Cape Coast — Ghanaian businessman and Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Dr Samuel Esson Jonah, commended the School of Business on its 50th anniversary, characterizing its impact on business and education as monumental.
He made these remarks as the Keynote Speaker during the 50th Grand Durbar of the School of Business, held at the New Examination Centre at UCC on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
On the theme "University of Cape Coast School of Business @50: Expanding the Frontiers of Business Excellence", Sir Jonah reiterated that within these 50 years, "the school has broken boundaries, shaped destinies and contributed immensely to national development," he stated.
The Chancellor referenced the fact that, despite the initial challenges the school faced, it has consistently produced leaders who have significantly contributed to Ghana's development. "In our midst is Mr. Seth Terkper, arguably the most effective finance minister this country has had," he noted, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience. Furthermore, "producing accomplished individuals such as Jojo Oppong Nkrumah, John Awhah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Bankers, and numerous other CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators" underscores the school's substantial contributions to Ghana's growth and development.
Sir Jonah seized the opportunity, emphasizing to the school the significance of adapting to the global shift towards emerging trends of AI, automation transforming job markets, reconfiguring global supply chains, climate change impacting economies, and the growing youth population's demand for opportunities, necessitating a paradigm shift in how students are prepared for the future.
"If we continue to educate students for yesterday's world, they will become victims rather than competitors in tomorrow's world", emphasized. Dr. Jonah, asked, "How is the beautiful school preparing students for the new wold?"
Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, in his capacity as a special guest, underscored the significance of education in driving a nation's growth. In his remarks on educational policy, he noted that the NDC government deemed it expedient to sustain the Free Senior High School policy, from which many have benefited. Moreover, the current administration, led by John Dramani Mahama, has introduced the 'No Fees Stress' initiative, a financial aid program in Ghana designed to eliminate academic-related fees for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
To support the government's educational affordability drive, he noted that his office has provided various forms of financial support for continuing students. "Any continuing student who has applied to my office seeking financial support has been supported," he revealed to applause from the audience.
Dr. Nyarku expressed his enthusiasm when Prof. Agyei, Dean of the School, Prof. Gatsi, and other Heads of Department visited him in Accra for productive discussions with GETFUND regarding the completion of the stalled School of Business project. "The discussions were fruitful, and we are looking forward to completing the project for you," he emphasized.
Furthermore, he commended President Mahama for his initiatives, including the Students Loans Fund to alleviate the financial burden of students, free tertiary education for people with disabilities, and providing accessibility to educational infrastructure. "I think President Mahama is doing well," he said.
On the economy, Ragga, as he is popularly known, underscored that the economy is on a positive trajectory — with declining inflation, better exchange rate stability, the E-levy scrapped, growth at 6.3%, and an improved export outlook. "This is an auspicious opportunity for the School Business to identify ways to tailor their programmes to access any of these government initiatives, he noted.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC and Chair, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, underscored that the celebration was not merely about the passage of time, but "5 decades of vision, discipline, innovation and sustained contribution to national and global development".
The 50th celebration, according to him, was to commend them for their growth in stature, relevance, and impact over the years by consistently upholding academic excellence while adaptively responding to the evolving needs of society, industry, and at the national level as well.
"We celebrate resilience, intellectual leadership, and the enduring contributions of the School of Business in Ghana and the world beyond," he stated.
The UCC School of Business has culminated its 50th anniversary celebrations with a Grand Durbar aimed at expanding the frontiers of business excellence. The next 50 years of existence will determine whether this vision will be realized in this fast-paced, technologically driven world.
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