Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Chancellor of University of Cape Coast, on Saturday urged administrators in tertiary and higher educational institutions to produce qualified human resource who would provide quality direction to the public and private sectors of the economy.
"Education in the past 20 years or so has seen tremendous growth and progress but one does not remain a student forever because at some point in life, you would have to start a career which among other options place you in a position to impart the knowledge gained through academic effort or become strong support in a growing and promising business and it is our duty as tutors and managers to ensure that the best is produced"
Professor Opoku-Agyemang was speaking at the 16th graduation and admission ceremony of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA).
There were 242 Chartered Accountants (CA) and 55 Accounting Technicians West Africa (ATWSA) who were admitted.
She said drafting budgets, disbursing funds, determining the profitability of an intended venture and maintaining checks and balances in organizations are critical processes needed for the growth of businesses and the economy as a whole.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the strength of every organization in a business sector depends on the effective strategic planning efforts as well as degree of commitment to ensure that target needs are met.
She urged the graduates to display a high sense of integrity, transparency and accountability in the performance of duties in order not to tarnish the image of the accounting profession.
"A lot of trust is being vested in you because your profession is very important to national development."
"You will come under public scrutiny as you execute your functions and everyone will note your strategies for surmounting the challenges of your profession as you try to make a mark. There will be tempting moments that you must withstand because you know a good name is better than riches you do not deserve and have not worked for," she said.
Dr. Joseph Annan, a Deputy Minister of Education, advised professional accountants to desist from engaging in white-collar crimes since it impedes economic development.
"It is incumbent on you as practicing professionals to ensure that every conduct of yours at any particular level of organization or the state does not amount to cheating of the existing systems.
"System loopholes you may identify must not be seen as gold mine and exploited but must be professionally plugged or removed," he said.
Dr. Annan advised the graduates to upgrade their knowledge continuously in order to become abreast with existing business systems that can become complex.
Miss Paulina Akelentera Akolgo won the special award for being the most outstanding female candidate, Kofi Opoku Asante won the best award in Management Accounting and control, Christopher Agyeman, Company and Partnership law, Michael Owusu Boadi, Taxation, Isaac Danso Agyiri, Audit and Internal Review and Paul Kojo, Strategic Management.