On Thursday, the University of Professional Studies in Accra (UPSA) graduated 1,094 students, with a message to the graduates encouraging them to continue to contribute to the country’s progress with courage and bravery.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, who made the announcement, urged the graduates to be transformed by the regeneration of their minds and to have the courage and strength to lead the country’s progress.
Mr Patrick Nomo, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, and Mr Frederick Boadu Asare, the Group Managing Director of Village of Hope, received honorary doctorate degrees during the 13th congregation.
There were 905 undergraduates and 189 diploma students among the graduates.
Discernment
Given their level of knowledge, Mr Ofori-Atta advised the graduates to be discriminating and assertive in their thoughts.
He reminded them that it was critical that they appreciate the privilege of successfully completing their studies, and that they needed to understand that they had been blessed and that as a result, they would become responsible stewards of the country.
“At this point, the most essential thing for you to consider is your employment prospects. We’ve had a time where the majority of people rely on the government for work. I can tell you that payroll is full because we’re spending 60% of our income on remunerating 650,000 people, and that’s not sustainable.
Hopes
The guest speaker, Dr. K.K. Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, commended the graduates on their hard work in completing their programs.
“I believe you are all graduating with ambitions, hopes, and dreams. It’s a good mindset to have. There is very little one can achieve in life without objectives, optimism, and aspirations.
“Equally essential, though, is the requirement that you learn 21st-century skills and core competencies that will improve your employability and professional progression,” he added.
Dr. Sarpong stated that today’s industries are looking for graduates with more than a bachelor’s degree and that life skills such as creativity, innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork, communication, empathy, and digital literacy, among others, are considered essential for effective individual performance.
He said that the talents for adaptive and constructive behavior that help in dealing effectively with the problems of everyday life, notably work, were backed by the life skills described and recognized by UNESCO.
