The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has emphasised the importance of unity in diversity, urging members of the university community to view their differences as bridges rather than barriers.
Speaking at this year’s Cultural Day celebration held on Friday, November 15, he encouraged students and staff to embrace diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
“Even though we come from different backgrounds, on a day like this we should remind ourselves that differences are not barriers but bridges connecting us and allowing us to appreciate perspectives from different countries,” Prof Mawutor said.
He stressed the importance of acknowledging and promoting inclusivity for all, irrespective of one’s cultural or ethnic background, while calling for a deliberate and conscious efforts to foster inclusivity and mutual respect within the university community.
“Diversity strengthens us and opens our minds,” he said. “It teaches us empathy, tolerance, and respect. It encourages us to think beyond our own experiences and embrace a world that is bigger than us. Celebrating culture should be an ongoing commitment to honour each other’s backgrounds, respect our differences, and promote inclusiveness.”
Prof Mawutor said the Cultural Day celebration offers an opportunity to shine the light on diversity and shape the spirit of togetherness within the UPSA community.
He encouraged participants to pledge to uphold the spirit of cultural days, ensuring that UPSA becomes a “beacon of acceptance, open-mindedness, and unity in diversity.”
The Cultural Day celebration was organised by the UPSA Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC).
This year’s event was on the theme: “Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures.”
It brought together a diverse community of students, faculty, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts to reflect on the pivotal role of cultural diversity and mobility in shaping the next generation of global leaders.
The event provided a platform for international students from Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and The Gambia, among other countries, to showcase their unique cultures and traditions laced with a series of talks, experience sharing, and performances.
