Ensign Global University has held its 10th Congregation Ceremony—its first since receiving full presidential charter status—marking a historic milestone for the institution’s evolution from a community-focused public health institute to a globally recognised university.
The ceremony, held at the university’s serene Kpong campus, featured three major addresses from distinguished leaders who collectively charged the graduates to uphold professionalism, demonstrate ethical leadership, and confront Ghana’s growing public health challenges.
Prof. Akosa Celebrates Ensign’s Journey, Urges Graduates to Share Knowledge
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, recounted the university’s two-decade transformation from a public health initiative envisioned by founders Dr. Lynette and Elder Robert Gay into a fully autonomous institution.
He hailed the founders, the governing board, faculty, and partners for their “unwavering commitment” in building a globally competitive university accredited by both the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the U.S. Council on Education for Public Health.
Prof. Akosa told the graduates that their education places them ahead of many in the field and urged them to share their knowledge freely through teaching, publications, and community engagement.
“You know many things that others do not know. Please use your knowledge to make a difference,” he said, cautioning them against abandoning Ghana for opportunities abroad.
Manya Krobo Paramount Chief Warns of Environmental Crisis
Guest of Honour and Paramount Chief of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II, used the occasion to sound an alarm on what he called Ghana’s “most devastating public health threat”—rivers polluted by illegal mining activities.
He reminded graduates that polluted water in the south affects communities in the north and east as well, emphasising the interconnected nature of Ghana’s environment and citizen health.
“Our country is at a tipping point,” he warned. “Use your training to advocate, innovate, and push for reforms that protect our public health systems.”
The chief commended the graduates for completing a demanding programme, noting that commencement signifies transition from studenthood to frontline public health practice.
EGU President Stephen Alder Formally Inaugurated
The event also marked the formal inauguration of Professor Stephen C. Alder as President of Ensign Global University. Prof. Alder reaffirmed the university’s mission of producing entrepreneurial, ethical, and transformative leaders capable of tackling global health and development challenges.
He praised the founders for their vision and pledged to uphold Ensign’s commitment to excellence and global standards. Speaking to the graduates, he delivered a stirring charge:
“You have been educated to be exceptional, transformative, and revolutionary. We expect you to be fierce in your pursuit of improving the world.”
He urged them to let their lives reflect Ensign’s values—symbolised by the university’s colours, Mace, and three pillars of leadership, professionalism, and entrepreneurship.
The newly reaffirmed President of Ensign Global University, Prof. Stephen C. Alder, has pledged to steer the institution as “a beacon of goodness and prosperity,” reaffirming his commitment to uphold the vision of the university’s founders while inspiring a new generation of transformative public health leaders.
Delivering his presidential address at the university’s 10th Congregation Ceremony—the first since Ensign attained full charter status—Prof. Alder said the reaffirmation of his appointment served as a reminder of the “solemn responsibility” associated with leading a global institution committed to solving the world’s greatest challenges.
He paid glowing tribute to the University’s co-founders and benefactors, Dr. Lynette Gay and Elder Robert Gay, whose vision and resources, he said, continue to sustain Ensign’s mission to develop community-oriented professionals.
“Our founders have charged us to improve wellness by developing leaders who will advance the science and practice of public health. Ensign only succeeds when our efforts improve lives,” he said.
The President highlighted Ensign’s transformation from a public health initiative into a fully chartered university accredited by both the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) in the United States.
“This joint accreditation reflects our commitment to the uppermost global standards in higher education,” he said.
Addressing the graduating class, who received Master of Public Health degrees, Prof. Alder urged them to live up to the ideals embodied in the university’s three foundational pillars—Leadership, Professionalism, and Innovation.
He reminded graduates of their identity as “Ensonians,” a name reserved for those trained to be ethical leaders and change-makers.
“We expect you to be fierce in your pursuit of improving the world. Be exceptional, be transformative, be revolutionary,” he declared.
Prof. Alder further explained the symbolism of the university’s colors—gold, representing Ghana’s beauty and depth of knowledge, and blue, symbolizing togetherness and peace drawn from the Volta River beside which the university sits.
“These foundations should guide your conduct as global influencers,” he added.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi and Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Prof. Alder challenged the graduates to embrace courage, innovation, and service in crafting solutions for global health challenges.
“The task is great indeed, but so is the opportunity. Let your lives reflect the world as it can be,” he said.
He encouraged them to face future challenges with optimism, discipline, and compassion, using their Ensign training to improve lives and inspire others.
“Go forth with courage. Accept the call to tackle great challenges and embrace the opportunities. Be noble and great. Act on your ideas to transform the world,” Prof. Alder concluded.
The ceremony brought together founders, board members, traditional leaders, academic partners, municipal health officials, clergy, alumni, students, and families—reflecting the expanding influence of Ensign Global University both in Ghana and internationally.
A New Era for a Growing Institution
This year’s graduating class—Ensign’s first under full charter—received Master of Public Health degrees endorsed by both Ghana’s regulatory authorities and international accrediting bodies.
The combined messages from Prof. Akosa, Nene Sakite II, and Prof. Alder underscored a unified call: for graduates to apply their world-class training to advance public health, protect the environment, uphold integrity, and help shape a more prosperous society.
