Chief Justice urges graduates to be responsible, forthright

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has charged graduates to be responsible, resilient and hardworking as they enter into the world of work. 

She said wherever they found themselves, no matter what the consequences may be, they should choose never to neglect what they knew to be right, stressing that they would always be vindicated with time.

“As persons who have been given such a high level of education, you must commit to upholding the highest standards of responsibility. Whether in industry, commerce, family or public service, because we always have the chance to do the right thing,” the CJ said.

Justice Torkornoo was speaking at the first session of the 16th Congregation ceremony of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Accra, yesterday, where certificates were conferred on students from the Faculties of Law, and Information Technology and Communication Studies, who had satisfied their respective academic requirements. 

Event

The faculties presented 1,473 students for graduation, out of which UPSA Law School awarded 212 students, while 1,261 graduated from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies.

Out of this number, 946 were undergraduates, while 315 were diploma students.

In all, the university is offering certificates to a total of 5,247 graduates across four out of five sessions, until Friday, November 1, 2024.

They comprise 906 postgraduate, 3,711 undergraduate, and 630 diploma students.

Leadership

The Chief Justice further urged the graduates to learn about the art and skills of leadership, saying that contrary to popular perception, leadership was not about being given a big responsibility.

Rather, she said it began with developing certain skills quietly and privately which would enable a person find more opportunities to serve others, including new clients and businesses.

Justice Torkonoo said such skills included the ability to cast clear visions for themselves, their families and their work life.

“The ability to cast a clear vision and identify the goals within any vision that must be achieved will guide how you use time, mobilise resources and collaborate with others to achieve the goals established.

“It will make all the difference between living productively and struggling with tasks. I encourage you to always prepare and not to assume that you know what it takes to win in any given situation,” she said. 

Advice

The Chancellor of the University, Dr Kofi Koduah Sarpong, advised the graduates not to see their graduation as an end, but the beginning of a new era in their lives.

He also urged them to embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth and development in the quest to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Dr Sarpong further encouraged them to adapt to the changing environment.

“I charge you to exhibit ethical values that you have acquired here. The world needs leaders who prioritise justice and compassion.

I, therefore, urge you to show courage and resilience in your various spheres of life and know that your true impact lies in the lives you touch,” he added.

For his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, gave an account of UPSA’s progress over the years, including his eight-year tenure as administrative head of the institution.

He mentioned infrastructure development, academic achievements, high global rankings and visibility, increased student enrolment and improved institutional effectiveness as some of the achievements.