TRIBUTE TO
Prof. (Mrs.) Anna Reynolds Barnes
by the Department of Animal Science
University of Ghana, Legon
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” Romans 4:18 (NIV).
 
Prof. Anna Reynolds Barnes was a student of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ghana from 1967 to 1970 where she obtained her B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture degree with a major in Animal Science.  Being one of the best students in her class the Department readily recommended her for a Research Assistant position during the 1970/1971 academic year. She was then awarded a scholarship to undertake the M.Sc. (Meat Science) degree at Cornell University which she completed in 1972. On her return to Ghana she was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Animal Science and later a Lecturer in May 1974. Prof Barnes was promoted Senior Lecturer in January 1986 and again promoted as Associate Professor in August 1999.  She retired at the statutory age of 60 on 1st August 2005 and was re-engaged on post-retirement contract for a decade.  Thereafter, Prof. Barnes served further three years on part-time basis. 
 
Prof. Anna Reynolds Barnes served in many important administrative positions at the University of Ghana and contributed in no small way to the development of our great Department and institution. On a number of occasions between October 1984 and December 1990 she served as Acting Head of the Department of Animal Science, later becoming the substantive Head from December 1996 to September 1999.  She was appointed Dean of the then Faculty of Agriculture from 2002 to 2005 and subsequently appointed as the first Acting Provost of the then College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences from 2005 to 2006 and during this period she also doubled for a while as the Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor.   Throughout her period of active service, Prof. Barnes trained many animal scientists and encouraged many graduates to enter into meat processing. She was for many years in charge of the Cameron Meat Laboratory which was a teaching and training laboratory as well as a commercial platform for selling various meat and meat products to customers within the University and the general public. Indeed, she is credited with formulating and introducing a brand of sausages known as Legonfurters to the University community. She will also be remembered for her active role in promoting the consumption of pork nationally and her instrumentality in helping to organise the first “Pork Show 1986” in Accra in which the Department actively participated and won a prize.
 
Auntie Anna, as she was called by her closest friends, was a mother, teacher and mentor to colleagues and students alike. She was very easy to approach and the first person anyone with a challenge would approach for counselling. She was passionate about the courses she taught, namely, Swine Production and Meat Science. Contrary to popular belief, she taught students and the public that the pig is never a dirty animal but rather those farmers who fail to provide the basic minimum in terms of housing and feeding are dirty. Her mastery of the different cuts of pork and the different meat products into which they can be made was simply amazing but most importantly her attention to detail, courtesy and great sense of humour will never be lost on us.
 
We are very grateful for the diverse roles Prof. Barnes played to enhance the fortunes of the University of Ghana, the Ghana Society of Animal Production (GSAP) and the Animal Industry in Ghana. Our deepest condolences to all family members particularly Mr. Barnes and the children. We firmly believe that Auntie Anna is having a well-deserved rest in the Lord and we shall surely meet again.
 
Fare Thee Well, Prof! Damirifa Due!! Rest in Peace!!!