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Message Welcome to the Maiden Edition ofthe UG Alumni Newsletter!It’s been a long timecoming, but we’re finallyhere—and we couldn’t bemore excited! This is thevery first UG AlumniNewsletter, and we’regrateful to have you on thisjourney with us. With over 500,000 of us outthere making waves, we’rebeyond proud of what ouralumni have achieved, andwe can’t wait to share theirstories, milestones, andtriumphs with you.This newsletter is for us—tostay connected, celebrateeach other’s successes, andmaybe reminisce a littleabout the good old days oncampus. Whether you’re down theroad or halfway around theworld, we’re all part ofsomething amazing. So grab a coffee, sit back,and let’s dive into thisexciting first edition.In this issue, you’ll findinspiring alumni profiles,university updates, andmaybe even a few surprises!We want this newsletter tobe a two-way street. Got apersonal milestone you wantto share? A professionalachievement you’re proudof? We want to hear about it!After all, this community isonly as strong as theconnections we keep.So, here’s to the beginning ofsomething fun, meaningful,and uniquely UG. We hopeyou enjoy this first edition.CampusUpdatesUpcomingEventsThe OpportunityDeskA Spotlight onAlumniInitiativesPD: The Art ofNetworkingAlumni SuccessStoriesUGCONNECTALUMNINEWSLETTEROctober 2024In this newsletteryou can expect:I S S UE # 1TheUGAlumniTeam

Message from the VCThis is the beginning of astronger, more united alumnicommunity - where yourachievements, stories, andsupport drive the future of ourUniversity and inspiregenerations to come.This publication marks a new chapterin our ongoing efforts to strengthenthe bonds between the University ofGhana and our cherished alumni. Thisnewsletter is designed to celebrateyour achievements, share universityupdates, and keep you connectedwith your alma mater, while alsoproviding a platform to add value toyou in every way we can.Your continued support andinvolvement are invaluable to thegrowth and success of the Universityof Ghana. I encourage you to stay engaged,share your stories, and takeadvantage of the opportunities weoffer to contribute to thedevelopment of the next generationof leaders, as well as your ownpersonal and professional growth.Together, we can and will continue tobuild a legacy of excellence.Prof. Nana Aba Appiah AmfoVice-ChancellorProf. Kwasi Dartey-BaahDirector, InstADDirector’s MessageAt the Institutional AdvancementDirectorate, we believe that the bondbetween the University and its alumnishould be lifelong and mutuallyenriching. This newsletter is one ofthe many ways we aim to keep youinformed, inspired, and involved inthe life of the University. While we continue to engage withalumni through our establishedformal groups in Ghana, NorthAmerica, the United Kingdom,Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone,and Togo, we also recognize theimportance of adding value to eachindividual. Through this newsletter and manyother initiatives, we aim to supportyour personal and professionalgrowth, keeping you connected inmeaningful ways.We are dedicated to not onlycelebrating your successes but alsoproviding opportunities for you togrow, give back, and stay connectedwith your peers.Thank you for your unwaveringsupport, and I look forward toworking closely with you to advancethe mission of the University ofGhana.

Campus UpdatesUG @ SOSCHI Climathon 2024UG recently hosted the SOSCHIClimathon 2024, where studentteams showcased innovativeclimate change solutions focusingon health impacts, nutrition, andemployment. Under the theme "Climate Change -Health Visual Analytics," six finalistteams competed, with Team HealthConnect emerging as the overallwinner. The Vice-Chancellor praised theinitiative for fostering innovativesolutions to global challenges.Winners received cash prizes. Readmore here.UG CHS & UNICEF on ResearchThe College of Health Sciences at theUniversity of Ghana and UNICEF areenhancing their research partnershipfollowing a recent meeting betweenProf. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost ofthe College, and UNICEF Ghana. Discussions covered areas forcollaboration, including medicaltraining, health systemstrengthening, research, capacitybuilding, and supporting childrenwith special needs. The partnership aims to addresscritical health and environmentalchallenges. For more details, visithere.Winning Teams at SOSCHI Climathon 2024

