The School of Performing Arts (SPA) of the University has launched its 50th anniversary celebrations on the theme, “50 Years of Performing Arts Education: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects”, at a colourful ceremony held last week at the National Theatre of Ghana.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Aryeetey congratulated the SPA for the attainment of the landmark golden year, noting that the numerous developments undertaken in the School in his view, was a reflection of the hard work by the School’s leadership. Prof. Aryeetey who expressed optimism for the future said the School was giving great visibility to the University by attracting a large number of foreign students to its programmes.He recommended that the School’s programmes be continuously revised to reflect the innovativeness and dynamic nature of the Arts industry. On the state of the current construction of the SPA building, the Vice-Chancellor was hopeful that this would be completed before the end of the year.
In her address, the Acting Director of the School, Dr. Awo Asiedu paid tribute to the founding fathers of the School as well as those who had nurtured and contributed to its growth over the years. She singled out for special mention Ghana’s First President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, renowned ethnomusicologist and composer, Emeritus Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia, as well as Faculty of the School, past and present. She also expressed appreciation to the alumni for their support to the School over the past years.
On the achievements of the School, Dr. Asiedu said the SPA has over the past years trained students for the cultural industry and sectors such as the media, education and tourism. She therefore called on all to work to remove the tag of derision on the School. She looked forward to a bright future when, among other achievements, the School would become the best School of Performing Arts in West Africa,with full faculty status.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Ernest Abbeyquaye, a celebrated Actor and Film Director and pioneer student of the school, launched the anniversary celebrations. In brief remarks, Mr. Abbeyquaye reminisced about the tutelage he received from renowned dramatists such as Joe de Graft and Efua Sutherland. He advised students to study hard to contribute to the growth of the Arts.
The Chairperson for the event, Dr. Cosmos Badasu, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, hoped that through the achievements of the SPA,the public will see the performing arts as a respectable field of study. He lauded the School for imbuing in their students good interpersonal relations which he said was vital in all spheres of endeavour.
The event was spiced with performances from Abibigroma, the Resident theatre group of the SPA and students of the school. The events lined up for the celebrations include music, dance and drama performances from staff and students. The anniversary celebrations which opened on the 16th of August, will culminate in an Anniversary Conference on the 19th and 20th October, 2012.
Present at the launch were past Directors of the School, alumni, staff and students as well as various performing artists.
