The School of Languages in collaboration with the Language Centre has recently held its second biennial conference on the theme; “Proverbs across Cultures; Perspectives from Linguistics, Language and Literature. Delivering the opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, indicated that the conference was in line with the university’s strategic plan to become a research-intensive University.

Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, giving the opening remarks.

 The Provost,in his remarks,lauded the collaboration between School of Languages and the Language Centre.He was happy that units within the college would collaborate rather than compete for a common objective.

In her welcome address, the Dean, Professor Nana Aba Amfo mentioned that the biennial conference organized by the School of Languages and Language Centre creates a platform for reporting on research activities within the school, as well as provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with academics outside of the school and the university.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Dean of the School of Languages, giving the welcome address.

 Professor Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in charge of tertiary education, in his official opening address, hinted that this year’s theme was quite relevant since proverbs, even when they have outlived their century, are still vital.

Professor Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education.

 The keynote speaker Professor Dominica Dipio from Makerere University in Uganda spoke on “African Motherhood Proverbs and Worldview, Feminist and Matriarchal Perspective”. She grouped matriarchal proverbs under various sub-headings such as appreciative, depreciative, consolatory, shared lots, valuing of boys over girls, boomerang effects on the men, motherhood as well as motherhood and food production. She further addressed the issue of gender equity and equality as well as non-discrimination along gender lines. She concluded by noting that the non- conflictual properties that matriarchy represents is best for use in our society.

Professor Dominica Dipio, Makerere University, Uganda, delivering the keynote address.

 Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, CEO of Salt and Light Ministries, was present to launch the School of Languages cloth, which was the highlight of the event. She was assisted by the Dean of the School and Professor Francis Dodoo the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Office of Research, Innovation and Development.

The launch of the School of Languages cloth by Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee (middle) assisted by Professor Francis Dodoo the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Office of Research, Innovation and Development (left) and Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo (right).

The conference also featured a colloquium on the theme ‘Sanitizing public discourse in contemporary societies: The Role of Proverbs’. The well experienced panel for the colloquium consisted of Professor Kofi Agyekum, Acting Dean of the School of Performing Arts; Professor Gbemisola Adeoti, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, Director, Centre for European Studies; Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, CEO of Salt and Light Ministries and Ms. Afia Pokuaa News Editor, Adom FM. The panel discussion was moderated by Bernard Avle of Citi FM.

The panel agreed that the use of intemperate language in the media is fueled by a disregard of our cultural values and the quest for monetary gain. They suggested that the School of Languages could design courses to train broadcast media practitioners in the Ghanaian language.

Group photograph of some dignitaries present at the opening ceremony.