The Presbyterian University Ghana has held its 19th Congregation and Graduation ceremony on Thursday, November 6, 2025 , at the RTC Auditorium in Abetifi – Kwahu on Thursday, November 6.
Delivering his Welcoming Address, Chancellor for the University, Most Rev. Dr. Nana Abraham Opare Kwakye acknowledged the efforts made by students as they take another academic and practical dimensions of their lives.
Most Rev. Dr. Nana Opare Kwakye used the opportunity and appealed to all political stakeholders and the citizenry to maintain peace and unity throughout the process.
“It is both a joy and a privilege to address you on this significant occasion in our university’s journey, as we gather here to confer degrees to our deserving graduands. Today is a day of pride and celebration for all of us, especially for the families and friends of the graduating class who are here to share in this accomplishment.
We are deeply grateful for the support and sacrifices you have made to ensure that your loved ones reach this important milestone.
This graduating class represents a group of remarkable individuals admitted into the University during one of the most challenging times in recent history.
They adjusted to new modes of learning, endured various restrictions, and adapted to a rapidly changing educational environment. Today, we celebrate not only their academic achievements but also their remarkable resilience.
The Importance of Congregation Ceremonies
Congregation ceremonies are among the most cherished traditions of any university. They represent the culmination of years of academic pursuit, personal growth, and the fostering of lifelong friendships. These ceremonies are also a reminder of the primary mission of higher education: to nurture knowledge, build character, and prepare young people to make impactful contributions to society.
In gathering here today, we uphold this tradition and celebrate each graduate’s readiness to contribute their knowledge and skills to a world that awaits them. The university’s role is not only to impart knowledge but to shape citizens who are ethically grounded, intellectually capable, and socially responsible. We do so because we believe that each of our graduates is a catalyst for positive change. As we formally open this ceremony and constitute the Assembly into a Congregation, we fulfill our mission as an institution, pledging our commitment to the development of human potential and the promotion of societal progress.
Words of Encouragement for Our Graduates
To our graduating students: this is your day, a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Today, you join a distinguished community of alumni who have walked these grounds, sat in these classrooms, and left here to make meaningful contributions to society.
As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, I urge you to hold fast to the values that Presbyterian University, Ghana has instilled in you. Remain curious, for it is curiosity that drives innovation and lifelong learning.
Be resilient, for resilience is the cornerstone of success, especially in an ever-changing world that will undoubtedly present both challenges and opportunities. And most importantly, lead with integrity. The world needs leaders who are not only skilled but also grounded in strong ethical principles.
I encourage you to view your degree not merely as a credential, but as a responsibility. You have gained knowledge, yes, but you have also been given the tools to contribute positively to the society around you. Whether you are entering the workforce, pursuing further studies, or venturing into entrepreneurship, remember that the true measure of success lies not only in personal achievement but in the impact you make in the lives of others. Seek to uplift those around you, serve with humility, and contribute to the greater good.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHANCELLOR AT THE 19TH CONGREGATION CEREMONY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY, GHANA
Chairman of the University Council
Distinguished Members of the University Council
Vice-Chancellor
Chairperson of the Kwahu Presbytery
Senior Management of the University
Members of Convocation
Nananom
Invited Guests
Proud Parents and Guardians,
Staff
Graduating Students
Ladies, and Gentlemen
It gives me great joy and honour to welcome you all to the 19th Congregation Ceremony of the Presbyterian University, Ghana. Congregation ceremonies are always special moments in the life of any university. Occasions when years of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice are crowned with success and joy. On behalf of the University Council and the entire Presbyterian University community, I extend a warm welcome to everyone gathered here to celebrate this significant milestone in the lives of our graduating students.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Commitment to Education
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has, since the arrival of the Basel Missionaries in 1828, played a pioneering role in the development of formal education in our country. The Church remains one of the greatest contributors to national development through its long-standing investment in education at all levels, from basic to tertiary.
The establishment of the Presbyterian University, Ghana forms part of this vision a continuation of the Church’s social service to humanity. At the core of the Presbyterian educational philosophy is the training of the Head, the Heart, and the Hand (the 3H principle). This holistic approach seeks to nurture individuals who are intellectually capable, morally upright, and practically skilled.
