Madam Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, the University of Ghana (UG) Council Chairperson
Madam Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, the University of Ghana (UG) Council Chairperson, has charged graduates of the University to contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
The Chairperson, who delivered the keynote address at the UG PhD Congregation, held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Great Hall, advised the graduands to utilise their knowledge and skills to address real-world problems and enhance lives.
“Whether through research, teaching, policy engagement, or entrepreneurship, let your work leave a positive and lasting impact,” she said.
Returning to her alma mater more than 30 years after walking its halls, Madam Brew shared words of wisdom and inspiration with the next generation of scholars.
“As I reflect on my life, I am filled with immense pride and deep gratitude for the years I spent at the University of Ghana,” she said.
“Legon was more than just a place of academic pursuit; it was where I discovered the power of discipline, the value of hard work, and the importance of integrity.
“I vividly remember my days spent studying in the law library and the late nights studying in the Balme Library, as well as spirited debates with classmates and the mentorship of faculty members who challenged us not only to think critically but also to lead ethically.”
These experiences, she said formed the bedrock of her career as a lawyer and gave her the confidence to walk into any position knowing she had been well-prepared by this great institution.
“The University did not just equip me with knowledge; it nurtured in me a sense of purpose and public duty,” Madam Brew said.
“It was here that I first grasped the broader role and responsibility of helping to develop Ghana and shape societal norms, which have shaped my career.”
Madam Brew said as she reflected on her journey from the lecture halls of Legon to the various spaces and positions she had served in; she was reminded daily of how foundational her time at the University of Ghana was to the person she had become.
She reiterated that it was an honour to return not only as an alumna but also as a testament to the transformative power of a University of Ghana education.
To the graduands, the Council Chairperson said: “The University of Ghana has played a crucial role in your development, and I hope you will maintain strong ties with your alma mater”.
She appealed to them to support the UG’s Mission through their engagements, as alumni, collaborators, or advocates for higher education in Ghana.
Madam Brew, who doubles as the Legal Advisor to the President, also charged the graduands to continue to learn.
“Your degree marks the beginning, not the end, of your intellectual journey. Stay curious, remain open to new ideas, and strive for excellence in your chosen fields,” she stated.
“Knowledge alone is not enough; what will distinguish you is how current, relevant, and applicable your knowledge remains in an ever-changing world. Never stop learning,” she added.
She urged the graduands to nurture confidence; stating that “confidence is not arrogance; it is the quiet, steady belief that you are prepared, that you belong, and that you are capable”.
“Without confidence, even the most brilliant ideas can falter. Believe in your training, in your purpose, and in the value of your contribution.”
The Council Chairperson appealed to the graduands to represent the University of Ghana with distinction; saying “You are ambassadors of this institution wherever life takes you”.
“Whether you find yourselves in academia, public service, industry, or civil society, carry with you the values that define this great University: Integrity, Commitment, Respect, and Loyalty.”
She reiterated that the future was bright and promising, declaring that “and may your contributions to society be significant, may your impact be lasting, and may your journey be fulfilling.
The Council Chairperson congratulated the graduands on their hard-won success and further wished them all the best in their endeavours.
