The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished female Ghanaian states women for what the university says is their exceptional contribution to the development of the country in their chosen endeavour.
The three female personalities are the first lady of the Republic, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Justice Adeline Bamford-Addo (Rtd), the first female Speaker of Parliament who served from (7 January 2009 to 7 January 2013) and the former first female Chief Justice of the Republic, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who served in office for a period of 10 years (from 2007 to June 2017).
First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, in her acceptance speech on behalf of all the honorary doctorate recipients, registered their appreciation to the university for the honour done to them. She added that it is her dream and hope that in the not-so-distant future, Ghana will have a female president especially, after the country has had a first female Speaker of Parliament and a first female Chief Justice, the third and fourth most powerful positions in the country respectively.
“I have always known that all people want is a decent life. So, the desire to ensure women and children have a decent life has been my sole motivation. Rewards, Recognition, and might I add Honourary Doctorate Degrees, were never in my contemplation, at any stage on my philanthropic journey.
“I simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who needed assistance. This Honourary Doctorate, in all humility, is for the women and children of Ghana, whose resilience and drive continue to inspire me. It is an honour to receive it on their behalf” the first lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo said.
“But, like Martin Luther King, I also have a dream. I dream that one day there will be a woman President in Ghana, and the title Madam President will be said as easily as Mr President. We hope this honour, and our humble contribution to our nation will inspire girls to aspire to the very top.
“With humility and gratitude, I thank The Chancellor, Dr Kofi Konadu Sarpong, Chairman and Members of the University Council, The Vice-chancellor, Management, and Members of Convocation of the University of Professional Studies, for our Honourary Doctorate Degrees. Your belief in our work is a testament to the shared commitment we hold, to create a better world” Mrs Akufo-Addo added.
Paying her respect to the two other Ghanaian states-women who were honoured together with her, the first lady said she was honoured to find herself in the company of two women who have made significant contributions and impact in two out of the three arms of government (the legislature and the judiciary).
“I find myself in the company of two illustrious daughters of the land. I do not take it for granted. It is an honour to be in the company of these eminent women, who have made immense contributions to two arms of government-the Legislature and the Judiciary. These are women I both respect and honour” Mrs Akufo-Addo remarked.
“It is on record that these two remarkable women, Right Honourable Justice Bamford–Addo and Her Ladyship Theodora Wood, have attained the positions of number three and four in this country, and have broken the glass ceiling for the women of Ghana” she further remarked.
No limitation
To the graduands who were graduating with degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing, Master of Philosophy in Accounting, Master of Science in Pensions Management, Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo urged them not to place any limits on themselves but to take advantage of the opportunities the world will offer them.
“Make no mistake; you are graduating at a very challenging time in the world. Yet the world offers limitless opportunities. The only limitations are the ones you place on yourself. But, as you pursue your purpose, remember this – compassion, kindness, and integrity matter. I pray for all that is good for you” First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo said.
In attendance at the congregation ceremony was the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the special guest of honour, Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, Chief of Staff at the office of the president, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Minister for Education, Yaw Adutwum, (guest speaker), Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, and National Security Coordinator, Edward Asomani.