The University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Law School paid tribute to Dr. Nana S.K.B Asante, the Paramount Chief of Asante Asokore, at a ceremonial lecture held at the university’s auditorium in Accra on Thursday, July 25.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating a Legacy of Service and Excellence’, the law school honored him with a Lifetime Achievement in Law Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the advancement of the legal profession in Ghana.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo; the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame; Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour; the Chancellor of UPSA; and the Dean of UPSA, among others.
In their addresses, the dignitaries highlighted the pivotal roles Dr. S.K.B. Asante has played in the growth and development of the country.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo emphasized the importance of documenting Dr. Asante’s contributions for future historians to ensure Ghana’s progress is accurately recorded.
She described Dr. S.K.B. Asante as a national hero, statesman, patriarch, administrator, academic, national and international civil servant, philosopher, and Omanhene.
“I have encountered different facets of Nana Dr SKB Asante’s life and work as a law student, lawyer, citizen, and member of the judiciary. I have long believed that Nana Dr. Asante’s place is within the volumes of the makers of Ghana’s civilisation.
“Should any historian oblige a waiting nation by continuing the narrative beyond the second edition of Prof Adu Boahen’s Topics in West African History, I believe that more than a chapter needs to be dedicated to Nana Dr SKB Asante.”
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, delivering a speech on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, highlighted the important role Nana Dr SKB Asante has played in Ghana’s legal system and his unblemished reputation.
“We celebrate a man whose life and work have been synonymous with integrity in public life, devotion to duty, and strong attachment to the rule of law.
“His industrious career in law, spanning several decades, has left a remarkable mark not only on the Ghanaian legal profession but also on the international legal system. His contributions have enriched our legal system, fostered a culture of excellence, and inspired a generation of legal practitioners.”
In his address as the honoree, Dr SKB Asante offered advice to the younger generation, urging them to respect the laws of the country.
He further indicated that while there is a need for a review of the constitution, such a review does not necessarily translate into curing all the ills that plague Ghana’s governance system.
“The constitution depends on human beings for its implementation, which may be flawed by human actors in the government system. I would go further to submit that a constitutional review will not necessarily cure all the ills in our governmental system, such as corruption, but by the inculcation of a culture of restraint and certain core democratic values.”
He was presented with a citation highlighting his unwavering dedication to the advancement of legal practice in the country.
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