The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Ghanaian women at the Fifth Session of the 15th Congregation held on Tuesday, December 12.
The honorees are Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the first lady and founder of the Rebecca Foundation, Rt. Hon. Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, the first female Speaker of Parliament, and Her Ladyship Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, the first female Chief Justice of Ghana.
They were conferred with the honorary degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters and Doctor of Laws.
The recognition is a testament to their lifetime of dedication, passion, and impact. It is also a celebration of their commitment to excellence and decades of unbroken professional and public service to Ghana.
“Today, we acknowledge these individuals who have exemplified excellence, innovation, and service to humanity, becoming symbols of inspiration for generations to come,” Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Abednego F. O. Amartey, said in a glowing tribute to the three honorees.
“Today, we celebrate great professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to humanitarian causes, engaged in significant philanthropy, and whose exceptional contributions have left indelible marks on their field and on society at large.”
Prof. Amartey emphasised that the accomplishments of the three distinguished women provide a strong source of inspiration for members of the UPSA community.
“In breaking through gender norms, these accomplished women have not only excelled in their roles but have paved the way for countless others, proving that excellence knows no gender,” he stressed.
The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, in delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the honorees, expressed gratitude to UPSA for the recognition and to her husband, President Nana Akufo-Addo, for his unwavering support and mentorship.
She acknowledged the accomplishments of women across various fields and expressed hope for more women to break through barriers and reach leadership positions.
She particularly emphasised her hope to see a woman ascend to the number one office in the country.
“Like Martin Luther King, I also have a dream,” Mrs Akufo-Addo said. “I dream that one day there will be a woman president in Ghana. And the title, Madam President, will be as easy as Mr. President.”
Mrs. Akufo-Addo dedicated her honorary doctorate to the women and children of Ghana, emphasising her commitment to philanthropy focused on improving the lives of those in need.
In attendance were the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Minister for National Security, Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, Chancellor of UPSA, Dr. Kofi Ohene-Konadu, Chairman of the UPSA Governing Council, and His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse.
