Nananom, Hall Masters and Senior Hall Tutors, the Leadership of Student Representative Council, Executives of College, Faculties, Departments and Halls, Distinguished Students, ladies, and gentlemen.

It’s feels like yesterday when I served as the Hall President for Atlantic Hall. The University of cape Coast has not only provided me with a world-class education but also instilled in me values that have shaped my character and guided my path.

As an alumnus of this esteemed institution, we proudly call ‘University of Choice’, this platform presents an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to curbing hooliganism in the 21st Century. 

I want to commend the Student Representative Council on this conference aimed at curbing hooliganism on Campus to promote positive rivalry and constructive sportsmanship among halls and secondly commend the University’s Authority and government on improved Infrastructure in the last decade.

Today, the rate at which riots occur on campuses of our country’s universities is increasingly becoming alarming and its adverse effects are also disastrous. 

It appears there is no end in sight to the destruction of property and in some cases, injury to lives on these campuses. This has a negative impact on academic and social life in our university communities. But a positive rivalry and constructive sportsmanship among halls in University of Cape Coast especially Casely Hayford Hall (the Gentlemen) and Atlantic Halls (Mariners) will curb this menace.

Good sportsmanship is an essential social skill that helps students interact positively with their peers. Good sportsmanship and positive rivalry help students to develop other crucial skills as empathy, cooperation, resilience, and conflict resolution.

This corresponds with UCC’s mission “to prepare productive citizens and future leaders who can serve the national and global community in diverse ways”. Let this be our guiding light as students and when you become an alumnus.

Each student was assigned to hall of residence upon admission to this great institution and each hall has its peculiar traditions. As a true member of the hall, you are supposed to be aligned to the traditions of your hall. However, none of these hall traditions must be seen to be supporting or preaching hooliganism or violence. What we welcome is competitive rivalry.

First and foremost, embrace the forward traditions of halls of affiliation which promotes the ideals of positive rivalry and useful sportsmanship not the backwards culture of riot and vandalism. 

Hall tradition is to instil a sense of pride and create bonds among the young men and women who will inevitably become family over the next four years. Pragmatic traditions of togetherness, solidarity, community, and friendship should be highlighted among students.

Negative traditions of hooliganism and vandalism should be sunned as uncouth especially in the 21st Century were battle of ideas, beneficial debate and robotic dominate university education. 

At Harvard, hall and college has many traditions and festivities that celebrate the arts and the diverse communities that foster them. UCC students must embrace similar values.

Being a student is a status that does not confer immunity from the laws of the country, so hooliganism and vandalism activities constitutes criminal conduct which the country’s laws frown upon hence must be seen as outdated.

The goal of this ceremony is to cherish the thirst for knowledge that brought you here and let it guide you throughout your life. 

Never stop learning, for education is not confined to the walls of a lecture theatre but permeates every aspect of our existence. Approach each day with an open mind, ready to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and embrace growth. 

As students of UCC, we are blessed to have one of the largest libraries in the country if not the largest hence let us make good of the investment in it.

Secondly, creating a healthy and serene academic environment through sportsmanship should be a priority for academic laurels as students. Let us recognize that failure is not the opposite of success; it is an integral part of it. Do not be discouraged by setbacks, but rather view them as valuable learning opportunities. 

Every stumble and every disappointment have the potential to fuel your resilience, strengthen your resolve, and propel you towards even greater achievements. Like we used to say, “3b3 fa”; this is irrespective of how bad the situation is, even when you are sacked/rusticated still “3b3 fa!”.

Remember that success is not a destination but a journey. Along the way, embrace collaboration and build meaningful connections. Your fellow students are not just your course mates, program mates or hall mates but potential lifelong friends and allies. 

Cultivate a supportive network and surround yourself with individuals who inspire and challenge you. Together, you will navigate the uncertainties of the future and amplify each other's strengths.

Furthermore, useful rivalry should be channelled into debates, sports competitions, creative art, and innovation which student leaderships should inculcate into sensitization and hall activities. 

The SRC should be the lead on this initiative in partnership with the dean of students and other student leadership. The SRC should be the conveying point to rally sensitization campaigns and hosting interhall battle of ideas. 

Brainstorming activities like innovation exhibition should be encouraged so notorious students will realize the university has outgrown their way of life.

In addition, productive rivalry and effective sportsmanship could be harnessed for economic, sport and cultural development to Ghana. 

The very essence of education is for transforming our community and world at large. Entrepreneurship, innovation, social media, and several digital platforms must be utilized for productive purposes that contribute to economic growth. 

Resort to entrepreneurship to provide niche solutions, job opportunities, increase competition, boost productivity, and contribute to national income. Innovative ideas and inventiveness are foundational driving factors for entrepreneurs through creativity and technological knowledge for creating new products. 

Do not waste hours watching others live their best lives on social media or engaging in vandalism. Use social platforms to advance your ideas and solutions for a worthy cause in your society.  

As I conclude my speech, I want to remind every one of you that you can achieve greatness. The knowledge and experiences you have gained here have equipped you with the tools to create a future that surpasses even your wildest dreams. Believe in yourself, work hard, and always strive for excellence.

Today, as you stand on the abyss of your own journey, embrace the possibilities that lie before you. 

Seize every opportunity, embrace challenges, and never stop chasing your dreams. 

Trust in your abilities and remember that the path to success is often paved with perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your own potential.

Congratulations, my fellow students, and may your future be filled with joy, purpose, and success. I am very optimistic that the students at the University of Choice will from today resolve to stay together stronger than they have ever been, and no act of violence shall be recorded here again.

Thank you.