The Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG) and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare-Kwakye has shown commitment to the support for higher education with a significant donation to the University.
The donation was announced during the 7th Special Congregation Ceremony of the School of Graduate Studies and Research held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Ramseyer Training Center, Abetifi.
In his address, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare-Kwakye declared that the donation should be channeled towards the establishment of a Graduate Research Support Fund which aims to provide scholarships and research grants for postgraduate students pursuing studies in critical development areas such as public health, education, environmental sustainability, and governance.
The Chacellor, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare-Kwakye (left) and the Vice-Chacellor, Prof John Ofosu Anim (right)
The Chancellor emphasized the importance of graduate education and research to national development, stating that as a country, “our ability to innovate, create sustainable solutions, and transform our socio-economic realities rests significantly on the capacity of our graduate institutions to produce critical thinkers and skilled professionals.”
He added that graduate research, when effectively harnessed, provides evidence-based insights for policy making, drives technological advancement, and supports entrepreneurial development.
However, he highlighted some challenges faced by graduate students in the course of their studies and implored the University and the students work to overcome such difficulties.
Further, the Moderator appealed to the Government of Ghana and its development partners to prioritize funding for graduate education and research. “If we are serious about building a knowledge-based economy, then graduate research must be treated as a national priority,” he stated.
The Chancellor continued that the provision of funding schemes, research grants, and institutional support is essential to build a knowledge-based economy.
He encourage people in academia, government, and industry to work together to create an enabling environment for research to thrive.
A section of the graduating students
He seized the opportunity to commend the leadership of the School of Graduate Studies and Research for their strategic vision and resilience in advancing graduate education.
He noted that the successful introduction of new postgraduate programmes, including PhD in Environment and Development and MSc in ICT Management, are strategic since both programmes aligned with Ghana’s development priorities.
In conclusion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare-Kwakye encouraged the graduating class, many of whom are already professionals, to view their accomplishment not as an end, but as a springboard for greater impact.
“You have been equipped with the tools to lead, to innovate, and to serve,” he told the graduates. “Let the values of discipline, integrity, and service instilled in you by this University guide your future endeavours.”