Unveiling the legacy: anticipating the second Right Honourable R S Blay Memorial Lecture

In the world of academia and intellectual discourse, memorial lectures hold a special place. They serve as a poignant reminder of influential figures who have left an ineradicable mark on society.

Such lectures commemorate the legacies of exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing knowledge, inspiring others and effecting positive change.

The anticipation surrounding an impending memorial lecture carries a sense of reverence, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and contributions of those who have shaped our intellectual landscape.

This piece delves into the significance of a memorial lecture slated for Friday 23 June 2023 to honour the late Right Honourable Justice Robert Samuel Blay.

The second Right Honourable R S Blay Memorial Lecture, which promises to be a testament to the profound impact of the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana in the First Republic, will take place in the main auditorium of Takoradi Technical University, starting at 10am prompt.

The lecture aims to commemorate the life and contribution of Blay, a celebrated barrister and judge who is mostly commonly referred to as the first Nzema lawyer.

UGCC co-founder

Right Honourable R S Blay, who became the first president of the Ghana Bar Association in 1957, is well known for the instrumental role he played in the lives of the people of Sekondi while representing them on the Legislative Council as their municipal member.

Not only was he a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) but played a pivotal role as UGCC vice-president.

Together with J B Danquah and the other executive members of the UGCC, he cabled the British secretary of state for the colonies to request an investigation into the causes of the 1948 riots and to transfer power to the leaders of the UGCC.

Deepening the legacy

Memorial lectures often feature esteemed speakers who share personal narratives, insights, and reflections on the life and accomplishments of the person honoured, offering a deeper understanding of their legacy.

Such lectures play a vital role in perpetuating the ideals and principles championed by the individuals honoured, inspiring future generations to carry the torch and continue their important work, which is why the second Right Honourable R S Blay Memorial Lecture will bring together scholars, researchers and admirers of Blay’s work from around the world.

The event is expected to feature an array of distinguished speakers, including Right Honourable Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament; E Mokowa Adu-Gyamfi, the former high commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone; and Reverend Professor John Frank Eshun, the vice-chancellor of Takoradi Technical University

We excitedly await an informative experience that will recognise the exceptional life and achievements of a visionary.

The event will help Ghanaians to gain a better understanding of Blay’s exceptional efforts and their lasting impact on our society.