Accra: The Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, has issued a compelling call to Ghana's latest cohort of Master's and Doctoral graduates, urging them to prioritize character, integrity, innovation, and service over mere academic qualifications. In his address at the Valley View University PhD and Graduate Students' Graduation Banquet, Afriyie-Ankrah emphasized that while degrees may open doors to professional opportunities, it is character that determines the trust and respect necessary for lasting influence.
According to Ghana Web, Afriyie-Ankrah articulated that the world is not lacking in highly educated individuals but is in dire need of leaders who can be trusted to lead with integrity. He advised the Class of 2026 to view their graduation not as the end of their academic journey but as the start of a greater responsibility to their communities and country.
Afriyie-Ankrah encouraged graduates not just to consume technology, but to harness it for innovation and problem-solving. He pointed out that while technology can enhance productivity, it cannot create integrity or wisdom. Stressing the importance of practical solutions, he urged graduates to apply their expertise to tackle Ghana's pressing challenges.
During his address, Afriyie-Ankrah also appealed for the preservation of Ghana's religious harmony, highlighting recent incidents with potential to strain relations between Christian and Muslim communities. He praised the Inspector-General of Police and the Ghana Police Service, along with Christian and Muslim leaders, for their professionalism in preventing escalation of isolated incidents.
He underscored Ghana's peace as a national asset, collaboratively built by various sectors of society, and called for zero tolerance towards religious intolerance and extremism. He advised graduates to use their knowledge to unite communities and their influence to foster collaboration.
Reflecting on his teaching and mentorship experiences, Afriyie-Ankrah shared that his greatest satisfaction came from inspiring positive change in others, rather than financial rewards. He encouraged graduates to measure their lives by the positive impact they have on others, distinguishing between success and significance.
Concluding his address, Afriyie-Ankrah urged the Class of 2026 to leverage their knowledge for innovation, allowing their character to inspire confidence and their leadership to contribute to national strength.