Ho Technical University (HTU) has honoured its past leaders with the commissioning of busts and unveiling of rolls of honour in a colourful ceremony at the forecourt of the F.O. Kwami Building, now named the Leadership Garden.
The event, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, brought together Management, faculty, staff, students, alumni, honourees and their families to celebrate decades of visionary leadership and institutional growth since the institution’s establishment as Ho Technical Institute in 1968.
Chairperson of the Governing Council, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, praised the past leaders for their courage and clarity, while Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Honyenuga, paid tribute to the forebears for their contributions to the university’s advancement through its various phases. He described the occasion as not merely about unveiling bronze and stone, but about awakening the memories of giants upon whose shoulders the university stands.
Busts were unveiled in honour of Dr. George M. Afeti, Dr. Komla A. Dzisi, Dr. Jakpasu V.K. Afun, Prof. Emmanuel K. Sakyi, and Mr. James Yao Vodzi. The rolls of honour chronicled the institution’s leadership journey, featuring past heads, Secretaries/Registrars, Vice Principals/Rectors, and Governing Council Chairpersons who played pivotal roles in HTU’s growth.
Two of the honourees, Mr. Vodzi and Dr. Dzisi, are of blessed memory, but their families were present to receive the honours, adding a solemn touch to the celebrations.
Mr. Simon Amegashie-Viglo, a past Vice Principal, commended the Governing Council for naming the grounds the Leadership Gardens as a symbol of collective leadership. He reminded the gathering of the words of his mentor, Dr. Afeti, that “It is not what one takes away from the school but what one leaves behind.”
In his reflection, Dr. Afeti saluted his predecessor, Mr. Vodzi, for his kindness and support during the leadership transition in 1993. He also commended his successors for sustaining the momentum and driving the institution to greater heights. He praised the Industrial Arts Department for their craftsmanship in producing the busts and, on behalf of the honourees, expressed gratitude to the Council and Management for the honour done them.
The ceremony was graced with stirring performances by the SRC Regimental Band, the HTU Choir, and the Borborbor troupe, adding colour, rhythm, and cultural vibrancy to the historic occasion.
Read about the past heads here.