On 18th March 2021, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, commissioned a Graduate Reading Room at the Department of Geography and Resource Development in honour of the late Emeritus Professor George Benneh, who was a professor of geography before becoming the Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1992 to 1996.

 
Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu cutting the tape to open the reading room assisted by Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio and Mrs. Adelaide Mary Benneh

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor recounted personal interactions he had with the late Emeritus Professor and how he benefitted from his wealth of knowledge and counsel. He wished that the honour had not been posthumous; he, however, took solace in the fact that the late Professor was aware that approval had been granted for the commissioning of the Graduate Reading Room.

The Vice-Chancellor exhorted the Department and students to put the facility to good use both for their own benefit and to preserve the late professor’s memory.

The Head of Department, Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, related that the facility was originally conceived as part of the Department’s activities marking the University’s Homecoming Week organised three years ago. He was excited at the realisation of the Department’s efforts to honour the late Emeritus Professor.

Contributing to the event, the Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori, was pleased that the Department has realised the opportunity to commemorate all the great things the Emeritus Professor achieved for the Department and the University.

Professor Daniel Frimpong Ofori

The dedication was performed by Reverend Dr. Antwi Boasiako. In attendance were Mrs Adelaide Mary Benneh, widow of Emeritus Professor George Benneh, and some family members. Mrs Benneh expressed appreciation to the University for the honour done her husband. Also present at the ceremony were Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, Chairperson of the Planning Committee; the former Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah; Professors J.S. Nabila, Jacob Songsore, George Owusu, Kwadwo Owusu, alumni, faculty and staff of the University.

Mrs Adelaide Mary Benneh, widow of Emeritus Professor George Benneh