By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
The University of Ghana is hosting a series of graduation ceremonies for students from the Colleges of Humanities (COH), the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), and the School of Graduate Studies.
Over a seven-day period, a total of 15,750 students are expected to graduate in 18 separate sessions, each dedicated to different faculties. Yesterday’s ceremony in Accra saw 2,927 students receive their certificates, having successfully completed their studies in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Breakdown of Graduates
The graduates comprise 123 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders, 3,444 Master’s degree recipients, 11,067 undergraduate students, and 1,116 others receiving various degrees.
During yesterday’s session, 1,200 students were awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees in diverse fields, 1,016 students graduated from CBAS with Bachelor of Science degrees, and 711 students from the School of Graduate Studies received Master’s degrees.
Strategic Vision for Excellence
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah-Amfo, highlighted the institution’s ongoing commitment to achieving its strategic priorities aimed at fostering academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development.
She noted that the university continues to build on its legacy of academic excellence, citing its improved position in the Times Higher Education sub-Saharan Africa rankings, where it is now ranked first in Ghana, first in West Africa, and third in sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Appiah-Amfo outlined the university’s strategic plan, which focuses on five key areas: transformative student experiences, impactful research, commitment to faculty and staff, engagement and partnerships, and sustainable resource utilisation and stewardship.
Competitive Admissions and Growth
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the competitive nature of the university’s admission process, which aims to attract high-calibre students.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, 17,473 undergraduate students have accepted offers and enrolled across various programmes within all colleges and campuses. Additionally, 4,523 graduate students have been admitted, with the gender distribution at 47.51% female and 52.49% male.
Infrastructural Developments
The university has made significant strides in infrastructural development, including the completion and inauguration of a 1,256-capacity Diploma Tutoring Hall, funded internally.
Professor Appiah-Amfo also noted improvements in the university’s IT infrastructure, led by the Information Technology Directorate, to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and service delivery for both students and faculty.
Words of Encouragement
Delivering the keynote address, Samuel Ocran, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Star Assurance, encouraged the graduates to trust their instincts, believe in their abilities, and remain adaptable to change.
He urged them to leverage emerging technologies for learning and problem-solving and to remain open to new ideas, experiences, and challenges.
“As you begin this new chapter, remember that success is a journey, not a destination. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Believe in yourself, be adaptable, and always look for ways to give back,” Mr. Ocran advised.
The series of graduation ceremonies continues, celebrating the achievements of thousands of students who are set to make their mark in various fields.
