The Deputy Chief Executive (Technical) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Michael N. A. Aryeetey, has urged graduating students of Ghana to view that milestone in their lives as a gateway to making an impact, rather than merely an academic endpoint or destination.
“Go forth with confidence and pride and make your mark on the world,” he declared, celebrating not just academic achievement but the power of purpose, perseverance, and impact.
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the graduation ceremony of undergraduate students of the College of Basic and Applied sciences from University of Ghana Class of 2025, and some students from the College of Health Sciences, Mr. Aryeetey advised them, going forward: to treat their job search like a job itself, not to fear failure, but learn from it, stay curious and embrace lifelong learning and to impact lives positively wherever they go.
He commended the graduating students for their grit through tight deadlines, sleepless nights, and intellectual rigour to arrive at this point in their lives. They were from the schools of Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Engineering Services, and Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
In an era of climate urgency, Mr. Aryeetey admonished earth science graduates to have a moral responsibility to drive sustainable solutions, influence policy, and uplift communities.
All Disciplines Matter: He personalized motivation for every school—from Agriculture to Education, emphasizing their unique societal roles and urging graduates to take bold, ethical steps into the future.
Aryeetey reminded graduates that true success lies not only in titles, but in the lives they touch.
Mr. Aryeetey used some personal life experiences to inspire the graduating students:
1. Humble Beginnings with a Powerful Vision: While vacationing in 1991 on the University of Ghana campus for a Christian camp meeting, Mike Aryeetey had a moment that would shape his destiny: upon seeing Balme Library, he declared, “I will come here one day.” That statement, made during his formative years, encapsulated a dream that would later blossom into a remarkable academic and professional journey.
2. Missed Opportunity Becomes a Defining Moment: After serving in Sukrong village during National Service, Aryeetey missed the UG admission window—a painful setback at the time. But this detour gave him time to cultivate resilience and a deeper commitment to excellence. “That extra year reshaped my outlook on life,” he recalled, demonstrating how adversity became a catalyst for growth.
3. A Serendipitous Encounter with Geology: After a complicated registration experience, he stumbled into the Earth Science Department. A professor’s discouragement only fueled his resolve. His commitment paid off with a Second Class Upper degree, a teaching assistantship, and a job in gold exploration.
From Classroom to Field: Lessons in Leadership and Grit
4. Fieldwork in Remote Villages: His time teaching science in rural Ghana and mapping in Peki Dzake prepared him for challenging fieldwork. Though unfamiliar with village life, he persevered, enriching young lives and gaining practical experience.
5. Career Pivots: Navigating Uncertainty: Economic downturns led to job loss, yet Aryeetey adapted—shifting from gold to petroleum exploration even before discoveries in Ghana. Studying in Norway was a bold move that launched a new phase of his career.
6. Faith, Family, and Friendships as Anchors: He emphasized the stabilizing roles of faith, family, and genuine friendships during political and professional turbulence.
His guiding scriptures, Job 8:7 – “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” – and Colossians 3:23-24 which state: “ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving,” underscored his outlook.
