The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence by supporting the University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Economics during its annual Dean’s Awards Ceremony. The event, which celebrates outstanding students and dedicated staff, honoured individuals who attained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.6 and above from levels 200 to 400.
Representing the Bank, the Deputy Managing Director, Prof. Ferdinand Ahiakpor, presented a cheque of Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS10,000.00) to the School of Economics to support its academic and developmental initiatives. In addition, he made a personal donation of GHS5,000.00, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing the school’s goals.
Prof. Ahiakpor went a step further by personally rewarding excellence among individuals. He awarded GHS3,000.00 to three outstanding recipients: the Best Female Student in Level 300 with an impressive CGPA of 3.9, the Overall Best Academic Student, and the Best Non-Academic Staff member.
In his address, Prof. Ahiakpor underscored the importance of corporate institutions investing in education. “At ADB, we understand that today’s students are tomorrow’s economists, policymakers, and business leaders. We are proud to support UCC, which consistently produces high-achieving graduates ready to make meaningful contributions to our economy,” he said.
He further encouraged students to embrace discipline and innovation beyond academic success. “You are not just here to pass exams. You are here to challenge ideas, find solutions, and lead change. Let your success here be a stepping stone to national development,” he urged.
Prof. Ahiakpor also stressed the need for stronger ties between academia and industry. According to him, “When academia works hand in hand with industry, we build a generation of graduates who are not just employable but capable of creating long-lasting solutions.”
The Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. James Attah Peprah, commended the awardees and praised the faculty for their tireless efforts in nurturing academic excellence. He expressed his delight at the ceremony’s role in motivating students and staff alike. “The Dean’s Award has become a vital part of our academic calendar, celebrating commitment, discipline, and scholarly distinction,” he noted.
This year, 15 Level 200 students, 8 Level 300 students, and 9 Level 400 students were honoured. In addition to cash awards, ADB presented branded gift sets to the awardees as tokens of recognition.
The event not only highlighted individual achievement but also reaffirmed the crucial role of partnerships between educational institutions and corporate organizations in shaping the next generation of leaders.