In Ghana, when we say someone is “Presbyterian Trained,” it speaks volumes it means the person is disciplined, hardworking, prudent, orderly, and self-reliant. These are the values that have shaped the graduates we are celebrating today. They have not only acquired academic knowledge but have also been moulded in character and integrity, ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
Strides in Expansion and Academic Growth
Today marks another proud moment in the history of our University as we graduate over 800 undergraduate students from twelve academic programmes the highest number recorded in almost eight years.
This growth reflects the steady progress of the University in fulfilling its mission and expanding its academic reach. I am also pleased to report that student enrolment continues to rise, with the 2024/2025 Academic Year recording a 39% increase in freshmen admissions. This is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the increasing public confidence in the quality of education and training we offer.
The University has further obtained accreditation for five new graduate programmes, namely:
M.Sc. Cyber Security
MBA Human Resource Management and Development
M.Sc. Organisational Leadership and Management
M.Sc. Strategic Management and Corporate Strategy
M.Sc. Project Planning and Management
These new programmes will not only enhance our academic portfolio but also equip our students with relevant skills for the modern job market.
In terms of infrastructure, the University has successfully completed two new lecture halls and a Skills Laboratory for the Midwifery Programme at the Asante Akyem Campus, which will soon be commissioned. These facilities will greatly enhance teaching and learning experiences for both students and staff.
Our Faculty of Law continues to make us proud. In the last three years, about 50 of our alumni have been called to the Ghana BAR. During the most recent Roll Call, over 20 of them were called, and about 40 students have successfully passed this year’s entrance examination to begin their professional law course. This is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the high academic standards and integrity that define this University.
The Journey and Challenges of Our Graduates
The path to graduation is never easy. Our graduates have had to balance academic work with personal responsibilities, sometimes under difficult circumstances. They have endured sleepless nights, tight deadlines, and other challenges — yet they persevered. Today, we celebrate not only their academic success but also their resilience, determination, and faith.
To our dear parents, guardians, sponsors, and families — we say a heartfelt thank you. Your sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers have made this day possible. To our dedicated lecturers and administrative staff, your commitment and hard work continue to uphold the University’s standards of excellence.
Words of Encouragement to the Graduates
Dear Graduands, as you prepare to step into the wider world, remember that your education here at the Presbyterian University, Ghana was not just about acquiring degrees it was about shaping your character, your values, and your purpose.
Let the core values of this University: Excellence, Integrity, Discipline, Commitment, and Faith in God, be your guiding principles wherever life takes you.
Our mission as a University is “to develop disciplined, principled and knowledgeable leaders who will transform society and consistently choose integrity, lead with purpose, and inspire others in doing what is right even under difficult circumstances.”
Carry this mission with you. The world out there is full of challenges, but also opportunities. Face them with courage. Stand for what is right, even when it is not popular. Lead with humility and serve with compassion. Be good ambassadors of the Presbyterian University, Ghana. People who reflect wisdom, honesty, and hard work.
Appeals for Institutional and National Support
Allow me to briefly highlight two important initiatives that require our collective support.
First, the “Kuntunse Project – 150K for 1K,” which aims to raise funds for the development of the Church’s Kuntunse Conference Center. This project represents the future expansion of our Church and will provide world class conference facility that serves as a beacon of hope, spiritual enrichment and community development. I therefore appeal to you all, our alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the University to generously support this initiative with your financial contributions and prayers. Let us rise up and build together to impact generations to come.
Second, as the Presbyterian Church of Ghana prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial Anniversary in 2028, we invite all Presbyterians and well-wishers to join in this historic celebration of 200 years of faith, service, and impact.
Finally, I make a passionate appeal to Government to extend stronger support to private universities in Ghana. Private universities complement the efforts of the public sector in human capital development. Support in the form of grants, tax reliefs, infrastructure assistance, and inclusion in national education funding mechanisms will greatly enhance the contribution of private universities to national development.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduands, let us also renew our shared commitment to the mission of this University, to produce disciplined, principled, and transformative leaders for Ghana and beyond.
To our dear graduands, I say once again, congratulations. May God’s grace continue to guide you. May your lives reflect the light of truth, service, and excellence that this University stands for. Go and make a difference in your families, your communities, and your nation.
Thank you, and may God bless the Presbyterian University, Ghana, and our beloved country.
