Let Your Knowledge Shape Ghana’s Future - UG Council Chair Challenges Graduates at July Congregation

Chairperson of the University of Ghana Council, Madam Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, has urged newly graduated students to use their knowledge and skills to support national transformation and address pressing societal issues.

Delivering her address at the July 2025 Congregation Ceremonies held at the Great Hall, Madam Brew called on graduates to move beyond academic achievement and become catalysts for change. Her message was directed particularly at the PhD cohort and the first session of the School of Graduate Studies.

“The positive reset Ghana needs begins with bright minds like yours,” she said, challenging the graduates to translate their academic training into practical, real-world solutions.

The congregation ceremonies marked the graduation of 1,944 students across four sessions, including 107 PhDs, 917 Master’s, and 920 undergraduate degree recipients.

Madam Brew, a distinguished alumna of the University and a renowned legal practitioner, underscored the importance of leadership, service, and responsibility in national development.

The ceremony was graced by the Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, senior administrators, faculty, family members and friends of the graduates. Of the 1,944 graduating students, 107 earned PhDs, 917 obtained Master’s degrees and 920 were awarded undergraduate degrees. Additional ceremonies are scheduled for December 2025 and February 2026.

In her charge, Madam Brew reminded graduates that their doctoral titles must come with a sense of responsibility. “Your PhDs should not be mere ornamental titles, but titles that come with a sense of responsibility. You are now custodians of knowledge in your various fields and society will look to you for expertise, guidance and leadership,” she said.

She further explained that the true value of education lies in its application. “Let your research extend beyond the pages of academic journals into the world, where it can make a meaningful and positive difference. Ghana and Africa need scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs who can transform knowledge into economic opportunities.”

The Council Chair outlined four key responsibilities for the graduates, which included continuous learning, contributing meaningfully to society, nurturing confidence and representing the University with distinction. Drawing from her own journey as a student at UG, Madam Brew reflected on how her experience at Legon shaped her values of discipline, integrity and public service. “I hope that your time at the University of Ghana has been as transformational as mine,” she added.

Madam Brew encouraged graduates to remain connected to their alma mater, give back and collaborate across borders. “Build bridges between Ghana and the global academic and corporate community…share your perspectives and learn from others while positioning Ghana and Africa as equal partners in the global knowledge economy.”

In addition to the inspiring address from the Chair of Council, other distinguished guest speakers added depth and insight to the July 2025 Congregation Ceremonies, each offering graduates timely guidance rooted in professional excellence and life experience.

At the first undergraduate session at the Cedi Conference Centre, Mr. Michael Aryeetey, seasoned energy expert and Deputy CEO (Technical) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), delivered the Guest Address. Drawing from his extensive experience in Ghana’s oil and gas sector, Mr. Aryeetey encouraged graduates to cultivate curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

He emphasised that in today’s fast-changing world, resilience, integrity and the consistent pursuit of excellence are essential traits for success. “Your degree is not the end of learning, it is the beginning of a lifetime of discovery and personal growth,” he remarked.

The second session for the School of Graduate Studies at the Great Hall featured Mr. Saqib Nazir, a University of Ghana alumnus and celebrated fintech entrepreneur, as Guest Speaker for graduating MPhil and MA students. With a career that spans digital innovation and inclusive finance across Africa, Mr. Nazir shared lessons on harnessing technology for real-world impact. 

He urged graduates to remain focused on solutions that bridge economic and social divides and to lead with both purpose and resilience. “Innovation means nothing if it does not touch lives,” he said, challenging the graduates to use their expertise to address the continent’s developmental needs.

The final session, which brought together graduates from the School of Law, the University of Ghana Business School, the School of Arts and the School of Performing Arts under the College of Humanities, featured Dr. Sangu Delle, Chairman and CEO of CarePoint, as guest speaker. 

He reminded graduates that the foundation upon which they stand was laid by the sacrifices and foresight of their forebears. “You must honour that legacy,” he said, “by choosing to build and not destroy, by contributing meaningfully to the communities you come from.” 

Dr. Delle encouraged the cohort to be bold dreamers and disciplined doers. “The future belongs to those who dare to dream and have the courage and consistency to act on those dreams,” he concluded.

Through the various speeches, the graduates were reminded that their education is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that calls them to lead with purpose, apply their knowledge for the greater good and contribute meaningfully to society at every opportunity.