Valley View University (VVU), a Seventh-day Adventist institution and Ghana’s first private and chartered university, has honored five distinguished African individuals for their contribution towards the development of their societies.

They included Hakainde Hichilema, president of Zambia—the first Seventh-day Adventist to be a president of a nation who received an honorary doctorate degree; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, president of Ghana, who was given a citation; and John Agyekum Kufuor, former president of Ghana, who also received an honorary doctorate degree.

The others are Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, former first lady of Ghana, and Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, presidential chief of staff; both were awarded honorary doctorate degrees.

The awardees were honored as distinguished African personalities for their immense contribution to societal development.

This was held during VVU’s 29th graduation and awards ceremony under the theme "Maintaining Excellence, Integrity, and Service in an Era of Global Instability and Permissiveness." on July 7 and 9, 2023, at the school premises in Oyibi, Accra.

Professor William Koomson, VVU vice-chancellor, said the university and society in general were grateful to these prominent figures for their selflessness, commitment to duty, and embarking on numerous life-changing programs.

These include good governance, health, education and infrastructural growth, women’s and children’s development, mentorship, and democratic development.

In decorating the Zambian president, Prof. Koomson said, “You have become a beacon of hope for the Zambian people.” He also noted, “Your bold steps in combating corruption are remarkable,” lauding Hichilema for working for the betterment of his people.

In response, President Hichilema said he was grateful to the university for recognizing his efforts to improve the living conditions of his people. African universities, he said, should work assiduously to meet their mandate, addressing the needs of society in every field of human endeavor.

During the ceremony, Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu, VVU chancellor and president of the West-Central African Division, expressed his delight and gratitude to all who attended the event. He emphasized that the university has prepared graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the outside world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

A total of 1,324 graduates, comprising 559 females and 755 males, received their diplomas and degrees at the ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone as it saw the first PhD holder from the institution, Dr. Faustina Oduro, receiving her degree, commending the institution for its discipline, and recommending it to others.

Several dignitaries were present at the ceremony, including Pastor Thomas Techie Ocran and Pastor Kwame Annor Boahen, presidents of the Southern and Northern conferences of Ghana, respectively. Also present were the presidents of the Northern and Southern union conferences of Zambia.

The president and his entourage worshiped at the Prince Emmanuel Adventist Church in Ringway, Accra.

This article was provided by the West Cental Africa Division.