JOHN MENSAH SARBAH STATUE ERECTED DURING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY LAUNCH OF THE SARBAH HALL

February 21, 2023

Source: Samuel K. Owusu

On Friday, 17th February 2023, the fifth traditional hall of the University of Ghana, the most populated and famous Mensah Sarbah Hall, launched its 60th Anniversary and Unveiled the Statue of the late John Mensah Sarbah. The theme for the anniversary was ''Reengineering Quality Residential Services: Adapting Technology, Embracing Partnerships"

Unveiling of the late John Mensah Sarbah's statue by H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Prof Rosina Kyerematen, His Eminence Francis Albert Seth Nyonyo, and the late Mensah Sarbah Family

It must be noted that, in 1963, the former President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah named the hall after the late John Mensah Sarbah, the first African to qualify as a barrister.

It must also be noted that the Mensah Sarbah Hall was built to accommodate only students from the University of Ghana Law School at the initial stage. It is no doubt that Sarbah Hall has produced the most finest and renowned lawyers in the country and the late John Mensah Sarbah is a shred of clear evidence of that

The Special Guest of Honour for the occasion was H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. He was highly welcomed through drumming and dancing by the University of Ghana Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) and the Republic of Okponglo, the traditional council of the hall, hereinafter referred to as the OKPOMATES.

Notable Alumni who graced the occasion were Prof Ivan Addai Mensah (former VC), Prof Ernest Ayittey (former VC), Dr Mohammad Ibn Chambas (former Head, UNOWAS), Prof. Kwesi Yankah (former Pro-VC), Hon Betty Mould-Iddrisu (former Attorney General), Hon. Gloria Akuffo (former Attorney General)

Other important dignitaries in attendance were Hon Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency

The Hall Master, Dr Roger Ayimbilla Atinga expressed much gratitude to the guests. He further revealed the numerous achievements of the hall and his plans for the ensuing years ahead.

Dr Ibn Chambas during his speech marvelled at how John Mensah Sarbah was able to coin the motto of Mfantsipim School to suit the present generation. The motto goes "Dwen Hw3 Kann". To wit, Think Ahead. Dr Ibn Chambas's emphasis on, the motto was in relation to the theme for the anniversary, ''Reengineering Quality Residential Services: Adapting Technology, Embracing Partnerships"

Since the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Anfo, who is also an Alumni of the hall, was indisposed, Prof. Rosina Kyerematen (the Dean of Students Affairs) and an Alumni of the hall, delivered the speech on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.