TRIBUTE TO THE LATE EMERITUS PROFESSOR EBENEZER LAING
FROM LEGON HALL

Emeritus Professor Ebenezer Laing’s history at the University of Ghana will not be complete without recounting his relationship with Legon Hall, the hall he loved so much.

He was admitted to the University College of Gold Coast, now the University of Ghana as an undergraduate student and graduated with First Class honours degree in Botany in 1954. He was one of the first students to be accommodated in Legon Hall in 1952, with the late Mr George Smith the first Registrar of the University as the Hall Master. Emeritus Professor Laing was one of the participants of the ‘No Abinchi no Hallelujah’ demonstration against the Hall administration for the delay in the completion of the dining hall ahead of the hall chapel. Emeritus Professor Laing returned to his alma mater after completing his Ph.D degree at Cambridge University in 1958 to assume a lectureship position at the Department of Botany. On the 11th February 1958, he was made a fellow of Legon Hall, then an all-male hall and that was the beginning of Emeritus Professor Laing’s association with Legon Hall. During his association with the Premier Hall, he performed duties as a Tutor, Choir master, Senior Tutor, President of the Senior Common Room and Hall Master.

Most of the current fellows of the hall did not experience the young Ebenezer Laing’s life in those years, but if what we witnessed later from the 70’s and 80’s is anything to go by, we could imagine a young fellow full of life and humour, always in constant touch with his tutorial students. He would not hold back his constant encouragement to students not only to study hard but to experience the university’s social life. He was known for frequently inviting his Botany students to the Legon Hall Senior Common Room for refreshments, and his characteristic laughter still rings in our ears. Emeritus Professor Laing was a kind and sociable fellow to whom age was no barrier.

On 1st October 1973 he assumed office as the 4th Master of Legon Hall but gave up the position in 1975 for other university appointments as Dean of the Faculty of Science and later the Pro-Vice Chancellor. During his tenure as Master, and Chairman of the Hall Council he was noted for his democratic way of dealing with issues. He would at all times go round the table for individual opinion before leading the meeting to take a decision. Even when Professor Laing disagreed, he would methodically state his case often with a smile. No angry words.

He loved nature, always carrying around his neck his camera, and at times surprising you with pictures he took of you unknowingly at occasions. That was the ‘Paparazzi’ for you.

The Laing Family has lost a good man. Legon Hall has lost a good Fellow and a human library. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and the Legon Hall fraternity.

Prof, May the Lord grant you eternal rest from your labours.