By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, July 17, GNA – The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has honoured its retired staff, with a call on universities to institutionalise comprehensive retirement welfare systems, describing people as the foundation upon which enduring institutions are built.
The University’s second retirement send-off ceremony, held on the theme; “Building UHAS Through People: The Foundation for the Future,” celebrated the dedicated service of retired staff who contributed to the growth of the institution.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Harry Tagbor (Togbui Tagbor III), the former Pro-Vice Chancellor of UHAS, said retirement should be regarded as a transition into another meaningful phase of life rather than an end to productivity.
“We are not gathered today to mourn an end. We are gathered to celebrate a milestone, honour service faithfully rendered, and usher our colleagues into a new season with dignity, gratitude and the support they have earned,” he said.
Prof. Tagbor observed that universities were defined not by their infrastructure but by the people whose daily sacrifices sustained teaching, research, and administration.
“Today’s retirees are not a footnote in the UHAS story; they are among its principal authors. They laid the foundation upon which the future of this university will stand,” he stated.
He urged universities to establish robust retirement support systems, including prompt payment of pensions and benefits, pre-retirement financial and health counselling, continued healthcare support, opportunities for mentorship, consultancy and adjunct teaching, as well as regular recognition ceremonies.
“Nothing erodes the dignity of retirement more quickly than delayed payments and uncertainty over what one is owed after decades of dedicated service,” he said.
Prof Tagbor also encouraged workers to prepare adequately for retirement through prudent financial planning, healthy living and mentorship of younger colleagues.
“Retirement is not a cliff edge or the switching off of life. It is a graduation into another equally meaningful chapter, where one continues to serve family, community and society in different ways,” he added.
He cautioned serving staff against withholding institutional knowledge, saying: “When an elder departs without passing on what they know, a library is lost.”
Earlier, Dr Cedric Dorkenoo, the Acting Registrar and Director of Academic Affairs, said the ceremony was intended not only to bid farewell to retirees but also to celebrate their contributions and inspire serving staffs.
“It is important that we honour those who paved the way for us and also prepare ourselves to leave a better institution for those who will come after us,” he said.
Dr Dorkenoo recalled the early years of UHAS, describing the University’s growth as one achieved while simultaneously building systems and expanding infrastructure.
For his part, Professor Frank Edwin, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UHAS, who chaired the occasion described the retirees as silent builders whose contributions had become part of the University’s enduring legacy.
“There will surely be a day when everyone will stop working. Whatever you have contributed becomes part of the foundation of this institution,” he said.
He noted that while many support staff worked behind the scenes, their contributions remained indispensable to the University’s mission.
“If you value security and a clean environment to work in, then today is the day to honour those whose quiet service made those possible,” Prof. Edwin stated.
Some of the retirees also shared reflections from their years of service.
Mr Albert Adipah encouraged the staff to discharge every responsibility wholeheartedly.
“Whatever assignment is entrusted to you, render that service from the heart because every role contributes to the success of the institution,” he advised.
Mr Thompson Adjei urged workers to embrace unity and teamwork, stressing that collaboration remained essential for institutional development.
Mr Cephas Belley cautioned against workplace gossip and blackmail, saying such practices undermined healthy working relationships and organisational growth.
“Gossiping and blackmail do not help to build a healthy workplace. Let us promote mutual respect and professionalism,” he advised.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards and citations to the retirees, prayers for good health and long life, as well as expressions of appreciation from management for their years of dedicated service.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo