Accra, Oct 1, GNA - Nana Oyeeman Wireko Ampem, Chancellor of the University of Ghana-Legon, says this year has been a particularly difficult one for the institution, especially because of allegations of examination malpractices.

He said it was therefore, the responsibility of the University to put in every effort to restore its dented image.

In a speech read on his behalf at a send-off party for retired employees of the University, the Chancellor said one most embarrassing aspect of the case was utterances by some senior members of the University, which did not auger well for its image. Nana Ampem observed that it was most unfortunate that some senior members had resorted to letting out their grievances through tabloids and some sections of the media, which only served to put the University in the light of ridicule.

He advised the retired staff to do what they could in their own way to help rebuild the University's image and gave the assurance that stringent measures would be put in place to prevent the recurrence of such a situation.

Professor Cliff Tagoe, Acting Vice Chancellor, observed that retirement could be a period of either great joy or sorrow, depending on how well one prepared for it.

He said it was in that light that the University had, over the past couple of years been organising seminars to prepare members of staff for retirement, adding that such seminars would soon be extended to all categories of staff.

Professor Tagoe noted that over the years there had been cordial relations between the various staff groupings at the University and said though the it's conditions of service were of great lament, it was a relief that young people continued to show interest in building their careers there.

"I urge members of the University community to identify and nurture such up and coming people, for it is in their hands that the future of the University of Ghana lies," he said.

Professor Irene Odotei, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, encouraged the retired staff not to feel as though the world had come to an end. She said retirement could also come with its own blessings and new discoveries and expressed her appreciation to the University for the honour done them.

Certificates and awards were presented to the retirees who consisted of 27 senior members, 25 senior staff and 33 junior staff.