Ensign Global University, located in Kpong in the Eastern Region, has held its 10th Congregation Ceremony, graduating 44 students with Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.
The event, held on Saturday, 15th November, was particularly historic as it marked the university’s first graduation since receiving its Presidential Charter in December 2024, granting it full autonomy as an independent tertiary institution.
This year’s graduating cohort comprised 31 females and 13 males. The ceremony drew university leadership, faculty, members of the Board of Governors, benefactors, traditional authorities, and families of the graduands. His Majesty Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The gathering was welcomed by the Founder and Board Chair of the University, Dr. Lynette Gay. In her remarks, Dr. Gay highlighted the significance of the ceremony and commended the students for their hard work and perseverance throughout the 2024/2025 academic year.
In his address, President of Ensign Global University, Professor Stephen C. Alder, expressed profound gratitude to the university’s founders, stakeholders, and partners. He reiterated that the Presidential Charter not only recognised Ensign’s achievements but placed upon it a renewed responsibility.
“Receiving the Presidential Charter has given us the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of service to our country, society, and humanity as an independent institution of higher education,”
Professor Alder said.
“We must evolve as an institution to be worthy of this designation.”
He paid tribute to the university’s co-founders, Dr. Lynette and Elder Robert Gay, describing them as visionary leaders whose unwavering dedication continues to shape Ensign’s growth and impact.
Professor Alder also acknowledged the vital contributions of the Board of Governors, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and Ensign’s former mentor institution, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He further thanked Nene Sakite II and the Manya Krobo Traditional Council for their longstanding support.
Professor Alder highlighted the symbolism of the university’s colours:
- Gold, representing Ghana’s richness and intellectual heritage.
- Blue, symbolising peace, unity, and the presence of the Volta River.
These colours, he explained, reflect the ethos expected of “Ensonians,” the name adopted for members of the university community.
He further outlined the university’s core guiding principles, the “Pillars of Ensign Global University”: Leadership, Professionalism, and Entrepreneurship.
He encouraged the graduates to embody these values as they enter the global workforce.
“You have been educated to be exceptional, transformative, and revolutionary,” he said.
Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa
“We expect you to be fearless in your pursuit of improving the world and relentless in helping others realise the greatness within themselves.”
Professor Alder emphasised that the graduands’ training, through coursework, field placements, and research, had equipped them to confront pressing public health challenges with competence, creativity, and compassion.
In his remarks, Nene Sakite II condemned the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey), describing it as one of the gravest public health threats facing Ghana.
“The most devastating public health issue facing the nation today is contaminated water bodies resulting from illegal mining,” he warned.
“My hope is that you, the new professionals, will take these issues up and be serious about them; otherwise, we shall all suffer from the greed of others.”
He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge and influence in safeguarding the country’s natural resources and protecting public health.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Board Chair of Ensign Global University, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, reflected on the principles that informed Ensign’s establishment.
“Today is a special occasion, the first graduation since the award of the Presidential Charter, moving us from a mentored institution to an autonomous university,” he said.
“Ensign Global University began as a vision rooted in service to underserved communities in Ghana. That dream has grown into an institution helping to resolve many of the simple yet persistent health challenges affecting Ghana and West Africa.”
He urged the graduands to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to build strong partnerships in their careers.
“The world out there will be your stage. You know many things that others do not know. Share your knowledge freely, through publications, podcasts, lectures. Never think your experience is irrelevant. That is where you will shine as beacons of Ensign Global University.”
Professor Badu Akosa encouraged the graduates to be ethical, honest, and committed to continuous learning.
“Be guided by the ethics of your profession. Let professionalism be your compass. Stay engaged at the highest level of knowledge and skill, and remain non-discriminatory in all your endeavours.”
Several students received awards in recognition of excellence and service:
- Best Graduating Student: Nana Akosua Amoah
- Community Service Awards: Maureen Edinam Sedo and Lillian Monica Adam
- Leadership Awards: Josephine Nyankwayeh Bempong and Joshua Tettey Ahuahey
- Best Thesis Award: Joshua Tetteh Ahuahey, for his research titled “Epidemiology of Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.”
In her valedictory speech, Nana Akosua Amoah expressed gratitude for the honour and encouraged her colleagues to advance wellness, touch lives, and inspire hope in their communities.