The history behind the name “The University of Ghana”, Akuffo Addo’s renaming quest and the dangers: Build a university in Kyebi and name it after JB Danquah – Johnnie Bite

Following the plans and pronouncements by President Akufo Addo to rename the University of Ghana after his uncle JB Danquah, Ghanaians have reacted and called on the president to focus on solving the worrying economic crisis his government has plunged the country into.

In this article, we have a look at the advice from Johnnie Bite of TV3, the history of the name “University of Ghana, and the dangers of renaming national assets after politicians in a democratic society.

On social media, one of the questions that has been asked is whether the President’s quest to rename the University of Ghana will solve the problems he has led the nation into.

Others have called on the president to forget about that attempt and concentrate on serious national issues. Another cross-section of Ghanaians have challenged the President to build a university from scratch and name it after his uncle.

Johnnie Bite of TV3 has added his voice to the call. In a video sighted by Ghana Education News, the journalist had this to say.

“As for this one, we beg you. As for this particular one, you have renamed plenty things, we peg you, as for this one please, leave it the way it is. When you are able to build a university around Kyebi, you can name it after JB Danquah and nobody will come after you. But as for this one, our Legon, please we beg you, leave it the way it is….Because Legon (University of Ghana) has its own uniqueness. As for this renaming ceremony, we beg you.”

“Mr. President, What we can do is, we can make a suggestion to you to name the yet-to-be-completed National Cathedral after JB Danquah as JB Danquah National Cathedral. He added that Ghanaians will not be angry with President Akufo Addo should he do this. Johnnie Bite further stressed the need for the President to leave the University of Ghana alone.”

No new name for this national asset will make sense whether it is JB Danquah University or JB Danquah University of Ghana. This is not needed and will lead to a waste of resources. For instance, all properties of the university have to be rebranded. The renaming of the University of Ghana must not see the day of light because so much is wrong with it. The financial, administrative, marketing, and process costs of renaming the University of Ghana are going to be huge and complex, as well as the specific changes that need to be made. Some of the costs that may be incurred have been outlined here and they can be avoided and the resources channeled into other useful ventures.

Financial costs:

• Legal fees: To ensure that the renaming process is done legally and complies with all applicable regulations.
• Design and printing costs: For new signage, stationery, and other materials that will need to be updated with the new name.
• Marketing and advertising costs: To promote the new name to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community.
• Technology costs: To update the university’s website, online platforms, and other digital systems with the new name.
• Miscellaneous costs: For things like printing new diplomas, updating records, and relocating physical assets.

Administrative costs:

• Time and effort of staff: To research and develop a new name, coordinate the renaming process, and manage the associated logistics.
• Meetings and consultations: To gather input from stakeholders and ensure that everyone is on board with the change.
• Approvals: To get approval from the university’s governing body, as well as any other relevant authorities.

Marketing costs:

• Creation of a marketing plan: To develop a strategy for promoting the new name to the university’s target audience.
• Advertising and public relations: To run ads, generate media coverage, and otherwise raise awareness of the name change.
• Outreach to stakeholders: To keep stakeholders updated on the renaming process and solicit their feedback.

Process costs:

• Change management: To develop a plan for managing the transition to the new name, including updating systems, procedures, and documentation.
• Training: To train staff and students on the new name and its usage.
• Communication: To communicate the name change to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.

The total cost of renaming a university can be significant, but it is important to weigh the costs against the benefits. If the renaming is done well, it can help to improve the university’s branding, reputation, and visibility.

Here are some additional things to consider when evaluating the cost of renaming a university:

• The size and complexity of the university: Larger universities with more assets and stakeholders will typically incur higher costs.
• The specific changes that need to be made: The more extensive the changes, the higher the costs.
• The timing of the renaming: Renaming a university during a time of transition or upheaval can be more costly.
• The availability of funding: If the university has limited funding, it may need to find creative ways to reduce the costs of the renaming process.

Dangers of renaming national assets after politicians

Renaming national assets with politicians in a democratic country can have a number of dangers, including:

• Erosion of public trust: When politicians rename national assets after themselves or other politicians in their circles, it can erode public trust in the government. This is because it can be seen as a way for politicians to use their power for personal gain, rather than for the benefit of the public.

• Distraction from important issues: Renaming national assets can be a distraction from important issues facing the country. This is because it can lead to unnecessary debate and controversy, which can take attention away from more pressing matters.

• Inflation of egos: Renaming national assets after politicians can inflate their egos and make them believe that they are more important than they actually are. This can lead to a culture of entitlement and arrogance, which can be harmful to democracy.

• Establishment of a cult of personality: Renaming national assets after politicians can lead to the establishment of a cult of personality around them. This can be dangerous because it can give politicians too much power and influence, and can make it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions.

• Erases history: When national assets are renamed after politicians, it can erase the history of those assets. This is because it can make it difficult to remember who built or created those assets, and what they represent.

In a democratic country, it is important to ensure that national assets are not renamed after politicians. This is because it is important to maintain public trust in the government, to focus on important issues, to avoid inflating egos, to prevent the establishment of a cult of personality, and to preserve history. The renaming of the University of Ghana must not see the day of light because so much is wrong with it.

The history behind the name the University of Ghana?