The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt., Honoris Causa) on Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a renowned journalist, author, and media executive. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon him for his distinguished contribution to national development and service to humanity. The ceremony took place as part of the University’s 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lecture series, where Mr Pratt was the guest speaker.
Mr Pratt was recognized for his decades of professional practice as a journalist, his commitment to press freedom, and his contributions to the advancement of the Pan-African agenda. Dr Sir Sam Esson Jonah, the Chancellor of the University, praised Mr Pratt for his long-standing public service, noting that his work had promoted social justice, democracy, and Pan-Africanism. The Chancellor emphasized that education must not only confer credentials but also cultivate ethical leadership, critical thinking, and civic courage.
The honorary degree was conferred on Mr Pratt at a special congregation. Dr Jonah challenged UCC students to be inspired by the lives of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Mr Pratt, stressing the importance of challenging the status quo, defending human dignity, and contributing to their field. He expressed hope that Mr Pratt's life and works would continue to inspire generations of Ghanaians and Africans. Mr Pratt, in turn, expressed surprise and gratitude for the honor, noting that he never dreamt of delivering the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lecture and receiving the doctorate degree.
Mr Pratt reflected on his personal connections with some UCC academics, recalling his time in Cape Coast in 1976. He acknowledged that his political consciousness and patriotism were shaped by the ideals and dreams of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, which he had devoted his life to upholding. Mr Pratt expressed optimism that the dream of a united Africa under the banner of scientific socialism would eventually be achieved. He emphasized the role of tertiary institutions in changing society, arguing that universities should not merely collect and transfer ideas but play an active role in shaping the future.
Prof Denis Worlanyo Aheto, Vice Chancellor of UCC, lauded Mr Pratt for his commitment to African emancipation and Pan-Africanism. He noted that Mr Pratt's consistency in advancing these ideals through public discourse had earned him the honor. Prof Aheto congratulated Mr Pratt on his award and urged him to continue championing his cause. He also reflected on Mr Pratt's two-day lectures, indicating that they enriched intellectual discourse and provided compelling reflections on the relevance and legacy of Kwame Nkrumah's ideas.
Prof Aheto announced that UCC had signed an MoU with GSC Property Investment Limited for the development of a 28,000-bed student accommodation project, estimated at US$500 million. He also announced the launch of the UCC e-Campus, which had attracted strong patronage within a month. The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the school's commitment to using its platforms to promote economic independence, self-reliance, and sustainable development in Africa, as espoused by Dr Kwame Nkrumah and reiterated by Mr Pratt in his lectures.
The UCC Vice Chancellor emphasized the university's evolution from merely training Ghana's teaching workforce to expanding its programs in response to national aspirations and global trends. He assured that UCC would strengthen digital governance and Pan-African engagements by pursuing greater decentralization, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its administration. The ceremony celebrated Mr Pratt's achievements and the university's commitment to academic leadership and social responsibility.
Key points
- The University of Cape Coast confers an honorary Doctor of Letters on Kwesi Pratt Jnr for his contributions to national development and service to humanity.
- Mr Pratt's honorary degree recognizes his decades of professional practice as a journalist and his commitment to press freedom and the Pan-African agenda.
- The ceremony was part of the University's 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lecture series, where Mr Pratt was the guest speaker.