CONSTITUTION OF ASSEMBLY
Nananom, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. By the authority conferred on me as the Chancellor of this University, I formally declare this Assembly duly constituted into a Congregation for the award of degrees to deserving students.
Welcome once again and thank you.
DISSOLUTION OF ASSEMBLY
Nananom, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to express my profound gratitude to all of you here for being with us from the beginning of this function till now. Thank you for your love for this University. May God Almighty, who is the Head of the Church, shower His blessings on all of you, and may He grant you travelling mercies on your way back home. Thank you once again, and we are looking forward to seeing you again at PUG’s 20th Congregation Ceremony next year. Distinguished Guests, by the authority conferred on me as the Chancellor of the University, I declare this Congregation duly dissolved.
May the Good Lord Bless you and take you safely home.
The Vice Chancellor for the University, Prof. John Ofosu Anim, on his part, provided an overall overview of the school.
“Today, we have gathered here with immense pride and joy to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class of 2025. This moment marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It is a time to reflect on your journeys, to honor your achievements, and to look forward to the bright futures that await each of you”,
He said “As Vice Chancellor of Presbyterian University, Ghana, it is my great pleasure to recognize the accomplishments of our students across a diverse range of disciplines.
This year, the University proudly conferred degrees upon 814 graduands – a testament to its commitment to providing world-class education that meets the needs of society.
“Today, we celebrate not only our graduands but also their commitment to excellence in fields that will shape the future of Ghana and the world.
Our graduands have achieved commendable academic accomplishments across various classifications. Among our graduands, 119 have earned First Class, exemplifying academic distinction and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
“Papa Moderator, and Chancellor I am pleased to inform you that today we are graduating a total of 814 graduands from our Faculties and Schools. Our graduands have achieved commendable academic accomplishments across various classifications. Among our graduands, 119 have earned First Class, exemplifying academic distinction and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
An additional 424 are graduating with Second Class Upper, while 260 have earned Second Class Lower, and 11 are graduating with Third Class. I am proud to say that each of you has demonstrated the character, resilience, and intelligence that define a Presbyterian University graduate“,
This year’s graduating class was marked by both strength and diversity. The students come from seven different faculties, each contributing uniquely to the academic fabric of the institution.
These students represent the next generation of healthcare professionals who will make a profound impact on our communities, providing compassionate, skilled, and essential care.
“As we celebrate your achievements today, I urge each of you to carry the values of Presbyterian University with you into the world. Let integrity, compassion, and a thirst for knowledge guide you in all your endeavors.
The world you enter today is filled with opportunities, but it also faces many challenges. You have been equipped not only with knowledge but also with the resilience and character to meet those challenges head-on. Remember that education is not merely about personal advancement; it is about contributing to the common good and making a difference in the lives of others.
To the Faculty and Staff, we thank you for your dedication, guidance, and tireless efforts in shaping these graduands. To the families and friends of our graduands, your support has been instrumental in their journeys. We share in your pride today, knowing that your encouragement has played a vital role in their success.
To our graduands, you are now ambassadors of Presbyterian University. Go forth and make a meaningful impact. Keep learning, keep striving, and keep making us proud. Your achievements today are just the beginning. May God bless each of you on this new journey, and may you always carry the Presbyterian University spirit with you”,
The VC, Prof John Ofosu Anim further called on political leaders to eschew hatred and work in the full interest of the nation. He further cautioned against the use and indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste, as it is hazardous to the existence of humans.
“As educated citizens and future leaders, you carry a responsibility not only to contribute to our society’s growth but also to uphold the values that keep us united.
A Speech of the Vice Chancellor of Presbyterian University, Ghana
The Moderator of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Chancellor of Presbyterian University, Ghana
The Chairman of the University Council,
Members of the University Council,
Nananom
Pro-Vice Chancellor
The Clergy
The Ag. Registrar
Director of Finance
Deans of Faculties and Schools
Our esteemed Lecturers and other Staff,
Our proud Parents and Guardians
Our cherished Graduands,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning. It is with a heart full of profound joy and immense pride that I stand before you today, as the Vice Chancellor of this great institution, to address the graduating class of 2025.
To our graduands, today is your day. It is the day that PUG formally releases you into the world, not as finished products, but as powerful seeds, ready to germinate and transform the landscapes you touch. You entered these halls with dreams and aspirations; you leave today with the tools, the discipline, and the intellectual fortitude to build them into reality.
