Cape coast: Mr Seth Terkper, the Presidential Advisor on the Economy, has urged the youth, particularly students, to embrace integrity, discipline, and high moral ethics in their academic and professional endeavours. He asserted that these core values were indispensable for personal development and the overarching economic transformation of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Terkper made the call at a commemorative lecture marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Business. The nation's recent economic advancement, he stated, were firmly rooted in disciplined policy execution and ethical governance, encouraging students to internalise these principles as they prepared to assume leadership roles in the country's future.
Addressing the students on the theme: 'Expanding the frontiers of business excellence,' Mr Terkper said, 'Integrity and discipline are not merely personal virtues; they are critical pillars for sustainable economic growth. Young people must cultivate these values to foster a transparent and accountable society capable of effectively managing resources and instilling investor confidence.'
Drawing from his extensive experience as a former Finance Minister, and an alumnus of the institution, Mr Terkper underscored the significance of ethical conduct within both public and private sectors. He noted that Ghana's economic progress, including reforms in gold exports and public financial management, had been propelled by the restoration of order and discipline in pivotal sectors.
The lecture also underscored the vital role of education in shaping the moral compass of future leaders. Mr Terkper encouraged students to serve as role models within their communities by upholding elevated ethical standards and making meaningful contributions to Ghana's socio-economic development.
Mr Terkper's address not only celebrated the milestone of the School of Business but also urged the youth not to allow challenges to define or undermine their lives. According to him, setbacks were not merely obstacles; but powerful opportunities for learning and character development growth.
'The youth should adopt a mindset that welcomes setbacks as lessons. Instead of dwelling on disappointments, ask yourself: 'What can I learn from this? How can I improve?' This shift in perspective fosters resilience and propels you forward. Remember, setbacks do not signify the end of your journey; they herald the beginning of transformation,' he stated.
He further added: 'So, when life knocks you down, do not hesitate or linger in self-doubt. Rise, dust yourself off, and take the next step with confidence and purpose. Your setbacks today are the foundation of your success tomorrow. Continue learning, continue growing, and never allow challenges to dictate your destiny.'
Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, Vice Chancellor of UCC, in his remarks, commended the School of Business for its remarkable 50-year journey of academic excellence and growth. He pledged the University's management's unwavering support to enhancing the school's infrastructure, aligning with UCC's broader vision to improve facilities and learning environments.
'The enhancement of infrastructure at the School of Business aligns with UCC's vision to create an enabling environment that fosters academic excellence and innovation,' Prof Boampong affirmed. He expressed gratitude to the government and partners supporting these developmental initiatives, which were crucial for maintaining UCC's esteemed position in higher education.
Prof Samuel Kwaku Agyei, Acting Dean of the School of Business, said the School's motto 'Knowledge and Service,' emphasised the importance of training individuals to acquire knowledge for the benefit of themselves and society. The Professor of Finance noted that the school commenced with no departments, centres, or units but now boasts five departments, one centre and two units.
He stated that enrolment in the bachelor's degree programmes in Commerce and Secretarial Studies had surged from ten students to 6,000 pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including 20 international students from West Africa, Europe and the USA. Providing a trajectory of development, he asserted that the School had surpassed the aspirations of its founders, manifesting in cutting-edge programmes.
The school currently offers 37 academic programmes, with 24 new ones slated for introduction soon and staffed by 65 full-time lecturers, including nine full professors, 12 associate professors, 15 junior lecturers and 29 lecturers, alongside a guesthouse and an administration block. He affirmed that the School of Business was committed to excellence in teaching, research and community engagement in business and related fields. That, he said, upholds core values of reliability, integrity, good governance, honesty, and teamwork to ensure professionalism, transparency, ethical conduct, and collaborative success.
