The Christ Apostolic University College (CAUC), at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, has held its 11th Congregation for 188 graduates across various disciplines, over the weekend.
The Congregation was under the theme; “Sustainable Minds, Sustainable Leadership for Greener Tomorrow”.
The Chancellor of CACU, Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong Esq. extended his warmth congratulations to the graduates, acknowledging their achievements noting that their journey has not been without challenges, yet through perseverance, discipline, and determination, but yet have attain such an important milestone,
Further noting that the ceremony is not merely the end of an academic programme but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility, opportunity, and service to society, commending dedicated lecturers for diligently imparting knowledge, guided research, as well as mentoring students throughout their academic journey.
Touching on the theme, Apostle Frimpong, who also doubles as the Chairman of Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), disclosed that it is both timely and significant for the generation being prepared to be sent into the world, indicating that innovation is no longer an option in today’s world; it is a necessity.
The Chancellor disclosed that as a faith-based institution, CACU seeks to produce graduates who combine academic excellence with moral responsibility and spiritual values, emphasising that his outfit’s Vision is to develop leaders who will transform society through knowledge, faith, and service,
Assuring CACI’s commitment to supporting national development, noting that the Church continues to partner the government of Ghana in its “reset and development” agenda, indicating that CACI believe that education plays vital role in national transformation, and institutions, such as CACU, are essential in raising the next generation of ethical leaders and innovators.
Apostle Frimpong urged graduates to remember that learning doest not end with graduation, indicating that “education” is a lifelong journey,
Noting that the world is constantly changing, and those who succeed are those who continue to learn, adapt and grow, hence urging graduates to keep seeking knowledge, acquiring new skills, and expanding their horizons.
Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Sekyi Arhinful adjudged the Overall Best Student (with 3.83 CGPA) as well as Best Student, School of Theology; with Tawiah Francis Arthur, Best Student, School of Business; Patricia Akyerem, Best Student, School of Education; Juliana Agyemang, School of Technology.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Seth Terkper, Presidential Advisor on the Economy, disclosed that the occasion is not merely a ceremony of academic achievements, but rather a commemoration, indicating that it is a moment when learning will transition into leadership, when knowledge will meet responsibility, when dreams will encounter duty, and when many of us will earn our commission to leave the rank with which we are taught as students.
Touching on the theme, Mr. Terkper disclosed that it could not be more timely, more relevant, or more urgent, noting his full alignment to the theme and the mission of a sustainable Ghana,
Indicating that government is endeavouring to complement individuals, families, and communities on the path to sustainable living and sustainable growth, disclosing that on the fiscal front, government could not hold onto a rebuilding program that followed our declaration of HIPC some time ago,
The Presidential Advisor further explained that as a nation, we slipped deeper into debt before, a debt that we simply failed to pay, disclosing that as a consequence, part of the debt was suspended, and part of it also had to be borne by Ghanaians, including parents, noting that we (Ghana) were shut out of our own domestic markets and foreign financial markets, with the debate on whether we should prioritize spending instead of some of these debt claims,
Disclosing that the “shutout” indicated a defaulted government, hence inspiring President Mahama and team to clear these debt as wellas to meet our suspended commitments.
Stating that we can be back in rebuilding the nation in a more sustainable manner, had government not taken this path, it would have been impossible and would have had to rely on borrowing for three months, noting thatour ratings have improved, and that means the prospects are good.
The former Finance Minister indicating that chasing our path to sustainable development requires that we change other ways of doing things, stressing that whay we need to do with sustainable markets is to think beyond the present moment, to evaluate the consequences of past actions. In particular, we must balance economic growth with environmental protection, and as well consider not only profits, but generations to come, and the planet we draw on,
Hence, requires sustainable leadership, which many of the graduating students have been thrust into this sustainable development path, which, as a nation, we share with other nations in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. Terkper indicated that the future economy will reward sustainability to young innovation, indicating that we must reflect on the moral foundation on which our nation can attain its sustainable goals, thus a greener tomorrow is an environmental ambition as well as a spiritual responsibility,
Further disclosing thatsustainability is not a destination,which involves a decision today, but it is a journey, noting that greener tomorrow is not guaranteed without we putting in what is required by way of hard work.
Advising graduates that they are carriers of hope for their generation and those that are yet to come, noting that they are endowed with solutions,
Encouraging graduates to build companies that add value while respecting the environment, design policies that protect the vulnerable, and cultivate farms that nourish without depleting.
In his Valedictory speech, Ebenezer Kofi Sekyi expressed his profound gratefulness for the privilege of emerging as the overall best student, noting that the achievement is not the result of individual effort alone, but rather the fruit of a collective support, sacrifice and divine enablement.
Mr. Sekyi touted the management and leadership of CACU for creating an environment where academic excellence is grounded in godly values, as well as thanked lecturers for their patience, discipline, mentorship and tireless commitment to shaping not just their intellect, but also their character,
Further acknowledging the prayers, sacrifices and encouragement of parents and guardians, which carried them through moments of doubt and fatigue,
Indicating that the ceremony is proof that resilience, faith and hard work produce results, advising fellow graduates that success is not just mainly about grades or certificates, but about impact and service, urging graduates to step into the next chapter of their lives, with the values instilled in them at CACU. END.
