The University of Ghana (UG) has secured an approximated $23 million from 24 grant agreements signed through the University’s Research and Innovation Directorate, with an expected overheads of over $2 million, the Vice Chancelor has said. 

According to Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the grants secured underscored the trust that global partners have in the works of UG, alongside the excellent work being done by the university’s academic community. 

The Vice Chancellor was speaking at the 2025 graduation ceremony held by the university in Accra in separate batches from last Thursday to Saturday (July 24 - 26, 2025).   

She said the university has been ranked as the best in Ghana and the second-best in the West-African sub-region in the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, and placed 187 globally.

The graduation ceremony saw 1,948 students graduating from undergraduate to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study in all four sessions held. 

They were made up of 107 PhD grauduates; 917 Master's degree graduates, and 920 Undergraduates. Among the undergraduates, 319 graduated with Bachelor of Law, 91 with Bachelor of Science in Administration, 202 with Bachelor of Arts, and three with Bachelor of Fine Arts. 

Academic excellence

The Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, described the ceremony as a season of “personal triumph and institutional pride,” adding that the graduates’ achievements reflected resilience in balancing academic demands with personal and financial challenges.

She touted the global recognition of the University indicating that it reflected deliberate investments in research infrastructure, the promotion of cross-disciplinary collaboration and the attraction of global partnerships. 

“It is proof of what can be achieved when vision aligns with action and strategy with purpose,” she said.

Mrs Chinery-Hesse acknowledged the crucial role played by parents, guardians, and faculty in the graduates’ success and described them as “the unseen pillars whose sacrifices, encouragement, and guidance had made today’s achievements possible.”

The Chancellor urged the graduates to remain connected to their alma mater through the alumni association, emphasising that “giving back would ensure that future generations benefit even more than you did.”

The Chancellor encouraged the graduates to go into the world with confidence, integrity, and purpose. 

“You are not just recipients of degrees but custodians of knowledge, drivers of innovation, and beacons of hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

Ethical leadership

For his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CarePoint,  Dr Sangu Delle, who was the Guest Speaker, urged the graduating class to see their degrees as tools for service rather than personal gain.

“What Africa needed is not only well-educated men and women. It needs ethical leaders who serve others, uphold justice, and challenge corruption in all its forms,” he said.

Dr Delle stressed that corruption was a societal issue, not confined to politics, and urged the graduates to take personal responsibility for integrity and accountability.

He encouraged them to lead with courage, compassion, and a commitment to building a better nation. 

Journey

The Valedictorian, Alhassan Aboagye, described the academic journey as both demanding and transformative.

He said although the early excitement of gaining admission to the university had been quickly tested by rigorous academic work, the experience strengthened their resolve and prepared them for future challenges.

He acknowledged sacrifices of families, the guidance of faculty, and the support of sponsors, who made it possible for many students to complete their studies.

Mr Aboagye urged his colleagues to continue to grow, adapt, and apply the lessons learnt at the university to make meaningful contributions to society.