Papa Moderato, I look across this sea of accomplished faces, I am struck by the incredible diversity of talent and purpose we are celebrating. The Presbyterian University has, true to its mission, equipped you not merely for careers, but for callings. And the callings you represent are the very pillars upon which a just, prosperous, and healthy society stands.
Papa Moderator, and Chancellor I am pleased to inform you that today we are graduating a total of 814 graduands from our Faculties and Schools. Our graduands have achieved commendable academic accomplishments across various classifications. Among our graduands, 119 have earned First Class, exemplifying academic distinction and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
An additional 424 are graduating with Second Class Upper, while 260 have earned Second Class Lower, and 11 are graduating with Third Class. I am proud to say that each of you has demonstrated the character, resilience, and intelligence that define a Presbyterian University graduate.
To our Bachelor of Laws graduands: You have been trained in the art of justice, the science of order, and the power of advocacy. The world needs your voice to speak for the voiceless, your intellect to interpret complex statutes, and your integrity to uphold the rule of law.
To our Bachelor of Education in Social Studies graduands: You are the architects of our national conscience. You will shape the minds of the next generation, instilling in them the values of citizenship, history, and social responsibility. Go forth and mould the future, one student at a time.
To our BSc Agribusiness and BSc Environmental and Natural Resources Management graduands: You hold the keys to our nation’s sustenance and survival. In a world grappling with food security and climate change, your expertise in prudent environmental stewardship is not just valuable – it is vital. Go and protect our natural heritage.
To our BSc Business Administration and BSc International Development graduands: You are the engines of our economic and social progress. Your challenge is to build businesses and development initiatives that are not only profitable but also ethical and inclusive. Go forth and be the change-makers in the global marketplace.
To our BSc Computer Engineering, BSc Information and Communication Technology, and BSc Mathematics graduands: You are the builders of the new world. You speak the language of the future—the language of code, algorithms, and complex systems. From securing our digital infrastructure to harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence, you will solve problems we have not yet even encountered. Go forth and code a brighter, more connected future for us all.
And finally, to our BSc Midwifery, BSc Nursing, and BSc Physician Assistantship graduands: You are the heart and hands of our healthcare system. You have been trained in the sacred art of healing, of offering comfort in times of pain, and of ushering new life into the world. Your dedication, compassion, and skill are a balm to a weary world. In the wake of a global pandemic, your role has never been more critical or more honoured. Go forth and be the angels of mercy in our hospitals, clinics, and communities.
Our esteemed graduands, as you step out into the world, remember the values this University has instilled in you: Excellence, Discipline, Commitment, Integrity and Faith in God. Let these be your guiding principles.
Do not be afraid of the challenges ahead. See them as opportunities to demonstrate the quality of your Presbyterian University education. Be bold, be innovative, and be compassionate.
To the parents, guardians, and families, we say a heartfelt thank you. Your sacrifices, your prayers, and your unwavering support have brought us to this glorious day. This achievement is as much yours as it is the graduands’.
And to our dedicated faculty and staff, I extend my deepest gratitude. You have been the sculptors of these fine minds, and today, we see the magnificent results of your labour.
So, to the great class of 2025 – the lawyers, the teachers, the entrepreneurs, the scientists, the technologists, the developers, the mathematicians, and the healthcare heroes—I say congratulations!
You are now the proud ambassadors of the Presbyterian University, Ghana. Go and make your mark. Go and make us proud.
But as your Vice Chancellor, my duty today goes beyond mere congratulations. As we send you forth from the relative safety of these halls into the dynamic, often complex world of work, my duty is to give you a final charge – a moral and intellectual compass to guide your journey.
At Presbyterian University, Ghana, we have not only equipped you with knowledge; we have endeavoured to build your character on a foundation of five core values: Excellence, Commitment, Integrity, Discipline, and Faith in God. These are not just words on our website or plaques on our walls. They are the bedrock of your formation here. And as you step out, I admonish you to let these values be the anchors of your soul and the drivers of your actions.
Do not mistake excellence for perfection. Excellence is the consistent delivery of your very best. It is the extra mile you travel when no one is watching. Whether you are a Nurse tending to a patient, a Computer Engineer writing a line of code, a Lawyer preparing a brief, or a Business Administrator developing a strategy, refuse the temptation of mediocrity. In a world that often settles for “good enough,” let your signature be a relentless pursuit of excellence. Be the professional that others seek out because they know your work is exemplary.
