Accra Technical University has conferred degrees and certificates on 5,829 students, comprising 1,672 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) graduates, 3,465 Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, 315 diploma recipients, and 377 certificates awarded under the Ghana Armed Forces programme.
The graduates came from the Faculties of Engineering, Built Environment, Applied Sciences, Applied Arts, and Business, marking a major achievement in the university’s mission to develop skilled professionals for various sectors.
This year’s congregation, the university’s 24th, was held under the theme “Impacting Society and Driving Innovation, 75 Years and Beyond”.
The event drew high-profile dignitaries such as the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle Constituency, Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; the Development Chief of the Ga State, Nii Kojo Ashifi Papanyira; the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman; Labour Dispute Resolution Expert, Mr. Austin Akufo Gamey; Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi; representatives of the Commandant of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC); and the Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), as well as Deans, Directors, and university staff.
During the ceremony, Prof. Acakpovi commended the perseverance of the Class of 2024, encouraging them to embrace the future with courage and confidence. He reminded them that their graduation was not simply the end of their academic life but also a powerful invitation to action.
Reflecting on their experiences, he recognised the obstacles the graduates had overcome, including personal sacrifices and global disruptions, stating, “We adapted, we learnt, and today, we stand victorious.”
“The world belongs to the bold, the innovative, and the lifelong learners,” he explained. He urged graduates to use their degrees as tools for positive change, encouraging them to leave their chosen fields better than they found them,” he advised.
In his speech, Dr Emmanuel Newman also lauded the Class of 2024, describing their accomplishments as a reflection of how education and determination can transform lives.
“Today is not just a celebration of academic excellence. It is a testament to the power of determination,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to apply their technical expertise to generate employment rather than join the growing number of unemployed graduates.
“Having received this training, you cannot sit at home with the skills you can use to create employment for yourselves,” he stated.
Dr. Newman further advocated for a paradigm shift in education, promoting critical thinking over memorisation.
“We must move beyond traditional rote learning,” he said, underscoring the importance of preparing graduates for the dynamic demands of today’s job market.
