University of Ghana’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates have been urged to let their research go beyond academic journals and use their knowledge to solve real problems in society.
This call was made by Ms. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew- former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, during the July 2025 PhD graduation ceremony held at the university’s Legon campus in Accra on July 25, 2025.
“Let your research extend beyond the academic journals into the world where it can make a meaningful and positive difference,” she said.
A total of 1,944 students graduated over two days of ceremonies. The figure included 107 PhDs, 917 master’s degree holders and 920 undergraduates.
Ms. Brew encouraged the graduates to translate their findings into practical solutions and engage with policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and citizens to share their insights in ways that benefit the larger society.
She added that the nation and the continent need not only scholars, but also innovators and entrepreneurs who can transform knowledge into economic opportunities.
She reminded graduates that they are now custodians of knowledge and urged them to use their training to help address social, economic and environmental issues.
Ms. Brew said the world today faces serious challenges, including inequality, political instability and climate change, and called on the graduates to lead with creativity, courage and teamwork.
She also encouraged them to keep learning, and represent the University well wherever they find themselves.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, congratulated the graduates and said the ceremony marked the start of new responsibilities and opportunities for them.
She highlighted several developments at the university aimed at improving student experience and academic excellence. She noted that it has improved internet services, expanded Wi-Fi coverage, and upgraded the online learning platform.
She also mentioned the ongoing construction of the Digital Youth Village, which will serve as a national centre for digital skills training when completed.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that the university had signed 24 research grant agreements in 2025, worth about US$23 million. She said this shows the high quality of research being carried out at UG and the confidence global partners have in its work.
Furthermore, Professor Amfo spoke about the university’s improved global standing, noting that it is now ranked first in the country, first in West Africa and fifth in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan rankings. This is a jump from 17th place the previous year.
She also highlighted the university’s new strategic plan, which runs to 2029. It focuses on five key areas: student experience, impactful research, staff development, partnerships, and sustainable resource use.
Moreover, she said that the university recently held the “Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon” in collaboration with University College London, where students and researchers created AI tools to support people with speech impairments.
The valedictorian, Merri Iddrisu, shared her personal journey from a village without health facilities to becoming a PhD graduate. She said despite many challenges, including limited resources and balancing studies with family responsibilities, she stayed focused and persevered.
“Our degrees are not just certificates. They represent years of hard work, sleepless nights and shared sacrifices,” she said.
She urged her fellow graduates to use their training to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
The PhD graduation was one of four sessions held during the July 2025 Congregation at the University of Ghana.
