The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Sam Jonah, has urged members of the University community to put the recent leadership crisis behind them and unite to address the modern-day challenges facing universities worldwide.
"The challenges before us in Africa - climate change, public health, food security, governance, digital transformation will not be resolved by theory alone, they require research that engages the real world, informs policies, builds enterprises and improve lives," he added.
To Sir Jonah, the challenges were a defining moment for UCC to prove to the world that it had intellectual capital and reputation to solve the challenges head- on.
To that end, the Chancellor called for good leadership that was not driven by ego and divisiveness, but rather demanded leadership that was rooted in stewardship and unity.
“A call to renewal—the University of Cape Coast has weathered a storm. But institutions are not defined by their crises; they are defined by how they respond. This is our moment to heal. Our moment to refocus. Our moment to reimagine the future of this great University.
If we get this right, history will remember this period not for its turbulence but for its transformation,” he urged.
Some graduates at the event
Sir Jonah was speaking at the 9th session of 58th Congregation, which celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025.
The chancellor, who reflected on his tenure as Chancellor since 2001, lauded UCC for smooth leadership transitions and its commitment to institutional continuity, which he said had contributed to the university’s growth and reputation.
“The University of Cape Coast has grown in scope, ambition, and reputation,” he said, highlighting achievements including the establishment of a medical school, a law faculty, a pharmacy programme, and engineering courses.
He noted that UCC had been ranked the number one university in Ghana and West Africa for five consecutive years by the Times Higher Education Survey.
Sir Jonah paid glowing tribute to an alumna of the university, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for being Ghana’s first female Vice President.
He described her journey as a testament to the institution’s values and its role in nurturing leaders.
Sir Jonah used the occasion to urge the graduates to consider the changing global landscape, noting that climate change, technological innovation, and geopolitical shifts are redefining careers and societal needs.
“The degrees you receive today are not merely personal achievements; they are instruments of service,” he said.
“Education is not just about making a living but about making a difference. Wherever you find yourself Whether in academia, industry, civil society or public service, let integrity and excellence guide you”.