Your commitment will be tested. There will be long nights, difficult projects, and seemingly unrewarding tasks. It is in these moments that your character will be forged. Be committed to your chosen path. Be committed to your teams and your organizations. Be committed to the growth and development of our nation, Ghana. The challenges we face—in healthcare, in governance, in technology, in the environment—demand not fleeting interest, but deep, unwavering commitment. Your Midwifery graduands understand the commitment to bringing forth life; your Agribusiness graduands understand the commitment to feeding a nation. Let that same spirit of dedication define you. Guard your Integrity with everything you have.
In a world of moral grey areas and ethical compromises, your integrity is your most valuable currency. It is the one thing that, once lost, is nearly impossible to regain. Let your word be your bond. Let your actions be transparent. In your dealings, be fair. When you make a mistake, own it.
To our Physician Assistantship and Social Studies graduands, and indeed to all of you, the trust of the people you serve will be the very foundation of your impact. Do not sacrifice the eternal weight of your integrity for the temporary glitter of gain. Practice Discipline. The structured life of the university is now behind you. No more fixed lecture schedules, no more imposed deadlines in the same way. The discipline you now need must come from within. It is the discipline to manage your time, to continue learning, to manage your finances, and to stay focused on your long-term goals amidst short-term distractions. The self-discipline you have cultivated here is the engine that will drive your excellence, commitment, and integrity.
But as your Vice Chancellor, I must do more than just congratulate you. I must challenge you. I must commission you for a battle that defines our generation—the battle for the very survival of our planet.
Today, as we celebrate your passage from students to alumni, I admonish you to become leaders in the urgent, non-negotiable fight against environmental pollution and degradation.
Look around you. The evidence is no longer hidden in scientific journals; it is in our air, our rivers, and our soils. The plastic that chokes our oceans in Ghana, the toxic fumes from Agbogbloshie, the illegal mining that have turned our fertile lands and rivers into barren, poisoned landscapes – these are not someone else’s problems. They are our collective shame, and they must become our collective mission.
You, the brightest minds of your generation, are now the vanguard. You cannot be neutral in this fight. Your unique training across diverse fields has not only given you a ticket to personal success but a toolkit for planetary salvation. Graduands, the future of our beautiful Ghana, and indeed our shared planet, rests not only in the hands of politicians but in your hands—the hands of the educated, the skilled, and the empowered. Let us all guard the green space and our rivers for future generation.
And finally, and most importantly, hold fast to your Faith in God.
We are a Presbyterian University, founded on the principle that true knowledge is illuminated by divine wisdom. As you navigate the uncertainties of career, relationships, and life itself, do not lean solely on your own understanding. Your faith will be your anchor in storms of disappointment and your compass in seasons of confusion. It will keep you humble in success and resilient in failure. It will remind you that you are part of a larger story, and that your ultimate purpose is to serve God and humanity.
You are now the ambassadors of Presbyterian University, Ghana. Go forth and make a difference that is not just measured in wealth or titles, but in the lives you touch and the integrity with which you live.
You are the leaders we have been waiting for. Do not wait for a title to lead. Lead from wherever you are.
Congratulations and May you experience God’s Divine Favour in your life’s journey.
THANK You.
Following its new Charter status, the University has begun developing new programmes such as PhD in Leadership and Management, MSc in Nursing, BSc in Communication Studies, MBA in Projects Development and MSc in Information Communication Technology.
Already, it had submitted two programmes for accreditation, namely, PhD in Environment and Development and MBA in Human Resources Development and Management.
The University have an advanced plan in starting a Medical School at Asante Akyem Campus, Agogo. Already, it has committed portions of its land in Agogo for the construction and conversion of the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital into a teaching hospital as a requirement for the commencement of the Medical School.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana as of today has about 2,500 basic schools and 35 Senior High Schools. It has some of the best schools in Ghana. It’s the first Church in Ghana to own two fully chartered Tertiary Institutions.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana serves the nation in the provision of Tertiary Education with five Colleges of Education and 57 Health institutions posing as the third largest health service after the Government of Ghana and the Catholic Church.
