On 20th, November 2010, the Ashesi University Council hosted the first Ubora Awards, celebrating the spirit of Ashesi on campus. Hosted at the magnificent Golden Lily Banquet Hall, students, faculty and special guests packed to room dressed in their best.
The night began with a performance by The Noyam Dance Institute. They danced to the inspiring tune, Osibisa, mixing contemporary choreography with traditional African dance movements.
The dance performance was followed by a short speech by ASC (Ashesi Student Council) Outgoing President, Melvin Akaba. In his speech, he explained the reason behind the chosen word, Ubora. Ubora is a Swahili word which embodies the core values of this institution; scholarship, leadership and citizenship. The countdown to the awards was met with ‘chants’ of ‘Ubora, ubora, ubora’. The event was inaugurated by Geneva Musau, the Human Resource director for Barclays Ghana and guest of honor.
The Ubora Awards were launched to honor students and faculty who help improve campus culture and best represent values expressed in Ashesi's mission. Award categories and deserving winners were:
Male Sports Award: Ahmed Mougrahbi (2012)- Female Sports Award: Maureen Biney (2012)
- Student Initiative :Steven Odartefio (2012)
- Community Participation: Phoebe Acolatse (2011)
- Most Popular Female: Phoebe Acolatse
- Most Vibrant Class :2012
- Outstanding Faculty: Dr. Esi Ansah
- Outstanding Staff: Mavis Jamena
- Most Inspiring Faculty: Dr. Esi Ansah
- Student Personality : Afua Biney
- Friendliest Student: Ebenezer Buckman
- Most Popular Male: Ebenezer Buckman
- Most Fashionable Female: Yvette Bawuah
- Most Fashionable Male: Jeffery Aboagye
- Funniest Student: Kwabena Yankyera
- Funniest Lecturer: Mr. Andrew Nunekpeku
Highlights from the night included a funny joke by lecturer, Mr. Andrew Nunekpeku, which broke the ice and lit up the room; a splendid ballet performance by Laureta Evans Anfom (2014); and Sir Young and his band, who jazzed up the night and had people tapping their feet to the music.
Ashesi President, Dr. Patrick Awuah was presented with an award for making quality education possible in Ghana. The award was a painting with Adinkra symbols which represented the core pillars of Ashesi.
Other awards for the night were the best dressed male (Edward Sakyi Opoku) and female (Awo Sika Awua-Asamoa).