After spending between 18 and 42 years teaching students, maintaining facilities, supporting research and keeping one of Ghana's leading universities running, 59 staff members of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) last Tuesday bid farewell to active service amid applause, tributes and heartfelt appreciation.
The retirees, made up of 11 senior members, 17 senior staff and 31 junior staff, were honoured at the University's 2026 Send-off and Long Service Award Ceremony in Cape Coast for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth of the institution.
As a token of appreciation, each retiree selected and received a household gift from the university, including television sets, refrigerators, mattresses, gas cookers with cylinders, beds, living room furniture and glass tables.
Retirees
The longest-serving retiree, Kojo Bosomtwe, who devoted 42 years of uninterrupted service to the university, received a special tabletop refrigerator from Kofi Essuman Enterprise in addition to a citation and a living room furniture set presented by the university.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, described the retirees as the foundation upon which the university's achievements have been built.
He said although UCC has gained international recognition as the highest-ranked university in Ghana, the leading university in West Africa and the 11th best university in Africa, those accomplishments would not have been possible without the sacrifices of generations of committed staff.
"Many of you have spent almost your entire working lives serving this university.
Some have dedicated more than four decades to this institution. Your contributions have helped shape the University of Cape Coast into what it is today, and history will always remember your role," he said.
Reward
Prof. Aheto noted that while no reward could fully compensate the retirees for their years of service, the university remained deeply grateful for their commitment and loyalty.
He urged serving staff to emulate the values demonstrated by the retirees, including punctuality, honesty, commitment, loyalty and hard work, saying those principles were essential to sustaining the university's pursuit of excellence.
The vice-chancellor assured the retirees that the university would continue to care for them even after active service.
He announced that retirees would continue to benefit from the university's healthcare services and disclosed that management was establishing an Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Centre to improve the well-being of both serving and retired staff.
He further revealed that the university planned to introduce a Provident Fund before the end of the year to strengthen financial security for employees after retirement.
"We want you to remain part of the UCC family. Retirement is not the end of your relationship with the university. Your experience, wisdom and guidance will always be valued," Prof. Aheto added.
Legacy of service
The Director of Human Resources, Isaac Adom Konadu, described the ceremony as more than a farewell, saying it was an opportunity to celebrate men and women whose dedication has transformed lives and strengthened the university over the years.
He said through their professionalism, resilience and commitment, the retirees have helped educate thousands of students, supported academic excellence and contributed significantly to the institution's national and international reputation.
"Their legacy will continue to inspire both present and future generations of staff. Retirement ends active service, but it does not end one's place in the University of Cape Coast family," he said.
Mr Konadu encouraged employees still in active service to uphold the same values of integrity, discipline and excellence that had characterised the careers of the retirees.
'Keep UCC in your hearts'
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Professor Edward Marfo-Yiadom expressed gratitude to God for granting them the opportunity to complete their careers successfully.
He urged his colleagues to embrace retirement with gratitude rather than regret, saying they have made meaningful contributions to the university and should now enjoy the next phase of their lives.
