Ensign Global University Holds 10th Congregation, Raises Red Flags Over Ghana’s Public Health Threats

By Samuel Asamoah 

Ensign Global University has held its 10th Congregation at Kpong in the Eastern Region, using the ceremony not only to confer Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees but also to spotlight growing public health threats confronting Ghana. The event, the university’s first graduation since receiving its Presidential Charter in December 2024, brought together traditional authorities, health experts, policymakers and academics.

Addressing the gathering, the Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, His Majesty Nene Sakite II, warned that environmental destruction—especially the rapid pollution of water bodies through illegal mining—has become one of Ghana’s most urgent public health emergencies. He said the contamination of rivers is “creeping quietly” across the country, threatening communities far beyond known mining regions.

According to him, chemicals used in illegal mining operations are gradually infiltrating major water sources, including the Volta River, posing long-term risks to human health and food systems. “Even those who believe they are safe in the Volta Region or the northern parts of the country will not be spared if the pollution continues,” he said, urging the new graduates to apply their training to confront what he described as a looming national crisis.

Nene Sakite II also stressed the need for equity in healthcare, insisting that no form of discrimination in the delivery of health services can be justified. He told the graduates that their transition into professional practice comes at a time when Ghana urgently needs skilled public health experts capable of solving complex challenges.

The President of Ensign Global University, Prof. Stephen C. Alder, emphasised that the institution’s new charter status places an additional responsibility on it to produce leaders who can drive solutions across the health sector. He said the autonomy granted by the Presidential Charter marks a new phase of academic growth, with the university set to introduce programmes focused on health and safety, human trafficking and business creation through a partnership with the University of Utah.

Prof. Alder urged the graduates to uphold the university’s pillars of leadership, professionalism and innovation, describing them as “agents of prosperity” equipped to elevate healthcare outcomes wherever they serve.

Keynote speaker Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, a former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, reinforced the need for high professional standards in Ghana’s health workforce. He praised the university for maintaining rigorous accreditation through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the U.S.-based Council on Education for Public Health. Prof. Akosa said public health professionals must demonstrate ethical discipline, scientific integrity and a commitment to continuous learning as they confront evolving global and national health challenges.

The ceremony also honoured outstanding graduates, including Nana Akosua Amoah, who received both the Best Graduating Student Award and Best Thesis Award for her work on injury epidemiology at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Several students also received recognition for leadership and community service.

Vice President of the Ensign Alumni Association, Dr. Sedinam Adamaley, encouraged the new graduates to remain connected to the university’s growing alumni network, which includes professionals serving in international organisations, government agencies and academic institutions worldwide.

Ensign Global University also highlighted its public health outreach initiatives through its latest Ensign in the Community Report, showcasing engagement in health education, research and community partnerships.

The ceremony concluded with the administration of the Public Health Oath and the conferment of alumni status. Established in 2014, Ensign Global University says it is committed to expanding its role in developing public health leaders capable of advancing Ghana’s health agenda and contributing to global health solutions.