Seventy-one workers of University of Cape Coast (UCC), who retired this year were on Wednesday awarded for their immense contribution and dedication towards the success of the University.

The awards were given in the form of citations, cash and consumer items to 20 senior members including the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Registrar, Dr Issac Ohene.

Thirty Senior Staff and 21 Junior Staff were also awarded. The workers served between seven and 44 years.

The items they received included king-size beds, 29-inch flat screen TV, freezers, and living-room furniture.

Prof Domwini Kuupole, Vice Chancellor, in a speech read on his behalf asked the pensioners to bring their suggestions and ideas on board to develop the University.

He said the occasion was an opportunity for those in active service to ponder over their relationship with the institution, which has been their source of livelihood over the years.

Prof Kuupole urged the staff to demonstrate good values and virtues of loyalty, trustworthiness, commitment and hard work so that they can push the University to be the desired world of acclaimed centre of excellence.

Prof Joseph Ghartey Appiah, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor paid tribute to the retirees for their dedication and hard work.

He said an office would be established for them to bring their expertise to bear on the University.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang on behalf of her colleagues expressed gratitude to UCC for recognising their efforts and urged the staff to put in their best efforts in other to propel the growth of the institution to a higher level.