Campus UpdatesAwareness on Disability inGhanaDr. Augustina Naami, Head of theDepartment of Social Work at UG,led over 200 students in a disabilityawareness campaign in Accra. The initiative highlighted key issueslike education, employment, andhealthcare faced by persons withdisabilities. Using research-basedplacards, the students engaged thepublic, advocating for greaterdisability inclusion in society.Dr. Naami emphasised theimportance of involving peoplewith disabilities in decision-makingprocesses to achieve true societaldevelopment. Read more here.Modernised Classrooms atKorle-BuThe University of Ghana hasupgraded two classrooms at itsKorle-Bu campus, incorporatingsmart technologies like interactiveboards, projectors, and high-speedinternet to enhance learning. These upgrades are part of theUniversity's effort to moderniseeducational infrastructure, with theVice-Chancellor highlighting thesignificance of such innovations inbridging traditional and digitallearning. The initiative aligns withUG’s strategic plan to improvestudent experience across itscampuses. Read more here.Students During the Disability Awareness Walk

Refurbished UG Front GateFountain CommissionedThe Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AppiahAmfo, officially commissioned a newlyrefurbished fountain at theUniversity's main entrance. The project was led by InstAD, UG’sInstitutionalAdvancement Directorateand supported by donors like DHLForwarding West Africa and GoldcrestIbnav Ltd.A fundraising campaign for a similarproject at the Balme Library was alsolaunched. Read more here.Alumni Lecture 2024The 2024 Alumni Lecture was heldon September 19, 2024, at theUniversity of Ghana Great Hall. Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana KingsfordBagbin, Speaker of Parliament,delivered the lecture on the topic"30 Years of ParliamentaryDemocracy. The Journey thus far." The event was chaired by the VC,Prof. Appiah Amfo, and broughttogether alumni from all walks oflife.Upcoming Event: Festival of 9 Lessons& CarolsJoin us for the Festival of NineLessons and Carols as weenter into the yuletide season.It is scheduled to be held asfollows:Date: December 18, 2024Time: 5:00 pmLocation: S.K. AboahRecreational QuadrangleUpcoming Event: Wear UG DayJoin us for the upcomingWear UG Day Celebration.You can pick up the UGCloth at the InformationCentre or any of the UGcampuses across thecountry. Rock the UG Cloth thismonth. Share pictures onlinewith #WearUGDay2024

GermanInstitute forDevelopmentandSustainabilityShapingFuturesAcademy 2025Applications are nowopen for the 2025cohort. It is aimed atearly to mid-careerprofessionals fromAfrican and Europeancountries. It is fundedby the BMZ, andpromotes leadershipin sustainability byencouragingnetworking andknowledge exchangeacross sectors such ascivil society, academia,and business. ApplyHereWahingtonCollege of LawHuman RightsEssay Award2025Applications are openfor the 2025 Award,which encouragesscholarly writing oninternational humanrights law. This year'stheme is "HumanTrafficking and HumanRights." Eligibleparticipants must holda law degree andsubmit a legal articleon the topic. Winnersreceive a full tuitionscholarship forAdvanced Studies onHuman Rights andmay have their articlespublished in theAmerican UniversityInternational LawReview. Apply HereA Few Notes ToRememberResearch Thoroughly:Identify scholarships thatalign with your field ofstudy, background, andinterests.UnderstandRequirements: Carefullyread the eligibility criteriaand applicationinstructions to ensure youmeet all requirements.Prepare DocumentsEarly: Gather transcripts,recommendation letters,and personal statementswell in advance to avoidlast-minute stress.Opportunity Desk

