The UPSA Law School has honoured renowned legal practitioner and Paramount Chief of Asokore Asante, Nana Dr. SKB Asante with a Lifetime Achievement in Law Award for his exceptional services to the nation and contribution to the development of the rule of law.
Known for his impressive career spanning decades of service in legal academia, domestic and international public service, and traditional leadership, the venerable statesman becomes the second recipient of the prestigious award.
The UPSA Law School Honorific Lecture and Award, instituted in 2023, celebrates outstanding personalities who have contributed immensely and in diverse ways to the development of the rule of law, jurisprudence and legal philosophy, the legal academy and education.
The award scheme seeks to acknowledge and highlight the works and contributions of distinguished individuals towards national development through the use of the law as an instrument of national development and good governance.
Speaking at the award ceremony on Thursday, July 24, 2024, the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, eulogised Nana Dr. SKB Asante, describing him as an embodiment of excellence and servant leadership.
She mentioned that Dr SKB Asante is one of the champions of Ghana’s civilisation, whose stature embodies many roles such as national hero, statesman, administrator, academic, national and international civil servant, thought leader, and social engineer extraordinaire.
Justice Torkonoo believes Nana Dr. SKB Asante’s legacies provide a footprint and pathway for future generations to emulate and strive towards.
“The definition and clarification of honour outplayed through the world’s exposition of life, work, and eulogies expressed provide an opportunity for generations behind Nana [Dr SKB Asante] to appreciate what citizens must necessarily prioritise as true virtue,” Justice Torkonoo said.
“Nana’s service to the world has been extravagant, and it must be acknowledged in no less course,” she said.
“His life mirrors the virtue, dedication, and service that every nation needs to become great and strong. We will hold on to the lessons of servant leadership that you have taught throughout your life.”
Dean of the UPSA Law School, Professor Kofi Abotsi, described the eminent traditional leader as a paragon of virtue who stands tall among many, especially at a time when the nation is battling moral decadence.
He said the lifetime achievement award presents “a moment of history” and provide a platform to recognise “achievers whose heavy efforts have lit the torch of faith and whose fidelity to service and patriotism have left an indelible mark on the fortunes of Ghana.”
For his part, the Chancellor of UPSA, Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong, pointed out that Nana Dr SKB Asante’s outstanding and immense contribution to the body of knowledge does not only define an era but also provides a footprint for future generations.
The Honorific Lecture and Award ceremony was attended by a tall list of dignataries, including the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame as well as members of the Council of State, judiciary service, the Ghana Bar Association, and traditional leaders.
