Former President, John Mahama, urged graduates of Academic City University to be resilient and make a positive impact on the country as they step out into the corporate world.

Despite the challenges posed by the Russian-Ukraine war and domestic debt exchange, Mahama emphasised that the knowledge acquired during their studies should be used to make a difference.

Addressing the 2023 year group of Academic City University, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer drew attention to the pressing issue of unemployment in Ghana, which has reached its highest level in history, affecting approximately 13% of the population.

He highlighted that the economy is in crisis due to the closure of indigenous banks and the clean-up of the banking sector, affecting Ghanaian entrepreneurs, middle-class families, and pensioners' savings.

“Unemployment in Ghana today is at its highest in our history, estimated at about 13% of the population. Our economy is in crisis. Several jobs have been lost by the closure of indigenous banks and the banking sector clean-up. The debt exchange operation has led to massive haircuts that is eroding, the capital of Ghanaian entrepreneurs, the income of middle-class families, and even the savings of poor pensioners,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Mahama expressed confidence in the graduates' abilities to confront and overcome these challenges.

“There are challenges out there in the world to be confronted but with the appropriate tailoring of the knowledge, skills, theories, models, and frameworks that you have acquired from this college. These challenges are by all means surmountable, particularly if you are ready and willing to think creatively. And I know you have big dreams. You have big ideas that will help lift your families and our dear nation out of poverty. I want you to go out there and make a positive mark on the world. I believe in you, and so you must believe in yourselves,” he added.

The President of Academic City, Prof Fred McBagonluri, also emphasized the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

“Failure is not an antithesis of success. Rather, it is an essential component of it. Accept failure as a teacher and a mentor. Every obstacle presents an opportunity for development, learning and resiliency. Instead of being disheartened by the inevitable roadblocks, learn valuable lessons from them. Remember that the most successful people in history endured normal setbacks prior to attaining greatness.”

Meanwhile, the overall best student of the 2023-year group, Daniella Ishioma Omenogor, expresses her gratitude and urges final-year final-year students to stay focused on their academics.