DAAD In-Country/In-RegionMasters/PhDScholarshipProgramme The DAAD In-Country/In-RegionProgramme for Sub-Saharan Africa offersscholarships forMaster's and PhDstudents indevelopment-relatedfields. The programmecovers tuition, livingallowances, researchgrants, and for In-Region scholarships,travel and healthinsurance. Femalecandidates and thosefrom disadvantagedbackgrounds areencouraged to apply.For more details, visitDAAD ScholarshipDatabase.InternationalMonetary Fund(IMF) 2025EconomistProgram forrecent Ph.D.graduatesThe InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) isaccepting applicationsfor its 2025 EconomistProgram, designed forrecent Ph.D. graduatesin relevant fields. Thisthree-year programoffers a uniqueopportunity to work onsignificant globaleconomic challenges.Applications are openuntil December 6, 2024.For more details oneligibility and theapplication process,click HereA Few Notes ToRememberTailor Your Application:Customise your essaysand personal statementsto reflect theprogramme’s values andhow you align with them.Highlight Achievements:Showcase your academic,extracurricular, andcommunity serviceaccomplishments thatdemonstrate yourpotential.Proofread: Ensure yourapplication is free ofgrammatical errors andtypos by reviewing itmultiple times or havingsomeone else read it.Be Genuine: Share yourtrue passions and goals;authenticity can set youapart from otherapplicants.Opportunity Desk

Alumni Initiative Spotlight:Business Intelligence Trainingfor Students by Alum, Mr.Emmanuel SagoeIn a powerful demonstration of alumniengagement and commitment to studentdevelopment, Mr. Emmanuel Sagoe, an alumof the University of Ghana and a former President of the UG AlumniAssociation North America (UGAANA) , recently facilitated a free 2-day BusinessIntelligence Training programme for current students. The event aimed to equip students with essential skills in data analysis,decision-making, and the strategic use of business intelligence tools in today’sfast-evolving digital world.The training, which attracted over 100 students from various disciplines, alsoprovided a unique networking opportunity for students to connect with anindustry professional in the field, fostering mentorship and opening doors forfuture career opportunities. Students left the training empowered, with adeeper understanding of how business intelligence can impact their academicjourney and future careers. Mr. Sagoe’s leadership and dedication to empowering the next generation ofstudents reflect the university's values of excellence and service. The Universityof Ghana applauds Mr. Sagoe for his generous contribution and encouragesother alumni to participate in similar initiatives that support the growth andsuccess of students.Profile of Mr. Emmanuel SagoeEmmanuel Sagoe is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experiencemanaging digital technology programmes and enterprise database systems. Currently, he serves as VP Technical Programme Manager, Sr. at Citi (since July2021), and previously held roles such as Lead Business Intelligence Developer atUSDA and Technical Lead - Business Intelligence Apps at Wells Fargo. He holds a Master's in Information Systems from Pace University, an MS inTechnology Management from Columbia University, and a Master of PublicAdministration from Harvard Kennedy School. He also earned a Bachelor ofArts from the University of Ghana.

Mastering the Art of Networking: Beyond Business CardsNetworking is one of those things weall know we should do, but for many, itcan feel awkward, daunting, ordownright exhausting. Networking isa critical component of both personaland professional growth. Whether youare a fresh graduate stepping intoyour career or a seasoned professionallooking to expand your horizons,mastering the art of networking is keyto long-term success.Go Beyond the Business CardExchangeBeyond exchanging business cards,get to know the person behind the jobtitle, and find common ground to formgenuine bonds. Ask meaningfulquestions, actively listen, and findways to stay in touch.Leverage LinkedInLinkedIn is a powerful tool that goesbeyond the digital resume. It is aspace to build and nurtureprofessional relationships. To get themost:- Ensure your profile is up-to-date,professional, and reflective of yourcurrent goals.- Join groups related to your industry,share insightful content, and engagewith the work of others.- When reaching out to someone new,include a short, thoughtful messageexplaining why you’d like to connect. Attend Industry Events andConferencesIndustry events, conferences, andalumni meetups are goldenopportunities to meet like-mindedindividuals and exchange ideas. Tomake the most of this:- Before attending an event, do yourhomework. Identify key people ororganisations you'd like to meet, andprepare some conversation starters. - Look to offer value. It could be assimple as sharing a resource, makingan introduction, or offering advice.- After the event, send a friendlyfollow-up message or email,reminding them of your conversationand expressing interest in staying intouch. Maintain Relationships Over TimeBuilding connections is one thing, butmaintaining them is where the realwork and where the reward comes in. - Whether it’s a quick message, aholiday greeting, or sharing an articleyou think they’ll appreciate, periodiccheck-ins show you value therelationship. - Introduce people in your networkwho may benefit from knowing eachother. - Alumni groups, professionalassociations, and online communitiesoffer excellent ways to stay connectedwith your network. Staying involvedkeeps your network engaged.Make Networking a HabitNetworking shouldn’t just besomething you do when you need anew job. Instead, make it a consistenthabit. Invest in your network duringthe good times, so it’s there for youwhen you need it.

