In what was a historic event, filled with stirring speeches and loud cheers amid heavy rain, Ashesi was officially granted its Presidential Charter by Ghana’s President, Nana Akuffo-Addo, who attended the ceremony as the Guest Speaker.
“It has been rewarding for all of us to see Ashesi grow into a world class institution that is confident in its identity,” the President said. “I am happy that it is bestowed on me to have the honour to present to the president of Ashesi University, this exemplary Ghanaian, Patrick Awuah, this Presidential Charter. This qualifies Ashesi University to be a fully independent University that can now award its own degrees. Congratulations to the class of 2018 for being the first group to receive your certificates from a full-fledged university under the authority granted by the Presidential Charter.”
Held on Ashesi’s Archer Cornfield Courtyard, nearly 1,500 guests were present to celebrate the Class of 2018.
Guests of honour included the Chief of Berekuso, Nana Oteng Korankye II, Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, the MP for Akuapim South, O.B. Amoah, Professor Jerry Samuel Kuma, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, and several members of Ghana’s diplomatic corps.
A Time for Everything
Quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastes in her opening reading, Provost, Dr. Suzanne Buchele called on the Class of 2018 to understand the importance of transitions and timing, particularly as they and the institution transition from a time of being mentored to being independent.
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens,” she read. “What do workers gain from their toil? I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they so live.”
Believe the Impossible
In a colorful speech highlighting the highs, lows and lessons learned, Class speaker Bryan Achiampong ‘18 shared the class’ story with the gathering. His message to the class was one of pushing through impossibilities and challenging the status quo.
“We limit ourselves because we falsely believe in the impossible,” he said. “But this thinking is wrong, and detrimental to all our futures. It is not impossible for us to have tarred roads leading to our university, it is not impossible for us to respect women and give them equal opportunities as men in our societies, it is not impossible build an Africa free of corruption, and it is certainly not impossible for us to change the single story of Africa in the world. All we need to do, is to believe we can, and to choose to make a difference.” 
Find a Community
In addressing the class, Ashesi President Dr. Patrick Awuah shared stories from experiences with his father, highlighting lessons for the Class of 2018 in appreciating family, and the power of an inspired community.
“Keep dreaming Class of 2018, because success always starts with imagination,” he said. “But remember that as bold and brilliant as you may be, your success will depend on your ability to inspire the energies and contributions of others to your cause. Recognize the immense contributions of all the people who have helped you get to where you are; recognize those who will help you get to the next stage of your life and career, and the next, and the next. Where ever you go, whatever you do, build a team around you that you can depend on.” 
Ashesi as an Example for Others
Speaking to the class of 2018, this year’s Guest of Honour, the President of Ghana, touched on holding on to Ashesi values and representing the Ashesi story in all they do.
“I urge you the Ashesi Class of 2018, to always keep in mind that you will be judged by the high standards set by your university,” H.E Nana Akufo-Addo said. “An Ashesi graduate is expected to be well equipped and well-versed in whatever area of study he or she has offered. Ashesi graduates will be relied on not to cut corners and not be afraid of hard work. An Ashesi graduate will be expected to have a firm moral compass. These attributes should apply to all of us in our various areas of work and enterprise.”
See all the Updates from Commencement 2018
Watch a replay of the Commencement Ceremony livestream on our Facebook page, or see all the updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtags, #AshesiGrad or #Ashesi2018.
Congratulations Class of 2018!
