The Presbyterian University Ghana has held its 18th Congregation and Graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the RTC Auditorium in Abetifi – Kwahu.
Delivering his Welcoming Address, Chairman of the PUG Council, His Lordship Prof. Ashie Kotei acknowledged the efforts made by students as they take another academic and practical dimensions of their lives.
His Lordship Prof. Kotei 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, the global COVID-19 pandemic. These students completed their secondary education and wrote their WASSCE amidst a global health crisis that tested the resilience and adaptability of educational systems worldwide. Yet, they persisted.
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.
In the words of the late Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Today, as you leave these grounds, equipped with the education you have earned, I implore you to use it wisely, purposefully, and selflessly. Whether you are returning to your communities or venturing into the world beyond Ghana’s borders, let your actions and contributions reflect the values of our university.
Call for Government Support and Community Involvement
As we celebrate this milestone, I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the government, especially through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), to support private universities in their quest to provide quality education and world-class facilities for their students. With GETFund’s support, we can expand our infrastructure, especially our laboratories, libraries, and research centers, to foster a better learning environment and promote high-level research output.
In the same spirit, we appeal to the prominent people of Kwahu, both in Ghana and in the diaspora, to support our mission. Your support, whether through scholarships, infrastructure, or community engagement programs, is vital to the continued success of Presbyterian University, Ghana. I urge you to join us in building a stronger, more impactful institution that remains at the forefront of tertiary education in Ghana.
Appreciation to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
On behalf of the University Council, I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana for its unwavering support. Over the years, the Church has been unwavering in its commitment to the growth and progress of the institution.
Your spiritual guidance, moral support, and material contributions have been indispensable to our success. I take this moment to humbly renew our appeal to the Church for its continued support, especially in addressing our pressing needs, such as the construction of additional hostels and facilities, particularly on the Asante-Akyem campus, and the provision of vehicles essential for the smooth running of University operations.
Call for Peace
As we all know, the 7th December national elections are a critical event for our country. I appeal to all stakeholders, political leaders, and citizens to maintain peace and unity throughout the process. Let us remember that our collective strength as a nation lies in our ability to come together in respect and harmony, irrespective of our differences. I urge all eligible graduates and citizens to participate in this democratic process responsibly and to contribute to a peaceful election period.
The Chairman acknowledged the collective efforts of Management and Staff in educating these graduands. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to families of the graduands for the instrumental role they have played in the journey that ends today. Graduands, the future is yours to shape, shape it well. I wish you the very best for the great future that lies ahead of you.
“Once again, congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! May the Lord continue to guide, protect, and bless you all. Thank you, and may God bless Presbyterian University, Ghana.
Constitution of Assembly
Nananom, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. By the authority conferred on me as the Chairman of the University Council, I formally declare this Assembly duly constituted into a Congregation for the award of degrees to deserving students”,
Vice Chancellor’s Speech For The 2024 Graduation Ceremony, Presbyterian University, Ghana.
“Today, we have gathered here with immense pride and joy to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class of 2024. 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 618 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, 110 have earned First Class, exemplifying academic distinction and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
An additional 305 are graduating with Second Class Upper, while 192 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.
In the School of Business, 79 students graduating today, are poised to drive the economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit that will strengthen Ghana’s position in the global economy.
The Faculty of Science & Technology graduates 37 talented individuals who are ready to make an impact in a rapidly evolving technological world.
In the Faculty of Law, 41 graduands are prepared to advocate for justice and uphold the rule of law, a cornerstone of any prosperous society.
The Faculty of Development Studies and Faculty of Education are presenting 38 and 9 graduands, respectively, who are committed to advancing community development and excellence in education. We are especially proud of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, with 153 graduands, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, presenting our largest graduating group with 261 graduands.
These students represent the next generation of healthcare professionals who will make a profound impact on our communities, providing compassionate, skilled, and essential care.
“It is inspiring to see the strides we are making toward gender balance in education. Out of the total 618 graduands, 360 are women, representing the resilience and power of women in academic spaces. The School of Nursing and Midwifery, in particular, boasts of an impressive 219 female graduands, underscoring the critical role women play in the field of healthcare. We remain committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages and empowers more women to pursue higher education and leadership roles”, he added.
“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 Divisional speech as Ghana prepares for December 7th polls.
“As we celebrate your remarkable achievements today, I would like to take a brief moment to speak on an issue of utmost importance. In just a few weeks, our nation will head to the polls on December 7th, a day that holds significant meaning for every Ghanaian.
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. Peace is essential to the health and progress of our democracy. Let us remember that elections are a means to choose our leaders, not a cause for division. I urge all of you, as members of this academic community and as citizens, to promote peace before, during, and after the election. Let us listen, respect differing opinions, and foster unity in our words and actions”,
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 has 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.