Mastering the Art of Networking: Beyond Business CardsLeverage Informal NetworkingSome of the best connections happenin casual settings—like catching upwith an old friend over coffee,attending a friend’s dinner party, orsimply chatting with someone new ata social event. Keep an open mind andstay curious about the people youmeet in everyday life—you never knowwho might open the door to your nextopportunity.Networking is all about buildingauthentic relationships that providemutual value.So whether you’re attending your nextalumni event, shooting off a LinkedInmessage, or just keeping up with oldcolleagues, remember that the goal isto form genuine, lasting relationships.By mastering the art of networking,you are opening doors—not just tonew opportunities, but to lifelongconnections that can enrich yourpersonal and professional life. So takethat leap, make those connections,and remember: it’s not just about thebusiness cards.Alumni Success StoriesMrs. Mary Chinery-HesseMrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chancellor of the University of Ghana, was honoredwith a Gender Champion award by the African Women Leaders Network(AWLN) Ghana Chapter. The award, presented during a fundraising dinner tocelebrate African Women's Day, recognised her exceptional contributions togender equality and women's empowerment, particularly in education. As thefirst female Chancellor of the University, her leadership has inspired manywomen and girls to pursue higher education. Abdul Rahman AmoaduAbdul-Rahman Amoadu has been appointed as Newmont’s first GhanaianManaging Director for Africa. With a wealth of experience in finance,operations, and international trade, Amoadu will lead Newmont’s operationsin Africa, including the Akyem and Ahafo mines. His impressive career includesleadership roles across South America and Africa, marking him as a significantfigure in global mining. This achievement showcases the exceptional talentnurtured at the University of Ghana, inspiring future generations of leaders.Nana Ama PokuNana Ama Poku has been admitted into the Fellowship of the CharteredInstitute of Marketing (CIM) UK. With an Executive MBA from the University ofGhana Business School, she has made significant contributions to the bankingsector, serving as the Deputy Managing Director at Consolidated Bank Ghana.Poku’s extensive experience includes playing a key role in establishing theGhana Export-Import Bank and holding several prestigious awards,highlighting her leadership in finance and marketing.

Join our Alumni Associations Around the World:UG Alumni Association Ghana (UGAA)UG Alumni Association North America (UGAANA)UG Alumni Association United Kingdom & Ireland (UGAA UK & IE)UG Alumni Association Liberia (UGAAL)UG Alumni Association Francophone Africa (UGAAFA)UG Alumni Association The Gambia (AUGAG)UG Alumni Association Sierra-Leone (UGAA - SL)UG Alumni Association Nigeria (UGAAN)Sign up to join our global alumni network here.Learn more about the UG Alumni Network and its benefits here.If you're interested in joining any of the alumni associations mentioned,please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement through thecommunication channels provided. We are also eager to establishassociations in additional countries, so let us know if you'd like to see analumni association in your area!

Institutional AdvancementDirectorate+233 548 7070 70instad@ug.edu.ghAlumni Building, UG, LegonThank you for reading!