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
The three female personalities are the first lady of the Republic, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Justice Adeline Bamford-Addo (Rtd.), first female Speaker of Parliament who served from (7 January 2009 to 7 January 2013) and 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).
In attendance at the congregation ceremony was the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, 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, Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, and National Security Coordinator, Edward Asomani.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of all the doctorate degree recipients, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo registered their appreciation to the university for the honor done them.
“This honorary doctorate in all humility is for the women and children of Ghana, whose resilience and drive continue to inspire me. It is an honor to receive it on their behalf. But as I stand here, I find myself in the company of two illustrious daughters of the land. I do not take it for granted. It is an honor to be in the company of these eminent women who have made immense contributions to two arms of governments, the legislature and the judiciary. These are women I both respect and honor.”
She added that it is her dream and hope that in the not so distant future, Ghana will have a female president.
“It is on record that these two remarkable women, right Honorable Justice Van Fordado 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. 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 Madame 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 Konedu -Sapong, Charmin and members of the University Council, the Vice Chancellor, Management and members of Convocation of the University of Professional Studies for our honorary doctorate degrees.”
