Ensign Global University, located in Kpong in the Eastern Region, has held its 10th congregation, graduating 44 students with Master of Public Health degrees.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, 15th November, also marked a historic milestone for the institution as its first congregation since receiving a Presidential Charter in December 2024, granting it full autonomy as a university.
Of the graduating cohort, 30 were female and 14 male. The ceremony was attended by the university’s leadership, faculty, board members, benefactors, and traditional authorities, as well as family and friends of the graduands.
His Majesty, Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, was the special guest of honor for the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the President of Ensign Global University, Professor Stephen C. Alder, expressed appreciation to the institution’s founders, stakeholders, and partners for their continuous support.
He emphasised that the Presidential Charter conferred not only recognition but also a responsibility to uphold the highest standards in higher education.
“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 added.
He paid tribute to the university’s co-founders, Dr Lynette and Elder Robert Gay, describing them as unwavering benefactors whose vision and commitment had guided Ensign’s growth.
Their support, he noted, continued to inspire the university community and strengthen its mission to improve global well-being.
The ceremony also acknowledged the presence and contributions of the institution’s Board of Governors and key partners, including the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and former mentor institution, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Nene Sakite II was also commended for his enduring support.
Professor Alder reiterated Ensign Global University’s mission to educate entrepreneurial leaders and generate knowledge that addresses the world’s most pressing challenges.
He explained that the university’s identity is symbolised by its colours, gold, representing Ghana’s richness and intellectual wealth, and blue, symbolising peace and unity reflecting the proximity of the Volta River.
These colours, he said, encapsulate the ethos expected of “Ensonians”, the title adopted for members of the university community.
He elaborated on the institution’s “Pillars of Ensign Global”, Leadership, Professionalism, and Innovation, which serve as guiding principles for graduates as they enter the workforce. The graduands were encouraged to embody these values as they transition into the global public health sector.
“You have been educated to be exceptional, transformative and revolutionary,” the University President urged. “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 further reminded the graduates that their training, which included classroom instruction, practical field placements, and thesis research, had equipped them to confront global public health challenges with competence, compassion, and creativity.
He charged the graduates to commit themselves to solving problems that hinder health and prosperity, noting that the world now expects from them a demonstration of excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership.
For his part, Nene Sakite II condemned the activities of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and urged the graduands to contribute to the fight against it as they enter the professional world.
“The most devastating public health issue facing the nation today is contaminated water bodies, running into our rivers slowly from the operations of illegal mining, which we call galamsey……. my hope is that, somehow along the way, you, the new professionals, will take these issues (galamsey) up and be serious about it; otherwise, we shall all suffer from the greed of others,” he said.