The Honourable Minister, The President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, The Board Chairman of the Architects Registration Council, Senior Architects, Fellow inductees, family and friends, all protocol observed. On behalf of the class of 2021, I would like to welcome you all here today especially during this unprecedented time. First and foremost, we give thanks to the Almighty God for His manifold mercies and grace. To our parents and loved ones who have stuck with us on this challenging career path, our gratitude abounds. I am honoured to stand before you as this year’s valedictorian. There are numerous talented graduates that I had the opportunity of studying with who could be giving the speech right now. From Lamusah to Mawunyo with whom I spent countless hours studying with, to Samuel our SRC
president who appeared to have all the answers during our seminars. Winston Churchill wrote ‘Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ I would also like to thank my family for their endless support and giving me an independent childhood to learn and explore. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine. Congratulations, my fellow inductees, this ceremony is the pinnacle of years of study in architecture school and professional practice. The fact that we made it here with these awards and accomplishments is a testament to our commitment and excellence. Evidently, it is only now that we can beat our chests and call ourselves CERTIFIED ARCHITECTS. Graduates, we now have the privilege to join the likes of Ghanaian.

Architects who have held their own against the best in the world. Architects such as Sir David Adjeye, Arc Ebo Sackey, Arc Nana Akua Oppong, and Arc Richardson, amongst others. Graduates, now is the time to take on the world and leave a legacy just as they have. Always remember, that the opportunity to achieve greatness is always within our grasp. Within each of us lies a seed of an undefined greatness which should be nurtured, guided and driven with conviction. As we go into the world, I hope we are not side-lined and instead are at the forefront of developments in Ghana and the world and are given equal opportunities to share our ideas just like Jørn Utzon was given, and unexpectedly won the competition to design the Sydney Opera House. I’ll try my best to keep this inspiration part short and sweet.
As the street poet and philosopher Ko-Jo Cue once said ‘ Sika yɛ adeɛ nyinaa but sika nyɛ adeɛ nyinaa, but don’t you go acting like sika nyɛ adeɛ biara Sika nti na yɛɛ brɛ. ’ While material success has a strong influence on our lives, I urge you to pursue your dreams and passions, not just a pay check. Let us strive to be the best version of ourselves. This is merely the beginning of a new journey. As architects, we have heeded the divine call of the Greatest Architect of All, God! Walk with purpose not only as architects but as honest leaders with advocates for change. When times are tough turn to your loved ones and when they are good turn to those same people and make the most out of every single moment. I wish you all the best in life, be phenomenal or be forgotten. Congratulations once again to
the class of 2021, we made it!!! Thank you for coming and wish you all a pleasant day.