The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) on Thursday, November 13, 2025, held a colourful and emotive farewell ceremony in honour of the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Maher Kheir, whose seven-year tenure has been marked by friendship, cultural exchange, and unwavering support for education in Ghana.
The ceremony, which took place at the UniMAC South Legon Campus and was professionally moderated by Nana Efua Rockson, Director of Public Affairs, brought together university management, faculty, students, and beneficiaries of the Lebanese Community Scholarship Programme to celebrate the Ambassador’s impactful contributions to Ghana’s educational landscape.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, expressed the University’s deep appreciation to Ambassador Kheir for his dedication to empowering Ghanaian youth through education. He praised the Lebanese Embassy’s long-standing partnership with UniMAC, noting that the scholarship initiative has changed lives and strengthened the bridge between Ghana and Lebanon. Over three hundred (300) students have benefited from the scholarship programme so far and that is commendable, he said.
As part of the ceremony, several symbolic gifts were presented to the Ambassador in recognition of his service and commitment to UniMAC. Prof. Opoku Mensah presented a citation to the Ambassador. The citation noted, among other things, that, “under your leadership, the Lebanese Embassy has expanded its flagship educational scholarship programmes to cover students in disciplines such as public relations, languages, performing arts, film and television, and translation at UniMAC. Today, UniMAC has fifty-nine (59) students benefiting from scholarships from the Lebanese Embassy. Additionally, you have contributed to thought leadership by bringing experts to deliver lectures that interrogated modern communication concepts and shape academic thinking and research.”
Prof. Winston Kwame Abroampa, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, presented a plaque on behalf of the University to the Ambassador and Dr. Obaapanin Oforiwaa Adu, the Acting Registrar, presented a traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth, a gesture symbolising cultural unity and appreciation.
The Rectors of UniMAC’s Institutes, Prof. Cecilia Addei of the Institute of Languages and Prof. Samuel Manasseh Yirenkyi of the Institute of Film and Television, also presented souvenirs on behalf of the University.
It was a solemn moment of reflections when one of the scholarship beneficiaries, Mr. Joseph Agbezuke, moved the audience with his heartfelt story, sharing that he never imagined he would be selected for the Lebanese Scholarship Programme. “This scholarship carried me from my undergraduate studies all the way to my master’s degree,” he said. “It completely transformed my academic journey and my life. On behalf of all the scholarship beneficiaries, we say a big thank you for making our academic journey at UniMAC bearable.” His testimony captured the life-changing impact of the Lebanese support to Ghanaian students.
The Personal Assistant of His Excellency Maheir Kheir, who is also an alumna of UniMAC, Mr. Emmanuel Agorsor, was presented with a gift for the immense support he has been to the Ambassador and for maintaining the strategic communications and relationship between the Lebanese Embassy and UniMAC. The Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Benedine Azanu made the presentation on behalf of UniMAC
In his farewell remarks, His Excellency Maher Kheir expressed deep gratitude and affection to UniMAC and to Ghana, describing his years in the country as “seven unforgettable years of friendship and inspiration.” He noted that the collaboration between the Lebanese Embassy and UniMAC through the scholarship programme had been, “one of the most meaningful chapters of my diplomatic mission. It represents a shared belief that education is the most powerful bridge between nations — and the strongest investment we can make in the future,” he said.
Ambassador Kheir also commended UniMAC’s leadership and faculty for their professionalism and dedication to nurturing young minds. Addressing the students, he said, “keep dreaming, keep learning, and keep creating. You are the voices of truth and the storytellers of tomorrow. May you continue to inspire, to innovate, and to build bridges across cultures.”
The Ambassador reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Ghana in promoting education, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding. As a gesture of friendship, the Ambassador also presented a special gift to the Vice-Chancellor.
The event concluded with the cutting of a cake, a group photograph session, and a cocktail-style reception at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lounge.
The farewell ceremony held in honour of the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana was more than a goodbye — it was UniMAC’s celebration of a shared journey between two nations, united by education, culture, and humanity. As Ambassador Kheir aptly concluded, “Ghana and UniMAC will always remain in my heart — a land of warmth, resilience, and endless inspiration.”