The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Sam Jonah, has urged the university to embrace renewal and service as it continues shaping Ghana’s future through education.
His remarks came during the 10th session of UCC’s 58th Congregation, which celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025.
Addressing graduates, faculty, and guests, Sir Sam Jonah described the day as one of pride, reflection, and renewal, noting that commencement is not only a celebration of achievement but also a moment for the university to pause, evaluate its journey, and reaffirm its purpose.
The Chancellor called on the university community to focus on unity, stewardship, and the long-term interests of the institution during this period of renewal.
“A call to renewal—the University of Cape Coast has weathered a storm. But institutions are not defined by their crises; they are defined by how they respond. This is our moment to heal. Our moment to refocus. Our moment to reimagine the future of this great University. If we get this right, history will remember this period not for its turbulence but for its transformation,” he urged.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chancellor since 2001, Sir Sam Jonah praised UCC for smooth leadership transitions and its commitment to institutional continuity, which he said has contributed to the university’s growth and national and regional reputation.
“The University of Cape Coast has grown in scope, ambition, and reputation,” he said, highlighting achievements including the establishment of a medical school, a law faculty, a pharmacy programme, and engineering courses. He noted that UCC has been ranked the number one university in Ghana and West Africa for five consecutive years by the Times Higher Education Survey.
The Chancellor also addressed challenges, particularly a contested leadership transition over the past two years that disrupted campus life. He emphasised that healing and renewal are essential to maintaining UCC’s focus on excellence.
Sir Sam Jonah urged graduates to consider the changing global landscape, noting that climate change, technological innovation, and geopolitical shifts are redefining careers and societal needs.
“The degrees you receive today are not merely personal achievements; they are instruments of service,” he said. “Education is not just about making a living but about making a difference.”
He highlighted the importance of postgraduate education and research in addressing societal challenges such as public health, food security, governance, and digital transformation. Universities, he said, must ensure that knowledge is applied to real-world problems.
Sir Sam Jonah concluded by celebrating a historic milestone for UCC: the appointment of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the university’s alumna, as Ghana’s first female Vice President. He described her journey as a testament to the institution’s values and its role in nurturing leaders.