The Faculty of Accounting and Finance (FAF) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has celebrated the graduation of some 1,263 students.
The graduating students form part of some 5,247 students who will be graduating from the university this year.
The FAF graduates included 1,151 undergraduates and 112 diplomates.
For the undergraduates, 35 students obtained First Class, 616 Second Class Upper, 431 Second Class Lower, and 61 had Pass.
Five of the diploma students graduated with distinction, while 64 obtained Credit and 43 had Pass.
Addressing the graduates at the Second Session of the 16th Congregation ceremony on Wednesday, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego Okoe Amartey, congratulated them on their achievements.
He urged them to optimize the bachelor’s degrees and diplomas they have obtained from UPSA as they prepare to embark on their new professional journeys.
Prof. Amartey further charged the graduating students to embrace courage and integrity.
“The world needs graduates who are not just competent but also courageous,” Prof Okoe Amartey emphasised, encouraging the FAF Class of 2024 to face their future with boldness.
The Vice-Chancellor also seized the opportunity to highlight some of his achievements during his 8-year tenure, as he prepares to bow out in December this year.
He stressed that UPSA has witnessed eight years of transformational growth under his leadership. Prof Amartey cited the expansion of the University’s academic programmes from 21 in 2016 to 48 in 2024, and the surge in student enrollment from 11,600 to over 22,000 within the same period.
“Our journey has been one of collective effort,” Prof. Amartey remarked, crediting the dedication of faculty, staff, and students for UPSA’s ascent as a leading institution in Ghana and within the Subregion.
He also highlighted the introduction of a publication reward scheme for faculty, which has significantly increased the university’s research output.
Keynote speaker Mr. Bernard Avle, General Manager of Citi FM, shared valuable leadership insights with the graduates.
He stressed that true leadership is cultivated through daily commitment and pointed to the importance of maintaining character alongside competence.
“Don’t grow alone. Rise with others,” Mr Avle urged, encouraging the new graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities.