Stay, support development of nation - Ntim Fordjour to graduates

Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has appealed to the nation's youth, especially graduates, to stay and support the development of the nation with the knowledge they acquired.

He encouraged the youth to dispel the misconception that the only way to succeed was to leave Ghana, urging them to instead dedicate themselves to building the nation into a prosperous one. 

He noted that the quality of education received by Ghanaians made it entirely feasible to remain in Ghana and achieve success.

He was speaking at the second session of the 28th congregation of the University of Education, Winneba, where 9,019 graduands received their degrees last Saturday.

Among the graduands, 17 were awarded doctoral degrees, 221 master of philosophy degrees, 1,379 diplomas, seven postgraduate and some postgraduate diplomas. Additionally, 6,171 received first degrees. 

Rev. Fordjour urged those who had the opportunity to further their studies outside Ghana to return and contribute to the country's development, stressing that the government would continue to provide the needed infrastructural support and commitment to the training of high-quality manpower needed for the nation's accelerated development.

He indicated that education remained the bedrock of every country’s socio-economic development.

"Education is the bedrock of every country. Countries that have been able to make serious strides in education and research are those that have been part of the rapid socio-economic development," he said.

Environmental sustainability 

The Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Neenyi Ghartey VII, called for the use of education, research and community engagement as powerful tools in the quest for a sustainable and resilient future for Ghana. 

He urged all Ghanaians to participate in the country's environmental sustainability efforts, emphasising that they would help to preserve the country's cultural heritage.

"Environmental sustainability is not just a choice, it is an imperative for the future of Ghana. We must all take collective action to combat climate change and preserve our nation's rich cultural heritage," he stated.

He applauded the government of Ghana for the tree planting initiative in the country, noting that "planting trees, reducing our carbon footprint and advocating policies that would protect our natural resources," exemplified environmental leadership.

Care of trees

Neenyi Ghartey VII also urged the government and every Ghanaian to take personal responsibility for the care of the trees they planted. 

He emphasised the importance of watering them regularly, protecting them from pests, and providing support to help them withstand the elements. 

Neenyi Ghartey VII congratulated the graduands on their successful milestone and advised them to become job creators rather than waiting for government employment.

Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of the university, reaffirmed UEW’s steadfastness in its vision of becoming an internationally renowned institution for teacher education and research.

He advised graduates to explore life and achieve the best of themselves using their experiences as a launch pad for greater heights, saying by their education, they had expanded their knowledge and reshaped their outlook on life.