KNUST School of Public Health Honours Outgoing Dean and Staff
The School of Public Health at KNUST has honoured its outgoing Dean, Professor Samuel Kofi Tekyi Newton, and former Dean and past Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, alongside other distinguished faculty and staff, in a heartfelt ceremony celebrating their leadership, service, and enduring impact on the School’s growth and legacy.
The event brought together faculty, staff, and management in a celebration marked by tributes, reflections, and musical interludes. The ceremony recognised years of leadership and academic excellence that have significantly shaped the school’s trajectory.
Professor Samuel Newton, who served as Dean from 2020 to 2024, was applauded for his distinguished service. Under his tenure, the school expanded its academic programmes and deepened international collaborations.
Expressing his appreciation, he noted: “I’ve received a lot of support from all of you, and I’m so happy with the support I’ve received.” He further assured the school of his ongoing commitment to help complete the school’s new building project.
Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, who also served as Dean and immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST and a long-standing supporter of the school, was also honoured for his commitment and support.
He commended the Provost of the College of Health Sciences and the Dean for their leadership and collaborative spirit in advancing the school.
He also paid tribute to the school’s founding figures, including Prof. Easmon Otupiri, Prof. Peter Agyei-Baffour, and Prof. Anthony Kwaku Adusei, stating: “We need to celebrate them while they are around.”
Reflecting on the School’s journey, he remarked: “We have taken the effort of many who have gone ahead of us, who laid the foundation for community medicine and practice in our School, and it has blossomed into what we are seeing today.”
He called on members of the school to remain united and forward-looking. “We are growing, and when we grow, we should not forget our roots and the people who made this happen... The only way we can project as a School is to come together, work hard, set goals ahead of us, and together, we will shine,” he said.
As the School marks its 10th anniversary this year, Prof. Owusu-Dabo expressed hope that the milestone would help redefine its focus.
“There is work ahead of us. We are only ten years old this year as a School, and I hope this anniversary will help us move in the direction we want to become a School of excellence.”
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare, commended the school’s contributions to research, grant-winning, and graduate training. He also expressed appreciation to Professors Newton and Owusu-Dabo for their dedication and assured them of the College’s commitment to the completion of the new building.
Long-serving administrative staff were also recognised, including Mrs. Faustina Nkegbe, former Chief Administrative Assistant in the Dean’s Office. Each honouree received a citation and a gift as tokens of appreciation.
The ceremony concluded with a reception, where attendees shared fond memories and well wishes in honour of the outgoing leaders and staff.
