Ensign Global University holds first graduation as an autonomous institution
Ensign Global University in Kpong has held its 10th Congregation Ceremony, marking a historic milestone as the institution’s first graduation since receiving its Presidential Charter in December 2024.
The charter granted the university full autonomy as an independent higher education institution.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, saw 44 students awarded Master of Public Health degrees. This year’s cohort comprised 31 females and 13 males. The event was attended by members of the Board of Governors, faculty, traditional leaders, benefactors, family and friends of the graduands. His Majesty Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, served as Special Guest of Honour.
Welcoming the gathering, the Founder and Board Chair, Dr Lynette Gay, described the day as significant in Ensign’s journey and praised the graduates for their perseverance during the 2024/2025 academic year.
President of the University, Professor Stephen C. Alder, expressed appreciation to Ensign’s founders, partners and regulators, emphasising that the institution’s new autonomy came with a heightened sense of responsibility.
“Receiving the Presidential Charter has given us the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of service to our country, society, and humanity as an independent institution of higher education,” he said. “We must evolve as an institution to be worthy of this designation.”
Professor Alder paid tribute to co-founders Dr Lynette and Elder Robert Gay for their vision and dedication. He also acknowledged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, the Board of Governors and Ensign’s former mentor institution, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He extended gratitude to Nene Sakite II and the Manya Krobo Traditional Council for their support.
Highlighting the symbolism of the university’s colours, Professor Alder said gold represented Ghana’s intellectual heritage, while blue symbolised unity, peace and the presence of the Volta River. These values, he noted, reflected the ethos expected of “Ensonians”. He encouraged the graduates to uphold the university’s three guiding pillars: Leadership, Professionalism and Entrepreneurship.
“You have been educated to be exceptional, transformative, and revolutionary,” he told the graduates. “We expect you to be fearless in your pursuit of improving the world and relentless in helping others realise the greatness within themselves.”
In his remarks, Nene Sakite II warned of the public health dangers posed by illegal mining, describing contaminated water bodies as one of the most urgent national threats.
“The most devastating public health issue facing the nation today is contaminated water bodies resulting from illegal mining,” he said. “My hope is that you, the new professionals, will take these issues up and be serious about them; otherwise, we shall all suffer from the greed of others.”
Delivering the keynote address, Vice Board Chair Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa reflected on the university’s origins. He noted that Ensign began as a vision to serve underserved communities and had grown into a force addressing persistent public health challenges in Ghana and the subregion.
“Today is a special occasion, the first graduation since the award of the Presidential Charter, moving us from a mentored institution to an autonomous university,” he said.
Professor Badu Akosa urged the graduands to embrace professionalism, ethical conduct and lifelong learning. He encouraged them to share their expertise widely through publications, teaching and knowledge exchange.
Several outstanding students received special recognition. Nana Akosua Amoah was adjudged Best Graduating Student, with the Community Service Award presented to Maureen Edinam Sedo and Lillian Monica Adam. Leadership Awards went to Josephine Nyankwayeh Bempong and Joshua Tetteh Ahuahey, while the Best Thesis Award was won by Ahuahey for his study on injuries presenting at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital emergency department.
In her valedictory address, Nana Akosua Amoah expressed gratitude on behalf of her colleagues and encouraged fellow graduates to champion wellness, inspire hope and contribute meaningfully to society.
