The president Nana Akufo-Addo has said even though former President Jerry John Rawlings declined an offer in 2017 that the University of Development Studies (UDS) be named after him, he (the president) strongly believes that must happen in honour of the late military leader, who used a $50,000 cash prize he received, as seed money for the university while he was president.
Speaking at graduation ceremony at the UDS Campus, Tamale on Saturday, 14 November 2020, Mr Akufo-Addo said Mr Rawlings deserves the honour.
According to him “the immense amount of work undertaken by President Rawlings and his government resulted in the establishment of this university”, the President said, recalling: “In 2017, I indicated to him, through the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, my decision to name this university after him. He, respectfully, declined the honour and offer because of his principle not to have national monuments named after him.”
“Notwithstanding these sentiments, and with all due respect to him, it is my strong belief, which I am sure has the backing of the majority of Ghanaians, that such an honour be accorded him,” the president said.
