Accra: Sir Sam E. Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, emphasized the necessity for future-ready leaders to embody honesty, empathy, accountability, and trustworthiness during his address at the Academic City University’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony in Accra, where 124 students received their degrees.
According to Ghana News Agency, Sir Jonah highlighted the importance of integrity, stating that without truthfulness and transparency, leaders cannot be considered valuable colleagues, let alone effective leaders. He underscored that the most enduring trait of any true leader is their character, composed of values and ethics that steer their decisions and actions.
Sir Jonah warned graduates about future challenges to their integrity, highlighting the temptations of compromising, cutting corners, and being dishonest. He emphasized that character remains a timeless currency, asserting that individuals known for honesty and fairness will naturally attract trust and followers.
He further advised graduates to let integrity guide them, compassion be their instinct, and discipline serve as their shield. He stressed that Africa requires leaders with character rather than those seeking power, money, or fame. He encouraged the students to anchor their decisions and actions in purpose, ensuring their leadership is meaningful.
The Chancellor also urged the graduates to maintain focus, resilience, and innovation, leading their teams through challenges towards success. He emphasized the importance of making good impressions and building strong relationships, advising them not to take any fellowship or meeting for granted.
Professor Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City University, remarked on the significance of this graduation, being the first since the University received its Presidential Charter. He noted that the 2025 class was the largest in the University’s history, with the first graduates in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor McBagonluri praised the graduates as bold movers and shakers, ready to tackle life’s challenges with a steady and tactical approach.