President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the 2024 graduating class of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to uphold the values of hard work, excellence, and patriotism as they step into the world beyond academia.
He stressed that these guiding principles have been fundamental to his own success over the years, adding that it would guide them through challenges and empower them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the Fifth Session of the university’s 16th congregation ceremony, which saw some 265 students graduating from the School of Graduate Studies with various postgraduate degrees.
“As you prepare to step into the world beyond these walls, I encourage you to embrace three guiding principles that have served me well over the years—hard work, excellence, and patriotism,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“Hard work is the foundation of success,” he explained, urging the graduates to remain focused and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
He reminded them that success is never a straight path and that perseverance is key to overcoming the hurdles they will face.
The President lauded the graduates for their perseverance, hard work, and achievements while challenging them to always aim higher and strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives.
“Excellence must be your watchword. Never settle for good enough. Strive to be the best in all you do. Excellence is not a single achievement; it is a lifelong pursuit, one that requires constant growth, self-reflection, and innovation,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego F. O. Amartey, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
“We are truly proud of you and grateful to God for how far He has brought us,” he stated.
Prof. Amartey encouraged the graduates to place their trust in God, using his own life as an example of how far faith and reliance on God can lead.
He urged them to embrace their potential as leaders, saying, “Now more than ever, the world needs courageous, strong, independent thinkers who believe in the importance of leaders, and I know that UPSA has prepared you to take on whatever mantle you choose to carry,” he added.
The National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, encouraged graduates to view their achievement as the start of a meaningful journey.
“Today marks just the end of one chapter but the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities, responsibilities, and service to Ghana,” he said.
He commended UPSA for equipping the graduates with knowledge and urged them to apply it effectively.
“UPSA has given you the knowledge, and it’s now up to you to go out there, translate this knowledge into skills, and apply these skills for the benefit of Ghanaians and the global village,” he added.
The graduating students comprised of one PhD student, 12 Master of Philosophy students, 185 Master of Arts students, 22 Master of Science students, and 45 Postgraduate diploma students.
They form part of some 5,608 students who graduated from the university in the 2023/2024 academic year.
