George Andah charges 978 UPSA graduates to maintain professional ethics

George Andah, a former Deputy Minister of Communications, has urged 978 new graduates of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to prioritize integrity and accountability as they enter the workforce. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Andah emphasized that the reliability of financial information is fundamental to national development and public trust. He challenged the graduates, particularly those in the accounting and finance fields, to ensure their work consistently reflects the highest standards of professionalism.

The call for ethical conduct comes against the backdrop of the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed significant financial mismanagement within the public sector. Mr. Andah specifically cited the GH₵18.4 billion in irregularities documented in the report as a stark reminder of the urgent need for professional ethics. He noted that the accounting profession requires a high level of trustworthiness to prevent such systemic losses and encouraged the graduates to build personal brands rooted in reliability and truth.

Supporting this message, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, reminded the graduates that obtaining a degree is not merely an academic achievement but a call to greater social and professional responsibility. Representing the graduating class, the overall best student, Ms. Matilda Dede Angmortey, pledged that she and her peers would uphold the strict ethical standards of the accounting profession to protect the interests of the public and their future employers.

The ceremony highlighted UPSA's role in training the next generation of financial leaders during a period of heightened scrutiny over public and private sector accountability. As these 978 graduates transition into various sectors of the economy, the university's leadership and guest speakers emphasized that their success will be measured not just by their technical skills, but by their ability to resist unethical practices and contribute to a more transparent financial landscape in Ghana.