The Ensign Global University at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region has celebrated its 10th congregation ceremony with the awarding of certificates under its newly acquired autonomous status.
The ceremony, which was also used for the formal induction of the President of the University, Prof. Stephen Alder, saw the graduating cohorts made up of 14 males and 30 females.
The ceremony signified a major milestone in the university’s transition from a public health initiative to a full-fledged autonomous university.
The event brought together founders, board members, traditional leaders, academic partners, municipal health officials, clergy, students, and families, which reflected the expanding influence of Ensign Global University both in Ghana and internationally.
20 years journey
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the university, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, recounted the 20-year journey that transformed the institute into a globally recognised university accredited both in Ghana and the United States.
He urged the graduates to contribute their quota to national development, adding that “through your education in the university, you know many things that others do not know. Please, use your knowledge to make a difference”.
He said by virtue of their graduation, they had become exceptional, transformative and revolutionary and entreated them to use their education in improving the world.
Prof. Alder, for his part, expressed his appreciation to the institution’s founders, stakeholders and partners for their continuous support.
He said the reaffirmation of his appointment served as a reminder of the solemn responsibility associated with leading a global institution committed to solving the world’s greatest challenges.
He paid glowing tribute to the university’s co-founders, Dr Lynette Gay and Elder Robert Gay, whose vision and resources he said continue to sustain Ensign Global University’s mission to develop community-oriented professionals.
“Our founders have charged us to improve wellness by developing leaders who will advance the science and practice of public health. Ensign only succeeds when our efforts improve lives,” he added.
The President highlighted Ensign’s transformation from a public health initiative into a fully chartered university accredited by both the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in the United States, stressing, “This joint accreditation reflects our commitment to the highest global standards in higher education.
Prof. Alder reiterated Ensign Global University’s mission to educate entrepreneurial leaders and generate knowledge that would address the world’s most pressing challenges.
He further reminded them that their training, which included classroom instruction, practical field placements and thesis research, had equipped them to confront global public health challenges with competence, compassion and creativity.
He urged the graduates who received Master of Pubic Health degrees to live up to the ideals embodied in the university’s three foundational pillars, which are leadership, professionalism and innovation.
Prof. Alder advised the graduands to go out there and face the future with optimism, discipline and compassion, using their Ensign training to improve lives and inspire others.
Watchdogs
The Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II, praised the graduates for enduring a demanding programme but reminded them that their real role begins after their graduation and entreated them to be advocates and watchdogs on environmental and public health issues.
Nene Sakite noted that the heavily polluted rivers, as a result of illegal mining (galamsey) operations, posed a nationwide danger, impacting water supply, disease control and long-term public health, adding that “our country is at a tipping point; therefore, use your training here to advocate, innovate and push for reforms that protect our public health systems”.
