The University of Ghana on Friday July 25 kicked off its July 2025 congregation ceremonies, drawing hundreds of students, families, and dignitaries to the Great Hall and Cedi Conference Centre to mark the academic achievements of graduating students.
The two-day celebration honors undergraduate and graduate students from the university’s four colleges, as well as the Accra City Campus. This year, a total of 1,948 students are expected to graduate, including international students representing 20 countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Chad, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Germany, Liberia,Namibia,Swaziland, Tanzania ,Uganda, Benin, Cameroon, ,Cote D’Ivoire,Kenya, Sierra Leone,Mali, ,Zambia, Zimbabwe and India.
The breakdown includes approximately 615 students from the College of Humanities, 200 from the College of Education, 102 from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, 54 from the College of Health Sciences, and 977 from the School of Graduate Studies.
Graduands arrived in academic regalia, joined by relatives and friends, filling the university grounds with celebration and reflection.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Chancellor Mary Chinery-Hesse; Vice Chancellor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; Registrar Emelia Agyei-Mensah; Governing Council Chair Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong; and Director of Public Affairs Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah.
Valedictorian for the morning session and assistant lecturer Merri Iddrisu, of the Department of Adult Health at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, earned a doctorate in nursing as part of Ghana’s first cohort of Ph.D. nursing graduates. In her address, she emphasized the need for research that addresses pressing health challenges. Her doctoral work and research focused on breast cancer navigation programs aimed at improving care delivery across the country.
Also recognized was Dr. Derrick Seyram Sule, who received the Distinguished Teacher Award for the 2023–24 academic year. The citation, read by the university’s director of human resources and organizational development, acknowledged his commitment to teaching and mentorship.
In her address, Chancellor of the University of Ghana Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to carry their achievements forward with pride.
”You have earned your honors, and I urge you to wear them with pride. Go forward as proud ambassadors of the University of Ghana. You are now part of a long-standing network of alumni who have made meaningful contributions to Ghana’s development. The university still needs you to grow, to lead, and to continue impacting lives.”
The ceremonies continue on Saturday, with more graduating students set to receive their degrees.
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Story by Edward Chika Ahiakwo|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
