The member of Council representing the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Registrar, Provost, Deans, Members of the College of Humanities Advisory Board, Distinguished Guest Speaker, Members of Convocation, Parents and Guardians, Fellow Graduands, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is the day! Today is the day that marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is with profound gratitude and immense joy that we are gathered here to celebrate this defining moment in our lives. This day, which once seemed like a distant dream, is now a reality. Had this been a Ghanaian movie, this would be the part where the soundtrack swells, and a wise elder long grey beard proclaims, “We have come far by grace.” Indeed, we acknowledge this milestone as a testament to divine favor and the unwavering support of our university community. Fellow graduands, let us, in unity, offer praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us abundantly (Ephesians 1:3).
To our parents and guardians, you are our angels on earth; your sacrifices have been the wind beneath our wings. You have endured everything—from tuition fees that mysteriously increased every semester to our endless requests for ‘small pocket money’ to survive on campus. Your patience, even when we called home with problems instead of solutions, is unmatched. I am happy that today there are many Sarahs who like my beloved mother, Madam Sarah Obosu, have supported and trained us unwaveringly.
As graduates of this distinguished institution, we take pride in the unparalleled academic excellence and holistic training we have received. The University of Ghana, the nation's premier university, remains a beacon of knowledge and innovation, shaping minds and transforming destinies. Through its interdisciplinary academic structure, students are equipped not only with expertise in their chosen fields but also with a broader perspective on global challenges.
Many of us, including myself, have been direct beneficiaries of the university’s commitment to student support. The Students Financial Aid Office has opened doors for those in need, while initiatives like the Vice-Chancellor’s One Student, One Laptop programme and training in essential digital tools have ensured that we graduate not just with degrees but with practical skills for the modern world.
Beyond academics, this institution has cultivated in us the spirit of leadership, resilience, and innovation. Through workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes, we have been prepared to navigate the complexities of our future endeavors. And though critics may sometimes dwell on our challenges, let us choose to highlight the strengths of our alma mater. Instead of adding to the noise of negativity, let us be ambassadors of hope and progress, praying for the continued wisdom of our university’s leadership.
Our journey has been one of perseverance, faith, and an uncanny ability to function on minimal sleep. Was it not just yesterday that we arrived on campus, confused freshmen trying to locate lecture halls and figure out the meaning of course codes? Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us into virtual learning. We braved unstable internet connections, got unceremoniously dropped from Zoom classes, and prayed fervently in heavy tongues for strong Wi-Fi signals. We are truly unstoppable because we persevered—sacrificing leisure, sleep, and, for some, even their jollof budget, just to meet deadlines. Today, we stand victorious!
While today we walk away with degrees, let us remember that we are more than our GPAs. Some of us achieved First Class, others Second or Third Class, but our value is not measured by a piece of paper. True success lies in purpose, perseverance, and the impact we make in our communities. Whether we enter the workforce, further our studies, or embark on other businesses, let us trust in God’s plan, embrace life’s lessons, and strive for excellence in all we do. To our fellow colleagues who were unable to graduate due to outstanding requirements, I encourage you to persevere and diligently complete them with God's help. Your journey does not end here—greater opportunities lie ahead. Stay determined, and success will surely follow.
I would have loved to end here but I will be selfish not to share these two fundamental principles I aim to hold fast to in the Journey Ahead:
1. Service: We are called to serve—not just in the workplace but in every sphere of life. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” True greatness is found in servanthood and our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated and taught His disciples according Matthew 20:26-27. Whether as doctors, teachers, engineers, or entrepreneurs, let our work be an offering of excellence and integrity.
2. Stewardship: Everything we have is a gift from God. Our education, talents, and opportunities are not for personal gain alone but for uplifting others. As 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive?” Let us be faithful stewards, using our knowledge and resources for the betterment of society.
Standing here today as a valedictorian is not a reflection of superiority but a testament to divine grace and the generosity of many. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my beloved aunt, Madam Grace Obosu, whom many have come to regard as my mother. From my formative years, she has been a pillar of guidance, raising me in the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ in my mother’s absence. She instilled in me a passion for ministry, taking me along for dawn broadcasts where she preached as I read the Scriptures. Her unwavering love and sacrifice, from my early education to this significant milestone, have been invaluable. I am grateful to her—affectionately known as Maame Sofo—for nurturing me into the person I am today.
I am deeply indebted to my Senior High School Economics teacher, Mr. Benford Coker, and my dear friends including Matilda Gyan Darko, whose support enabled me to pay my first-year academic fees. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Madam Esther Kporfor, a devoted university security officer who has been a pillar of support in my journey.
I extend profound appreciation to my spiritual mentors, Rev. Prof. Charles Antwi-Boasiako and his wife, Rev. Mrs. Kate Antwi-Boasiako, for their invaluable guidance. To the dedicated faculty of the Geography Department, especially our esteemed Head of Department, Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, and my long essay supervisor, Dr. Clement Kwang, your mentorship has been life-changing. Special thanks to my NSS supervisor, Dr. Ebenezer Goodman Nikoi.
I salute all my fellow Youth Mappers worldwide, especially UG Chapter, a community of youth where we are trained not just to build maps but to become mappers who will collect data and publish on OpenStreetMap for use by big institutions like NASA and USAID in decision making.
To my fellow students, today, we celebrate not just our degrees but the friendships, late-night study sessions, and shared struggles that brought us here. We are more than classmates; we are a community, a family indeed.
To my dear sister, Anna Boakye Ansah, including others like Samuel Etsibah, Silas Yilakim, Imoro Fuseini Baalayel, Esther Okyere Darko Yeboah, John Apam, Philip Donkor Azialoho, Emelia Amuzu, Michelle Ennin, Ruth Eshun, Tymer, and many more, I appreciate your support.
A heartfelt salute to my fellow missionaries, including Rev. Michael Appeadu Brainy, Rev. Samuel Asefua Obrenu, Rev. Joseph Djamesi, Rev. Benjamin Nyankson, Nana Serwaa Amoako, Mabel Appiah-Adjei, Emefa Mallet Salome, Tristy Konadu Oteng, Glory Akoto, Hope4All Team, Streams of Living Waters Foundation, and many others who have walked this journey with me.
As we prepare to step into the world, let us not forget the values we have cultivated here. Let us be bold in our aspirations, ethical in our pursuits, and compassionate in our leadership. We are the architects of Ghana’s future, the torchbearers of hope and innovation. The world is watching—let us rise to the occasion. If you will, let me hear you say ‘aye’!!
God bless all graduating students.
God bless our premier university.
God bless Ghana.
Thank you.