A cross section of the graduating class. INSET: Felicity Nelson
Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Felicity Nelson, has challenged graduates of BlueCrest University College to translate their skills into real impact.
She was speaking at the 26th Convocation held under the theme, “From Skills to Impact: Empowering Graduates to Innovate, Lead and Drive Sustainable Development.”
Ms. Nelson said qualifications alone are no longer enough, stressing that the real test of education begins when graduates face problems without textbook answers.
“What is the value of a skill if it does not solve a problem, create an opportunity, improve a system, or make somebody’s life better?” she asked.
She noted that Ghana does not lack potential but must learn to organise and deploy its assets productively, citing tourism as an example where assets must be turned into viable products.
Sharing the success story of GTDC’s “Accra by Night” product, Ms. Nelson revealed how she personally sold tickets door-to-door when the second edition recorded low sales, turning it into the company’s most successful product with over 30 editions in just over a year.
She urged graduates not to limit themselves to their qualifications but to be resourceful, creative, and ready to get involved to drive sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah said UEW values its long-standing affiliation with BlueCrest, describing the institution as a credible partner.
Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s message, he said graduation goes beyond wearing gowns and taking pictures, stressing the importance of the theme “From Skills to Impact.”
He charged graduates to move “from gown to town” by impacting their families, communities and the nation.
Prof. Braimah urged graduates to be creative and innovative and not wait to be employed, but to create opportunities for others.
Acting Rector of BlueCrest University College, Thomas Buabeng Assan, charged graduates to move beyond seeking jobs to creating opportunities.
He noted that graduates are entering a world rapidly transformed by technology, artificial intelligence and digitisation, which is changing how people learn, research and deliver services.
He, therefore, urged them not to fear technological change but to embrace continuous learning and adaptation.
“Do not ask only where can I find a job. Also ask: What problems can I solve? What value can I create?” he said.
Mr. Assan emphasised that entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see problems, and that leadership is about responsibility, not position.
He charged graduates to be innovative, entrepreneurial, technologically inclined and ethical, asking whether their work creates value, improves lives, protects the environment and contributes to a better Ghana.
Grace Sey-Ansah, BA Mass Communication and Journalism, was the Valedictorian for the class of 2025.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke