University of Ghana inaugurates hall in honour of first female graduate

Accra, Jan. 19, GNA - The University of Ghana on Thursday inaugurated another newly constructed 400-room hall named after its first female graduate, the late Mrs Elizabeth Frances Baaba Sey (nee Biney).

She enrolled in the then University College of the Gold Coast in 1950 and graduated in 1953, after which she was appointed District Education Officer for Sekondi.

Mrs Sey died in 1991.
Three halls have already been named after Dr Hilla Limman, Former President of Ghana, Professor Alexander A. Kwapong, First Ghanaian Vice Chancellor of the University and Mr Jean Nelson Aka, Former Managing Director of ECOBANK to provide extended accommodation to the increasing student population of the University.

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor of the University, explained that the hall was named after Mrs Sey to express their commitment towards realisation of the role of women as an integral part of the University.

He stated that though the University had struggled over the years to bring itself as a gender sensitive institution, the current female intake of about 42 per cent, compared to about 40 per cent previously was a gradual build up to the gender gap which had existed over the years.

The Vice Chancellor noted that Mrs Sey, apart from setting the pace for females to pursue higher education, she distinguished herself as an established eductionist, who provided excellent tuition for students of Wesley Girls' High School, Cape Coast, Saint Louis Secondary School in Kumasi and Achimota School in Accra and until her demise was a Board Member of Ghana International School.

He said her contribution towards enhancing education must be considered as an indelible mark and a source of inspiration to young women to pursue higher education.

Mr Justice Samuel Kofi Date-Bah, a Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of University of Ghana Council, said the ceremony was historical because it marked the end of another challenging phase of the University.

He noted that construction of the four halls marked a period of stabilisation in respect to challenges affecting students' accommodation and the need for the University to remain on the plateau, especially with the relocation of the College of Health Sciences from Korle-Bu to the Legon.

Supi Ebo Bentil Enchill, brother of Mrs Sey on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation to the University for the honour.

He described the deceased as a woman whose personality was marked by true dedication towards education and there could be no better credentials to celebrate her memory and service than the naming of a Hall of Residence at the University in her memory.

GNA