The University of Ghana Alumni Association (UGAA) in partnership with the University of Ghana has officially commissioned the Alex A. Dadey Centre at the University of Ghana, Legon, in honour of the late Dr. Alexander Apau Dadey Snr., an eminent scholar, educational administrator and statesman whose life was dedicated to education, public service and mentorship.
The commissioning ceremony, held on October 23, 2026, on the University campus, brought together leadership of the University, the Alumni Association, members of the Dadey family, corporate executives and distinguished personalities from academia.
Dr. Dadey Snr., father of Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, Founder and Executive Chairman of KGL Group of Companies, was celebrated for his profound contributions to Ghana’s educational development and national life.
A Legacy of Service to University of Ghana
Delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, described Dr. Dadey Snr. as one of the University’s most distinguished products and longest-serving Council members.
She noted that Dr. Dadey Snr. was not only an alumnus of the University of Ghana but also benefited directly from the mentorship of the legendary Prof. Alexander Kwapong, former Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Prof. Amfo revealed that Dr. Dadey Snr. served on the University of Ghana Council from 1978 to 1985, a period marked by critical reforms and governance, cementing his legacy as one of the longest-serving members in the University’s history.
Beyond the University, Dr. Dadey Snr. distinguished himself as a towering figure in Ghana’s pre-tertiary education sector. He served as National Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for five years and as President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for six years.
He also served with distinction as Headmaster of two of Ghana’s most prestigious second-cycle institutions – Achimota Senior High School and Okuapeman Senior High School – where he shaped generations of leaders.
“My Father Believed In Integrity Over Wealth” – Alex Dadey Jnr.
Paying an emotional tribute to his late father, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey described Dr. Dadey Snr. as a man of extraordinary discipline, integrity, humility, intellectual curiosity and unwavering commitment to public service.
“My father was a man who believed that education was not merely a pathway to personal success but an instrument for transforming individuals, society and national development in Ghana and across Africa,” Mr. Dadey said.
He added that growing up under his father’s guidance taught him that the true measure of success is not in wealth accumulated but in lives positively impacted and institutions strengthened.
“My father taught us that a good name is worth more than material possessions and that the greatest legacy is what remains long after we are gone,” the KGL Group Chairman noted.
Philosophy of Giving Back
Touching on the Dadey family’s philosophy of wealth creation and distribution, Mr. Dadey stressed that the family believes in a moral responsibility to give back to society and to the institutions that nurtured them.
“As a family, we believe in a moral responsibility to give back to society and the institutions that nurtured us, shaped our character, and provided the foundations for our success,” he stated.
According to him, the establishment of the KGL Foundation was anchored on this principle and the family tradition started by Dr. Dadey Snr.
“Wealth creation and wealth distribution are two sides of the same coin. We cannot celebrate the accumulation of private wealth without recognising the need to reinvest in the communities and institutions that make our success possible,” he emphasized.
He added: “A truly successful business must create wealth for its shareholders, opportunities for its employees, and lasting prosperity for the communities in which it operates.”
KGL Foundation Takes Over Centre for 20 Years
To ensure sustainability, the KGL Foundation announced it will assume full responsibility for funding, maintaining and managing the Alex A. Dadey Centre for the next 20 years.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amfo, together with the leadership of the Alumni Association and Mr. Alex Dadey, officially unveiled the plaque to commission the centre.
More Legacy Projects Coming
The commissioning of the Alex A. Dadey Centre is part of a series of legacy projects being undertaken by the KGL Foundation between October and November 2026 in honour of Dr. Dadey Snr.’s commitment to education and national development.
Among them are an ultra-modern, fully equipped 250-capacity Technology Centre at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, a multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art Sports Complex for Mfantsipim Senior High School in Cape Coast, and a multimillion-dollar ultra-modern Diagnostic Centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
Additionally, in partnership with the Eve Medical Foundation, the KGL Foundation has established the KGL Eve Medical Centre at the KNUST Medical Village in Kumasi, which specialises in women’s wellness, mental health and general medical services.
Beyond infrastructure, the Foundation has been a key financial supporter of Ghana’s national football teams, juvenile football, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and has provided scholarships to thousands of students across the country.
Dignitaries present praised the Dadey family for institutionalising philanthropy and transforming enterprise success into lasting socio-economic impact for Ghana.
