Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang delivered a rousing charge to the latest cohort of engineers, scientists, and environmental specialists from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

Speaking at the University’s 10th Congregation Ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Professor Opoku-Agyemang defined the new mandate for Ghana’s technical professionals: anchoring their work in Purpose, Integrity, and Sustainability.

The Vice President emphasized that the nation’s journey toward development cannot rely solely on academic credentials but must prioritize ethical, community-focused solutions from institutions like UENR, which was established in 2011 and operates nine schools across its Sunyani and Dormaa Ahenkro campuses.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang directly addressed the critical intersection of technology and ethics, arguing that innovation loses its value if it fails to serve the broad populace or damages the environment. She stressed that the focus on sustainability must be non-negotiable.

“Innovation must be designed for the long term, focusing on technologies that are affordable, fair, and environmentally responsible.”

She further implored the UENR graduates to dismantle silos in their professional lives.

She asked the graduates to “collaborate across disciplines, sectors, and communities.”

Echoing the national demand for ethical leadership, the Vice President affirmed the crucial role UENR's graduates will play in addressing Ghana’s energy and climate challenges.

“Ghana needs your skills, creativity, and commitment to service to build a sustainable and prosperous future,” she stated.

The call to action was strongly supported by industry representatives and traditional leadership, who emphasized the graduates’ role as change-makers

Ing. Maximilian Kwarteng, Deputy Director of the Renewable Energy Department at Bui Power Authority, highlighted the necessity of UENR’s specific training for national policy goals.

He urged graduates to become change-makers in Ghana’s energy sector, highlighting their technologist mindset as critical for climate resilience and achieving the goals of the Ghana Energy Compact.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and Chairman of the UENR Governing Council, reminded the graduates of the institution’s core promise. He encouraged graduates to uphold excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

He emphasized that UENR’s motto, “Excellence in Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” is a call to action for graduates to innovate responsibly and contribute to sustainable development.”

The Osagyefo also commended UENR’s commitment to diversity and equitable access, particularly efforts to increase female enrollment and support underrepresented students, noting that diversity drives innovation. He encouraged them to be bold.

The Vice President also took time to praise the collective efforts of the university faculty, researchers, parents, and industry partners for shaping responsible leaders, and called on the private sector to invest in research, and innovation hubs.

The graduating class found their inspiration in the words of their valedictorian, Jennifer Addae, who achieved the distinction of Best Graduating Student. She rallied her colleagues with a parting message of enduring strength:

Jennifer Addae expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her academic journey and urged her colleagues to “remain bold, resilient, and committed to using knowledge to innovate, solve problems, and impact society.”