Published: 09 Jun 2017 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
The only female hall at KNUST, Africa Hall, has launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration on the theme “50 Years of Women’s Education and Empowerment in Nation Building.” The launch which was held at the Great Hall Conference Room brought together alumni and students of the Hall.
Dr. Marian A. Nkansah, Hall Warden, in her address noted that over the years, there has been a number of distinguished people who have contributed to the progress, physical development and visibility of Africa Hall. The number of such selfless and illustrious personalities keeps increasing annually but there has not been any formal programme where Africa Hall takes a day to honour such personalities. She said that there would be an excellence award that would recognize and honour all people who have contributed to the growth of the hall. Dr Nkansah continued, “Since golden jubilee is an important milestone, the hall seeks to commemorate the anniversary with a number of activities starting with the launching.”
She therefore outlined a year-long programme which has been planned to commemorate the jubilee anniversary. These include fun games, donation to the Pediatric Cancer Unit of KATH, launching of a history book, girls’ summit, Africa Hall Excellence Awards followed by the climax which would be the annual students’ hall week.
Professor Mrs. Esi Awuah, alumni, explained that Africa Hall had provided shelter for great leaders. She thanked the hall wardens, tutors, labourers and presidents for creating a conducive environment for students to learn. She said, “Education is not going to lectures and imparting knowledge but rather to train individuals to come out and help the community.” She advised that girls (students) should learn hard to improve their academic performance, learn sewing and hair braiding because they can be sources of income when they complete school and there are no jobs. She again encouraged them to learn how to get into careers that are classified as men’s jobs such as carpentry, masonry and plumbing because a great woman does all things. Prof. Mrs. Awuah concluded that the primary role of a mother and a wife would never change as long as the world exists.
Projects for the jubilee anniversary include the production of jubilee cloth and the jubilee facelift which is a renovation of the hall.