Use technology to enhance skills, improve society - Justice Oppong advises students, graduates

Students and fresh graduates have been advised to embrace technology to enhance their skills and create better systems to improve society.

The Director of Legal Education & Director, Ghana School of Law, Justice Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, said technology should be used as a tool to support human judgment and ethical values and not to replace humans.

He, therefore, cautioned against the use of technology for harmful activities such as money and internet fraud, and for spreading fake news.

Such practices, the director said, were against the values of integrity and good character expected of students who, he said, must uphold ethical standards in all their endeavours.

Barima Oppong was speaking at the 21st graduation ceremony of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Accra last Saturday, during which 404 students received various undergraduate and graduate certificates.

It was held on the theme: “Leadership and integrity in nation building.”

They included 258 undergraduates, 134 postgraduates and 12 graduates who received certificates.

Excellence

Barima Oppong, who is also the Manwerehene of Akyem Abuakwa in the Eastern Region, also urged the graduates to strive for excellence and cultivate a habit of thoroughness, empathy and commitment to equity.

“Excellence at all levels is not an option, it is an imperative. Mediocrity is dangerous in today’s complex and competitive world,” he said.

The director further advised the graduates to embrace challenges, learn from failures and seek mentorship as they embark on their professional journeys.

“The greatest human beings and leaders are not those who never fail but those who never stop learning and improving,” he added.

Leadership

To the female graduates, Barima Oppong encouraged them to bring their unique ideas and strengths to leadership roles to help create a fairer and more inclusive society.

“You are on the verge of becoming leaders in all respects in this historic time when the nation has passed and put into effect the affirmative action law,” he said.

The director encouraged them to approach their careers with purpose and ensure their efforts benefit society by leaving a positive mark on the world.

“Your role extends beyond merely being graduates. You are guardians for the voiceless and architects of societal progress.

“Be engaged citizens and advocates for positive change but do so in a manner that enhances public trust.

“As you step into the world with the knowledge you have gained, you will encounter situations where the right choice is not always clear. Conflicting interests, cultural differences and the complexities of today’s world can make it hard to distinguish right from wrong,” he added.

Background

AUCC is a private tertiary institution, initially established in 2002, as The African Institute of Journalism and Communications (AIJC).

Many prominent persons in the country and foreigners have successfully passed through the university college and are serving in various communication, media and business sectors.