GCTU Graduates Champions Of Inclusive Digital Transformation
GCTU has marked a monumental milestone by graduating its 34th cohort of graduates in a ceremony held on Saturday, 30th November 2024, at the University’s Forecourt.
The event celebrated the graduation of 1,568 students from various academic disciplines under the theme: “Bridging Divides: Technology and Education for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”
Transforming Lives Through Digital Education
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre for Excellence in ICT, Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari underscored education and technology’s role in addressing societal inequities and driving digital transformation.
Dr. Yeboah-Afari lauded the University for its pivotal contributions to national development, particularly through its ICT and engineering programmes. Highlighting the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization’s initiatives such as the Digital Youth Hub and Rural Connectivity Projects, he called on institutions like GCTU to intensify efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“These programmes are more than infrastructure; they are transformative tools to empower underserved communities,” he emphasized, urging graduates to leverage their skills for positive change in governance, healthcare, agriculture and beyond.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, praised the Class of 2024 for their determination and excellence, describing them as the “future leaders of innovation and technology.”
Prof. Afoakwa also highlighted GCTU’s recent achievements, including the establishment of the Centre of Innovation, Technology Skills, and Entrepreneurship Training (CITSET), new academic programmes in IT and digital marketing and substantial infrastructure investments.
Investments for a Digital Future
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that GCTU is expanding its academic and residential facilities with projects like an eight-storey office and lecture complex and three hostel blocks set to revolutionize campus life. These developments aim to position GCTU as a premier institution for technology and innovation in the sub-region.
Constitution of Assembly
Presiding over the ceremony, the Director for Accreditation, Mr. Emmanuel Oware-Nyarko, representing the Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), formally constituted the congregation. He highlighted the significance of the event as both a ceremonial tradition and a moment of institutional accountability.
“Congregation offers us an opportunity to reflect on how well we are fulfilling our responsibility to provide quality academic services and uphold our corporate duty to stakeholders,” he remarked.
Mr. Oware-Nyarko expressed pride in the University’s efforts to enhance graduation rates and student satisfaction. He underscored the importance of this milestone in the graduates’ transition to the next stage of their lives
A Call to Lifelong Growth
Special recognition was given to Ms. Blessed Assefuah, a graduate in Business Administration (Accounting), who emerged as the Overall Best Graduate with a remarkable GPA of 3.94.
Delivering an impassioned valedictory address, Ms. Blessed Assefuah reflected on the transformative journey of her peers.
“From late-night studies to rigorous exams, each step has contributed to shaping our character,” she said. Ms. Assefuah urged her fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning, harness the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and pursue professional development.
“Our errors are not setbacks but stepping stones,” she remarked, quoting Lucius Seneca: “Every new beginning comes from another beginning’s end.” She concluded with heartfelt gratitude to the University, faculty, and family members who supported their journeys.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2024 embarks on new professional and personal journeys, they are envisioned as champions of inclusive digital transformation. GCTU’s dual commitment to educational excellence and equitable digital opportunities remains on course.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
