GRASAG-UEW Installs New Leaders, Pledges Unity and Academic Excellence

Delivering the keynote address, Rev. Atta Mensah, the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, described the occasion as a defining moment for future leaders, urging the newly sworn-in executives to embrace discipline, purpose and integrity in their leadership journey. He emphasised that student leadership serves as a critical foundation for national development. He cautioned against corruption, distractions and actions that could undermine their credibility.

Rev. Mensah encouraged the executives to remain focused and resilient, noting that leadership positions at the graduate level are indicative of greater responsibilities ahead. He further called for collaboration between student leaders and stakeholders to advance the student agenda and contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.

Representing the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Mr. Stephen Ernest Donkoh, a Senior Assistant Registrar, reframed graduate education as a “laboratory for leadership,” urging students to recognise their roles as active leaders rather than passive learners. He outlined three guiding principles for effective leadership: taking ownership of one’s scholarly identity, leading with empathy and demonstrating intellectual resilience.

Mr. Donkoh underscored the importance of community-building within the graduate space, encouraging students to support one another academically and emotionally. He further challenged the new executives to think beyond academic requirements and align their work with broader societal impact.

Also addressing the gathering, Prof. Samuel Pimpong, the Vice-Dean of Student Affairs, congratulated the incoming executives on their election, describing their mandate as both an honour and a responsibility. He called on them to demonstrate maturity, inclusiveness and innovation in their leadership while fostering strong collaboration with University Management and stakeholders.

Prof. Pimpong urged the executives to prioritise unity, transparency and impactful programming, assuring them of the support of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs in the discharge of their duties.

In his farewell address, Mr. David Kwaku Xefu, the outgoing GRASAG-UEW President, reflected on a tenure marked by both challenges and achievements. He recounted how legal disputes delayed the transition process but noted that perseverance and commitment ultimately ensured a successful conclusion.

Mr. Xefu highlighted key accomplishments of his administration including the refurbishment of the graduate lounge, establishment of research commons, infrastructure improvements across satellite campuses and the introduction of a bi-weekly research clinic. He also cited advocacy gains such as streamlined dues payment systems and improvements in academic facilities.

He expressed gratitude to his team, university Management and the graduate student body for their support, urging the incoming leadership to build on the foundation laid with courage, integrity and empathy.

Taking office as the new GRASAG-UEW President, Mr. Emmanuel Mensah acknowledged the challenges that characterised the electoral process including legal contestations and institutional uncertainties that stalled progress for several months. He described the moment as a turning point, emphasising the need to move beyond divisions and focus on collective advancement.

Mr. Mensah pledged to lead with accountability, discipline and urgency, outlining key priorities of his administration including strengthening research support, enhancing communication between leadership and students and intensifying advocacy for student welfare. He assured graduate students across all campuses of inclusive leadership and equitable service delivery.

He further called for unity among students, stressing that diversity of opinion should serve as a strength rather than a source of division. According to him, the new administration remains committed to fulfilling its manifesto promises and restoring GRASAG-UEW to a position of excellence.

The ceremony, symbolised a fresh chapter for GRASAG-UEW, one defined by resilience, renewed purpose and a shared commitment to advancing the academic and welfare interests of graduate students at UEW.