UCC confers honorary doctorate on Kwesi Pratt Jnr

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred an honorary doctorate on veteran journalist, publisher and Pan-Africanist, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr., during the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures held by the University.

The conferment, which followed a special congregation held after the lectures, was in recognition of his decades of contribution to journalism, public discourse, democracy and the ideals of African emancipation.

Mr Pratt had earlier delivered a two-day lecture on the topic, “Kwame Nkrumah, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Perspectives on Constitutionalism, Development and Pan-Africanism.”

In his address, the Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam Esson Jonah, said the honour was in recognition of Mr Pratt’s longstanding contribution to Ghana’s media and civic space, as well as his consistent use of journalism and public engagement to hold power accountable and promote social justice and Pan-Africanism.

He said the University was also recognising the importance of independent journalism, courage and openness to new ideas in sustaining democracy.

“In honouring him today, the University recognises that a vibrant democracy depends on courage, independent journalism, and the openness to new ideas,” he said.

He indicated that the conferment also served as an indication to the University community that education should go beyond the awarding of academic credentials.

“Education must not merely confer credentials. It must cultivate ethical leadership, critical thinking, and civic courage,” he stated.

Sir Jonah further acknowledged the role of independent journalism and courage in shaping Ghana’s democracy, affirming that the award recognised the importance of courage, independent journalism and openness to new ideas in sustaining a vibrant democracy.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, also acknowledged Mr Pratt Jnr.’s contributions to journalism and the advancement of African emancipation and self-determination.

He explained that, as a journalist, publisher, political commentator and public advocate, Mr Pratt Jnr. had played an important role in discussions on Ghana’s political, economic and social development, while also promoting Pan-African solidarity and African liberation.

On the UCC e-Campus with Astrial Learning, Prof. Aheto said a total of 2,854 prospective postgraduate students had applied for admission through the e-Campus, with 2,381 applications successfully verified and awaiting admission letters.

“This groundbreaking initiative is designed to enhance UCC’s global visibility, expand international student enrolment and recruitment, strengthen innovation and efficiency, and facilitate scalable growth for our academic programmes,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Pratt expressed his appreciation to UCC for the honour, stating that he had never imagined receiving an invitation to deliver the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures and subsequently being awarded an honorary doctorate by the University.

Picture: The Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam Jonah, congratulating Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr. after the conferment.

FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, CAPE COAST

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