High-profile Leaders Visit UEW's BA Likpakpaanl Students, Pledge Support to Inspire Excellence
Students of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Likpakpaanl programme at the Ajumako Campus of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have received an inspiring visit from three prominent members of the Likpakpaanl-speaking (Konkomba) community.
This marks the second time such a delegation has engaged with the students, underscoring the community's deep commitment to the academic and personal success of these future leaders.
The visiting team comprised Dr. Francis Tanam Djankpa, a senior lecturer and former head of the Department of Physiology at the University of Cape Coast’s School of Medical Sciences; Prof. Justice Bawole, the Dean of the University of Ghana Business School; and Mr. Kenneth Wujangi, a respected elderly statesman and former deputy chief of staff at the Flagstaff House under His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
These distinguished individuals are not only leaders in their respective fields but also key figures in the Konkomba Youth Association Development Foundation.
Dr. Abraham Kwesi Bisilki, patron of the Konkomba Students’ Union (KONSU) at UEW, said the visit aimed to connect with the students on a personal level, and explore ways to mobilise resources to support their academic journey.
A central topic of discussion was the urgent need to integrate Likpakpaanl into the Ghana Education Service curriculum, ensuring that it becomes a subject of study at various educational levels. This move, the leaders emphasised, is crucial for making the BA Likpakpaanl graduates relevant and capable of serving the sizeable Konkomba-speaking population in Ghana.
Dr. Djankpa passionately urged the students to embrace education as the key to progress for the people of Konkombaland. He cautioned against unhealthy practices, such as drug abuse, and reassured the students of the community's commitment to their success. “The support from our community may come in different forms, but rest assured, it will come,” he stated, emphasising both short-term and long-term interventions.
Prof. Bawole provided practical advice on the “dos and don’ts” of academic life. He encouraged the students to avoid procrastination, manage their time wisely, and steer clear of negative influences.
His most compelling message, however, was about self-belief. Drawing from his own life experiences, Prof. Bawole illustrated how determination and hard work can turn even the humblest beginnings into remarkable achievements.
Mr. Kenneth Wujangi shared his decades-long dedication to the Kikpakpaaŋ cause, recounting the two-decade journey to getting Likpakpaanl recognised as an academic programme at UEW.
He highlighted the inevitable challenges that come with new beginnings and urged the students to remain patient and persistent, assuring them that their efforts would eventually bear fruit.
Dr. Bisilki expressed profound gratitude to the visiting team for their time, insights, and support. He encouraged the students to let the visit inspire them to work harder and achieve greatness, both for themselves and for the broader Likpakpaanl community.
This visit not only reinforced the students' connection to their cultural heritage but also provided them with the motivation and support needed to navigate their academic paths successfully. With the backing of such influential figures, the future of the BA Likpakpaanl programme and its students looks promising, as they continue to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to their community and the nation at large.
