Did you know that the Mensah Sarbah Hall Mosque is part of a larger residential complex at the University of Ghana? Mensah Sarbah Hall itself is named after John Mensah Sarbah. He was a patriot and statesman of the Gold Coast now known as Ghana. The hall stands as a tribute to his impact on national politics education and law.
Mensah Sarbah Hall opened in October 1963. It welcomed 246 students. Continuing students from Akuafo Commonwealth Legon and Volta Halls joined freshers. At the time it was called “United Nations”. It was the first mixed hall in the University. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Kojo Botsio commissioned it on December 19 1963. He represented President Kwame Nkrumah. Professor E.A. Boateng was the first Hall Master.
John Mensah Sarbah shaped Ghana’s political destiny. He led the opposition to the Lands Bill of 1897. He also created an Educational Endowment Fund for students in British West Africa. Naming the hall after him was a fitting memorial.
Mensah Sarbah Hall is the youngest of the University of Ghana’s five traditional halls. It consists of the main hall and Annexes A B C and D. The Vikings hostel is the newest addition. It provides more residential space. Rooms range from two to five students each. There are also special rooms for comfort and privacy.
Mensah Sarbah Hall is known as the Vikings Hall. It is affiliated with Katanga Hall in KNUST and CASFORD Hall of UCC. The motto is “Knowledge Honour Service”. The hall aims to support healthy life and academic success. It provides high-quality facilities and services. Mensah Sarbah Hall strives to be the preferred residence for students and guests.
Mensah Sarbah Hall has produced four Vice-Chancellors. Three served at the University of Ghana including the first female Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. One served at the University of Cape Coast.
Mensah Sarbah Hall has a rich sports history. The hall has won gold medals in various sports. About 40% of the University of Ghana’s sports team comes from Mensah Sarbah Hall. Many talented athletes have emerged from here including Olympian Benjamin Azamati.
In 1963 the University of Ghana honored John Mensah Sarbah by naming this hall after him. A statue of him stands in front of the hall. He is remembered as a true Viking for his country. He continues to inspire students today. Mensah Sarbah Hall remains a vibrant center of academic social and sporting life at the University of Ghana.