The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee of the Sankana Kalibi Ganlaa Festival 2026, under the distinguished patronage of the Paramount Chief of Sankana, Naa Pagraninge Saakoe Mornah III, on April 24, 2026, hosted a thought-provoking Public Lecture delivered by renowned Kenyan lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba. Speaking on the theme, “The Role of the People in Ghana’s Democracy: Reality or Illusion,” Professor Lumumba asserted that Ghana’s democracy is “a reality, not an illusion,” citing the country’s consistent record of peaceful transitions of power, strengthening democratic institutions, and active civic participation as clear indicators of progress. He acknowledged existing challenges but emphasised that democracy remains a continuous process that demands vigilance, responsibility, and the active engagement of citizens in safeguarding and advancing its gains.
The Speaker addressed challenged Ghanaians to deepen their understanding of democracy beyond periodic elections, stressing that true democracy demands accountability, ethical leadership, and an informed citizenry. He highlighted the need for citizens to hold leaders accountable while also demonstrating integrity in their own roles within society. He further called for a Pan-African approach to governance and development, urging African nations to harness their collective strengths in building resilient democratic systems.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UBIDS, Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, underscored the significance of the lecture, describing it as timely and relevant to Ghana’s democratic journey. He emphasised that UBIDS is committed to creating platforms that stimulate critical thinking, informed debate, and transformative leadership across Africa.
The lecture attracted a distinguished audience, including members of academia, policymakers, traditional authorities, and students. The event did not only enrich intellectual discourse but also reinforced UBIDS’ growing reputation as a centre for policy dialogue and critical engagement on governance and development issues. The University continues to position itself as a hub for ideas that inspire innovation, leadership, and sustainable development across the continent.
Professor Lumuba has since departed from Wa on Sunday, April 26. In brief remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Derbile, who was at the Wa airport to bid a farewell to the renowned Kenyan legal luminary, noted that Professor Lumuba’s lecture had been intellectually impactful as it enriched the university community and other participants with knowledge not only on governance in Ghana, but also on Pan-Africanism.
Professor Derbile expressed the hope that there would be a sustained collaboration between Professor Lumuba and UBIDS towards enhancing the image of the university as a hub of transformative thinking on development and governance.
Also at the airport to see off the Guest Speaker, was Mr. Bernard Mornah, who is a member of the Sankana Royal Family and who had also played a key facilitative role in organizing the public lecture, alongside members of the University’s management team.