University of Leicester Alumni Ghana Chapter holds reception to foster collaboration, impact society
The University of Leicester Alumni Ghana Chapter has held its annual reception aimed at strengthening networks and exploring opportunities for collaboration and societal impact.
The event, dubbed “Alumni and Partners Reception 2026,” also sought to celebrate shared achievements while promoting scholarships, research, and opportunities for future Ghanaian students.
Held on Sunday, April 26, the programme featured speeches, solidarity messages, and a video documentary highlighting 100 years of global impact by the University of Leicester.
The occasion also recognised two distinguished alumni for their contributions to society — Founder and CEO of L’aine HR Services, Dr Ellen Hagan and Director of the Centre for Global Education and Collaboration at UniMAC, Dr Lawrencia Agyepong.
Dignitaries
It brought together dignitaries, including Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Leicester, Henritta O'Connor, Deputy Head of International Recruitment (Africa and Middle East, University of Leicester,Jules Pringle, Director of Future Students Office, Philip Dalby and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Diaspora Relations, British High Commission, Pamela Bassah, who represented the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg.
Also in attendance were President of Leicester University Ghana Alumni Chapter, Mr Emmanuel Kwashie Agbodzi, Founder and CEO of L'aine HR Services, CEO of Ghana Exim Bank, Sylvester Adinam Mensah and Executive Director of Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer.
Deeper partnerships
Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Henrietta O’Connor praised Ghana’s alumni community as the institution’s strongest globally, while calling for deeper collaboration and partnerships.
Prof. O’Connor expressed admiration for Ghanaian hospitality and highlighted the long-standing connection between the university and its graduates in Ghana.
She noted that Leicester’s alumni in Ghana continue to excel across various sectors, describing them as “citizens of change” who contribute significantly to society and enhance the university’s global reputation.
Prof. O’Connor emphasised that the Ghana chapter plays a crucial role in supporting student recruitment, partnerships, and outreach, adding that the university is eager to strengthen ties in research, education, and innovation.
Looking ahead, she announced plans for expanded engagement through new partnerships and a major philanthropic campaign aimed at transforming future generations.
"I thank you all for the love and hospitality your country has shown me. And I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the event today, and speaking to all of you about your memories of Leicester and how we can continue to work together to strengthen our future," she said.
Global engagement
Deputy Head of International Recruitment (Africa and Middle East) at the University of Leicester, Jules Pringle commended the Ghana alumni chapter for its exceptional growth, organisation, and impact on the university’s presence in Africa.
She highlighted the leadership contributions of key figures, including Emmanuel Kwashie Agbodzi and past presidents such as Laurencia Agyapong and Annie Baba-Alawi, whose efforts helped transform the chapter into one of the most active and structured alumni groups.
According to her, the Ghana chapter has become central to Leicester’s brand and recruitment success in the region, supporting outreach to schools, prospective students, and partners.
She also pointed to significant milestones, including the university establishing a full-time presence in Ghana and expanding its reach across West Africa.
Pringle emphasised that the success of these efforts is rooted in strong collaboration, trust, and mutual support between the university and its alumni.
"The Ghana chapter is central to Leicester's brand and reputation here. Its members and committee have been incredible support for our recruitment work and our engagement with prospective students, schools and partners, and for that we are deeply grateful."
"The Ghana alumni have shown me what that looks like in action. So tonight, I want to say thank you, not just for what you've achieved, but for how you've achieved it. Tonight we celebrate our Ghana alumni. Here's to many more years of building together, not just a brand, but this wonderful community," she said.
Driving change
The President of the University of Leicester Ghana Alumni Chapter, Emmanuel Kwashie Agbodzi highlighted the growing influence of Leicester alumni in Ghana’s national development, describing them as “citizens of change” impacting multiple sectors.
He mentioned that graduates of the University of Leicester are making significant contributions in governance, business, academia, and civil society. He cited the presence of high-profile figures, as evidence of the university’s impact.
He emphasized that the bond between the university and its alumni continues beyond graduation, growing into a strong global network of over 200,000 members across more than 190 countries.
Mr Agbodzi encouraged alumni to strengthen connections among themselves and with the university to promote scholarships, research, and opportunities for future Ghanaian students.
He concluded by urging members to continue collaborating and leveraging their network to drive national transformation, stressing that “when Leicester alumni gather, transformation follows.”
