The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. Abednego Okoe Amartey, has highlighted the institution’s remarkable growth during his tenure.
Prof. Amartey, who will complete his second term in office in December, attributed his achievements to the hard work and commitment of staff, faculty, and students.
“Our collective efforts over the past eight years have transformed UPSA into the University of choice,” Prof Amartey said in his congregation address to graduands on Wednesday, October 30.
He underscored key achievements such as global university rankings and the expansion of UPSA’s academic offerings from 21 in 2016 to 48 in 2024 as well as a remarkable increase in student enrollment from 11,600 in 2016 to over 22,000 in 2024.
He also mentioned the introduction of a publication reward scheme for faculty members which has seen the University’s research output quadrupled over the years.
Prof Amartey emphasized the need for continuous leadership and transformation to consolidate these gains, expressing confidence that the institution is poised for further growth.
The Second Session of the 16th Congregation ceremonies saw some 1,263 students graduating with various bachelor’s degrees and diplomas from the Faculty of Accounting and Finance.
The 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.
“The world needs graduates who are not just competent but also courageous,” Prof. Amartey said encouraging the new graduates to embrace the new phase of their lives with boldness.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Bernard Koku Avle, General Manager of Citi FM, shared insightful leadership lessons with the graduates, drawing from his experiences with the outgoing Vice-Chancellor.
“Leadership doesn’t happen in a day, but leadership happens daily,” Mr Avle stated, emphasising the importance of consistency and the need to respect the process of growth and development.
He urged graduates to remain grounded in character, competence, and consistency—qualities he described as essential for maintaining moral authority.
He encouraged the graduates to embody integrity in their personal and professional lives, stating that true leadership builds people up rather than wielding authority to suppress others.
“The University has trained you to be competent, so my charge to you is that with every ounce of competence, add an ounce of character to it; character by way of integrity,” Mr. Avle said.
“Don’t grow alone. Rise with others.” Mr. Avle challenged the graduates to not only excel in their careers but also contribute meaningfully to their communities.
