The University of Cape Coast has churned out to Ghana’s job market 6,654 graduates with the belief that these fresh graduates have been well equipped to help find solutions to the current challenges confronting the country.
According to the Chancellor of the university, Sir Dr. Sam Esson Jonah, their education at UCC served as a platform for them to be provided with the right tools to emerge as true leaders as Ghana faces trying moments.
The fresh graduates completed their programmes of study at UCC at the end of the 2021/2022 academic year and they pursued their respective studies at the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, College of Health and Allied Sciences, College of Education Studies, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences as well as the School of Graduate Studies.
Notable among the fresh graduates from the School of Graduate Studies was the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Sugandh Rajaram who has grabbed a degree in Master of Philosophy (Geography and Regional Planning).
While delivering an address at the 5th session of the 55th Congregation of UCC, the session that graduated 1,430 graduate students, Sir Dr. Sam Jonah urged the new graduates to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired in UCC to promote positive shifts in society.
He said it is unfortunate that the graduating students are transitioning at a difficult time of great uncertainty and adversity in Ghana but said, “It is during the most trying times in history that true leaders emerge and, your education has provided you with the tools to become such leaders.”
Sir Dr. Sam Jonah, therefore, advised graduates to remember to use their knowledge, creativity, and passion to positively impact society as they step out into the world.
“I encourage you to stay curious, never stop learning, and don’t shy away from challenges. Your journey will not always be smooth, but please persevere because it’s through adversity that we grow stronger and wiser. The future of our dear nation rests with you.” he continued.
Touching on Ghana’s economic situation, he explained that the nation is facing unprecedented times against the backdrop of complex, volatile, and uncertain economic and geopolitical developments. This situation, he believes, has fostered a growing sense of hopelessness and helplessness, particularly amongst our youth.
“Our economic situation is very, very challenging to say the least. Interest rates are intolerably high and a combination of that. Would high inflation and a volatile currency make for a very dangerous cocktail? Indeed, as we have been witnessing, there are no pretty policy choices for dealing with this situation.”
This development, he notes, has the potential to undermine the security and stability of Ghana.
In this regard, he urged decision-makers to do away with blame games and make policy choices that can provide a lasting solution to the country’s economic crisis.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of UCC, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong addressed the first session of the 55th Congregation and urged the urged them to consider further studies adding that he is hopeful they will remain resilient as they step into the unpredictable global space.
Meanwhile, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Obeng Mireku appealed to the private sector and entrepreneurs to consider investing in student residential facilities.
He said it is his hope that University management, with support from government and the cooperation of student leadership, will settle on realistic rents that will serve to attract the private sector to consider investing, especially in student accommodation on campus.
Meanwhile, among the graduating class from the 1st to the 4th Sessions of UCC’s 55th Congregation, 484 graduated with First Class Honours, 2264 graduated with Second Class Honours Upper Division, 1514 with Second Class Honours Lower Division, and 775 and 187 with Third Class Honours and Pass respectively.
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Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
