Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has charged graduating students of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani to be innovative as they step out into the world. Speaking at the 10th Congregation Ceremony of the University in Sunyani, the vice President further tasked the graduates to pursue innovation guided by purpose, integrity, and collaboration.
The ceremony was attended by the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and Chairman of the University Council, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, members of the University’s Governing Council, management, faculty, parents, guardians, and students.
Delivering her address, the Vice President emphasized that while technical competence is essential, it must be anchored in purpose-driven innovation. She noted that experimentation and failure are integral to progress, stressing the importance of discipline and perseverance in the pursuit of scientific and technological advancement.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the need for technologies that are tailored to Ghana’s realities, affordable, accessible, sustainable, and capable of addressing everyday challenges. She highlighted that impactful innovation flourishes through collaboration across academic disciplines, institutions, industries, and communities.
The Vice President paid tribute to the founding leadership of the University and acknowledged the collective efforts of academic staff, administrators, and traditional authorities whose contributions have sustained UENR’s growth. She commended faculty members and researchers for their commitment to knowledge creation and innovation, and expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices in supporting the education of their wards.
She further called on political leaders, private investors, and industry partners to strengthen their engagement with the University, noting that while government remains committed to providing an enabling policy environment, policies alone cannot yield the desired outcomes. According to her, strong institutional systems, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment are critical to national development.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the graduating class to allow integrity to guide their professional journeys. She encouraged them to remain grounded in discipline, curiosity, and excellence, and reminded them that Ghana’s progress depends on their ideas, energy, and commitment to working together for the common good.
