The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Law School, honoured renowned lawyer and public servant Mr Tsatsu Tsikata at a special lecture and award ceremony held at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium. On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the event brought together distinguished figures from the Bench, academia and public life to celebrate his enduring contributions to Ghana’s constitutional development, governance and public service.
Delivering the welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, described the occasion as a deliberate effort to recognise individuals whose work has helped shape the nation’s institutional and democratic foundations. He noted that the ceremony was not merely formal, but a moment of reflection on service, sacrifice and the often understated contributions that sustain society.
The ceremony highlighted Mr Tsikata’s distinguished career as an academic, legal practitioner and public servant. From his academic excellence at the University of Ghana to further studies at Oxford University, he has demonstrated intellectual depth, discipline and a sustained commitment to the rule of law. His tenure at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was particularly acknowledged for helping to lay important institutional and policy foundations in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
The Dean of the UPSA Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, underscored the wider significance of Mr Tsikata’s legacy for legal education. He emphasised that legal education must go beyond technical competence to produce ethical leaders committed to justice and national development, and urged students to embrace discipline, intellectual rigour and a strong sense of responsibility.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie also spoke on the importance of integrity and judicial independence. He noted that an independent judiciary remains the bedrock of justice and a vital safeguard of democratic governance, while commending Mr Tsikata for his principled contributions to legal thought and national discourse.
In her keynote address, the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, described Mr Tsikata as a symbol of excellence, resilience and national service. She stressed that the role of lawyers extends beyond the technical application of the law, noting that they are also architects of justice and builders of institutions. She further highlighted the importance of education, mentorship and purpose-driven service in national development.
A member of the Council of State, Ms Betty Mould-Iddrisu, also paid tribute to Mr Tsikata, describing him as a figure of resilience and integrity. She observed that the legal profession demands courage, discipline and an unwavering commitment to justice, adding that his life and career offer an enduring source of inspiration to future generations.
In his response, Mr Tsatsu Tsikata expressed gratitude for the honour and reflected on a lifelong journey shaped by scholarship, service and resilience. He emphasised that meaningful education must be anchored in strong institutions, and that legal training should inspire critical thinking about justice, governance and national responsibility.
He also acknowledged the role of mentorship, family and personal experience in shaping his path, while stressing the need to uphold justice, fairness and integrity at all times. He urged lawyers, judges and students to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law, noting that the legal system must always serve as an instrument of justice.
The event was a fitting tribute to a distinguished Ghanaian whose life’s work continues to influence the country’s legal landscape and inspire a new generation of leaders.
