Graduation is Not an Arrival, But Beginning of Life Journey, Graduate Students Told
From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi
Graduate students were reminded that graduation is not an arrival, but the beginning of a lifelong journey to make a meaningful impact in society. Dr. Kwame Adinkrah, a media personality and entrepreneur, emphasized the importance of professionalism, competence, and emotional intelligence in achieving success.
Speaking at the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) Professional Development and Entrepreneurship 2026 event, Dr. Adinkrah stated that a degree is not a destination, but a passport to success. He stressed that professionalism is a lifestyle that encompasses punctuality, respect, and commitment to duty.
He Graduation is not your arrival, but the beginning of the journey of your life, which depends on the way you present yourself to people,” Dr. Adinkrah said. He added that success depends on the value one creates or adds to make a difference, not just a degree.
Dr. Adinkrah emphasized that knowledge alone is not enough to achieve success, but rather competence, emotional intelligence, respect, and punctuality, combined with effective communication.
He reminded young graduates that professionalism is a lifestyle and that being professional wherever you find yourself will take you places.
Afia Konadu Yiadom, The General Secretary of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), at the event emphasized the need for research to go beyond writing and into implementation.
She stated that Ghana is at a defining moment in its development journey and that graduate students have a critical role to play in driving the country’s transformation.
Yiadom noted that the world of work is changing rapidly and that traditional pathways to employment are no longer guaranteed.
She stressed that academic excellence must be complemented by professional agility and entrepreneurial vision, saying “Professional development is not an optional addition to graduate education. It is a necessity.”
She urged graduate students to cultivate leadership, strengthen communication skills, deepen digital competence, and develop discipline to manage complex projects. Yiadom also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, adding that it is the bridge between knowledge and national transformation.
According her, every thesis written in our universities has the potential to address a practical challenge,” Says graduate students possess specialized knowledge that can drive industrial growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve healthcare delivery.
Yiadom commended the GRASAG leadership for organizing the programme and urged students to use the opportunity to engage actively, build networks, and explore partnerships with industry and government. She encouraged graduate students to believe in their capacity to shape Ghana’s future.
Prof. Oduro Fredrick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice Chancellor of Akenten Appiah Mensah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), commended GRASAG for organizing the program, which aims to enlighen students with skills for job creation and entrepreneurial development.
