The first deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, has urged graduates of the University of Ghana to dream big, embrace innovation and work hard.
Speaking during the university’s recent graduation ceremony in Accra, he emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation, which would facilitate job creation and make a positive impact on generations.
Dr. Opoku-Afari noted that the central bank has established strong links with the University of Ghana to promote research and development, highlighting the need for collaboration between academia and industry.
Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Opoku-Afari encouraged the graduands to be guided by the principles of hard work, perseverance and integrity. He acknowledged the uncertainty of the future but urged them not to get caught in the trap of moral decadence that appears to be on the ascendancy in modern society.
“As you progress in life, you need to cultivate the habit of walking the talk. Generally, character is observed by the complex mental and ethical traits marking and often individualising a person or group of people. To quote Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, ‘A man’s character is his fate.’ To say it in another way, your character will determine your fate in life,” he said.
He urged them to strive for greater heights and make a difference in their careers. He emphasized that the greatest obstacle towards achieving and sustaining success is character, and urged the graduates to let integrity be their core guiding principle.
Dr. Opoku-Afari’s speech also focused on the importance of innovation, collaboration between academia and industry and embracing hard work and perseverance. His message serves as a reminder to graduates that they can achieve their goals with the right attitude and approach.
“The greatest obstacle towards achieving and sustaining success is and has continued to be character. In this modern society, future leadership is under siege and moral decadence appears to be on the ascendancy, but do not allow yourselves to get caught in this trap. Let integrity be your core guiding principle,” he said.
