancellor. The Hall Council consists of the Hall Master, the vice Hall Master, the Senior tutor, the Deputy Senior tutor, the President of the Senior Common Room, the Chapel WardenChurchwarden
A churchwarden is a lay official in a parish church or congregation of the Anglican Communion, usually working as a part-time volunteer. Holders of these positions are ex officio members of the parish board, usually called a vestry, parish council, parochial church council, or in the case of a...
, the Hall Librarian, the Bursar
Bursar
A bursar is a senior professional financial administrator in a school or university.Billing of student tuition accounts are the responsibility of the Office of the Bursar. This involves sending bills and making payment plans with the ultimate goal of getting the student accounts paid off...
(as Secretary), one representative of Junior workers, and two Junior Members representing the Junior Common Room(JCR) which is the student body of the Hall.
Student Government
Every Junior member that is affiliated to Akuafo Hall is an automatic member of the Junior Common Room of Akuafo Hall. The Junior Common Room (J.C.R) ensures that the interests of Junior members are protected. It also provides cultural, social and sporting activities for its members. The Executive of the Junior Common room represents the Akuafo Hall student body on all occasion, they negotiate with Hall authorities and other student groups in the University on behalf of students affiliated to Akuafo Hall and also embark on projects to improve conditions of living and learning for students in the Hall. The J.C.R derives its revenue from student contributions and contributions from the university through the Hall council. The J.C.R of Akuafo Hall serves as a recognized means for communication between Junior members and the Hall authorities.In the past the government of the Junior Common Room (J.C.R) emerged out of Political Parties that were formed in the Hall and modeled after national political parties but without the ideology or institutional affiliation to such political parties. These political parties came out with their manifesto
Manifesto
A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions, often political in nature. Manifestos relating to religious belief are generally referred to as creeds. Manifestos may also be life stance-related.-Etymology:...
es to contest the presidency of the Junior Common Room and other associated offices of the Halls student Government. Some of the Political Parties that have been formed in Akuafo Hall over the years include; the Liberal Party, Democratic Party, Socialist Party, Reforming Front Party, Capitalist Party, Imperialist Party, Operation knockout and Operation Victory.
Today, individual student campaign on their own ticket for executive positions in the Junior Common Room. The Junior Common Room is govern according to the rules and regulations codified in its own constitution, however the J.C.R constitution is subject to the statues
Statues
Statues is a popular children's game, often played in Australia but with versions throughout the world.-General rules:# A person starts out as the "Curator" and stands at the end of a field. Everyone else playing stands at the far end...
of Akuafo Hall, the statues of the University of Ghana and the Constitution and laws of Ghana
Ghana
Ghana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
. The Senate is the Highest Decision making body of the Akuafo Hall Junior common room.
The Chieftaincy System
One unique feature of Akuafo Hall is the existence of a chieftaincy system that was instituted in 1988. This institution serves as a symbol of unity for students and also helps to promote and showcase rich Ghanaian culture. The chief farmer and the Queen mother are elected annually and together with executive members of the Junior Common Room make up the membership of the Akuafo Hall Traditional council.Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III has been the chief patron of this institution since its inception. He personally installs the chief farmer of Akuafo Hall during the annual Adinkra Durba which forms part of activities for Akuafo Halls’ annual Hall Week celebrations. In 2004, Nana Addo Dankwa III elevated the authority of the chief farmer to Paramount Chief during the installation of Nana Kwasi kankan Boadu as Paramount Chief and Nana Yaa Konadu Dua II as the Queen mother.
Recognizing Recipients of the National Best Farmer and Fishers Award
Formerly the Governing Council of Akuafo Hall hosted the National chief farmer of Ghana as its distinguished guest on an annual basis. However with the institution of the National Best Farmer Awards, the Hall Council has made it a policy to host all National Best Farmers and Fishers Award Recipients on the 1st Friday in the month of December In further recognition of National Best Farmers and Fishers Recipients, the Hall council has inscribed the names of past Best Farmer Award recipients since 1986 in Gold, on a board in the potter lodge of the main hall, so as to immortalize their invaluable contribution to Ghana’s developmental efforts. In addition to this, the Hall council inducts some of the National Best Farmers as Honorary Fellows of the Hall.Notable alumni
Akuafo Hall has produced several notable alumni and alumnae among whom are University DonsDons
Dons or The Dons may refer to:In association football:* Wimbledon F.C., a former English professional football club from London which relocated to Milton Keynes in 2003, and the two clubs founded during the surrounding controversy:...
; Prof. Alex Kwaping, Prof. Amonoo Neizer, Prof. K.B. Dickson, Rev. Prof. S.K Agyepong, Rev. Prof. Ayettey, Prof. Emeritus Albert A. Adu Boahen, Prof Juctice A. odzo Paau Kludze, Prof. Kwame Gyekye, Most Rev. Prof. Emeritus K.A Dickson, Rev. Prof. Ansre, Rev. Prof. Gaba. Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
Judges; Justice Nicolas Yaw Boafo Adade, Justice A. Adzoe, Justice Kpegah,Justice Acquaye, Justice A.A Forster. High Court
High Court of Justice
The High Court of Justice is, together with the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court, one of the Senior Courts of England and Wales...
Judges; Justice R. Apaloo, Justice G. Quaye, Justice Yaw Appau, Justice kaleo Bio.Traditional Rulers
Tribal chief
A tribal chief is the leader of a tribal society or chiefdom. Tribal societies with social stratification under a single leader emerged in the Neolithic period out of earlier tribal structures with little stratification, and they remained prevalent throughout the Iron Age.In the case of ...
; Togbe S.D Sorkpor, Nana Adusei Poku, Nana Nyameye Baah, Nana Owusu Ansah Kokroo II.
Statesmen
Statesman
A statesman is usually a politician or other notable public figure who has had a long and respected career in politics or government at the national and international level. As a term of respect, it is usually left to supporters or commentators to use the term...
; Hon. J. S Addo, Hon. Freddie Blay, Hon. Prof. Mike Qcquaye, Hon. Kwamena Bartels, Hon. K Osei Prempeh, Hon. Victor Gbeho, Hon. Kofi Ator, Hon. F.K Buor, Hon. Joseph F.K Abakah, Hon. Mike K Akyeampong, Hon. Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, Hon. Amadu B. Sorgho, Mr. Rex Owusu Ansah(Nana). Religious leaders
Pastor
The word pastor usually refers to an ordained leader of a Christian congregation. When used as an ecclesiastical styling or title, this role may be abbreviated to "Pr." or often "Ps"....
; Most Rev. Emeritus Prof. K.A Dickson, Rev. E.S Mate Kodjo, Very Rev. A.A Beeko, Rev. Peter M. Kodjo, Rt. Rev. W. Blankson, Rev. Dr. D.N.A Kpobi, Rev. Dr. Annor Yeboah, Rev. Maclean Kumi. ‘’In Commerce’’; Mr. J.S Addo, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, Dr. I.E Yamson, Mr. Henry Dei, Mr. Felix Ntrakwa, Mr. Kenneth W. Mensah, Mr. Welbeck Abrah-Appiah