The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three celebrated Ghanaians for their distinguished service and leadership at the 5th Session of the 17th Congregation, held on Thursday, December 4.
The honourees are Prof. Joshua Alabi, first Vice-Chancellor of the University; H.E. Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, s represented by Dr. Zenator Rawlings; and Mr. Joseph K. Horgle, Founder and Chairman of J.K. Horgle Transport & Co. Limited.
In a glowing tribute, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, described the honourees as “eminent Ghanaians whose lives and service reflect the highest standards of national and public leadership.”
The Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of their achievements and selfless dedication, noting that their example should serve as an inspiration to students who aspire to reach the pinnacle of success in both their personal and professional lives.
The Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, who represented the President of the Republic of Ghana, described the honourees as “trailblazers” who have challenged the status quo and, as a result, “undertaken activities for which they are well remembered.”
He urged the graduating students to reflect on the lives and legacies of the honourees and to equally “challenge the process” in order to become exemplary future leaders of the country.
Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Joshua Alabi expressed profound gratitude to UPSA for the recognition and honour.
Drawing on his decades of leadership experience, he observed that one key attribute of a transformative leader is the ability to handle resistance.
He explained that resistance should not be seen as an enemy but as energy that moves in different directions, and he challenged leaders to channel that energy into positive outcomes, adding that “in my experience, this is always possible.”
“A true transformative leader builds systems so solid that no successor can afford to underperform, because the people themselves will demand excellence,” he stated.
Prof. Alabi further emphasised the need to recognise and reward hardworking individuals, stressing that Ghana and Africa must reward merit and celebrate excellence if true transformation is to be achieved.
The colourful ceremony was graced by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, representing the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama; the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin; the Chancellor of UPSA, Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong; HRM Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey, former Chancellor of UPSA and Member of the Council of State; the Chairman of the UPSA Governing Council, Dr. Harry Lawson Kwaku Agbanu; King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, Nungua Mantse; as well as former principal officers of UPSA.
