Webster University Ghana Hosts Second Annual HAEC Pan-African Student Summit

Webster University Ghana hosted its second annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities African Education Coalition (HAEC) Pan-African Student Summit. The Pan-African Student Summit brought together students from various campuses, including Webster University Ghana, Ashesi University, Lancaster University Ghana, Radford University College, the African University College of Communication, the University of Ghana and students from various HBCUs. 

The Summit focused on three themes: social impact entrepreneurship, the role of women in impacting the social and economic welfare of African communities and the important ties that exist between Africa and its Diaspora. Three student-led panel discussions took place, each of which focused on a main theme. The panels gave attendees the opportunity to learn about the topics, share knowledge and brainstorm how to practically approach these issues.  

Webster University Ghana Campus Director, Christa Sanders, explained that the summit is an example of Webster Ghana’s culture of diversity.  

''Our students are fully committed to programs which encourage a diversity of opinions, specifically the African Diaspora to discuss various perspectives of Pan-Africanism,” Sanders said. 

Campus Director Christa Sanders speaks at the Summit.

On African Union Day, a special ceremony took place as part of the Summit. Several guest speakers shared their thoughts with attendees.

''One thing I want you to take with you today is that we are stronger together,” said Rachel Victoria Brown, a lecturer from the Unimac Ghana Institute of Journalism. “While we have our own identities, independence, cultures and customs, we must recognize the strengths within us. Our diversity doesn’t mean that we are separate, it simply means that we are different.'' 
Gyekye Tanoh, a lecturer and researcher at the Centre for Regional Integration in Africa, highlighted some critical questions and realities about the economic stability liberation, and transformation of Africa.  

''If we stand tall to our full heights as Africans, it is not to show that we have the same power as others, but it is to reform power, make it more accountable, democratic and build a new world,'' said Tanoh. 

Ernest Justice Ampong, administrator of diaspora affairs from the Office of the President of Ghana, along with Javaune Adams-Gaston, the president of Norfolk State University, attended the ceremony.  

Sanders gave special thanks to the HAEC board for a thought-provoking and well-organized conference, as well as Mark Anthony Brinkley, director of international education at Tennessee State University and Beverly Booker Amaah, executive director of 3GC Inc. and HAEC Corp. and associate professor at Hampton University, for their support. 

Academic Director Linda Deigh presents Elyon Amoako with a certificate for being a panelist at the Pan African Student Summit. 

As a founding partner of HAEC and the only non-HBCU partner in Ghana, Webster University is proud to continue its involvement and collaboration with HBCUs on this landmark summit and initiative. The summit was sponsored by Webster University Ghana, the Office of Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President of Ghana and 3GC, Inc.