The TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology celebrated its tenth graduation ceremony at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The eventful day was marked as a day to for 421 graduands to be certified by Principal Dr. Cecilia Tutu-Danquah with certificates in Counselling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Child Adolescent Counselling and Cyber Counselling.
The ceremony which was themed, ‘Mental Wellness and Peace Building Amidst Election 2024: The Role of Counsellors.’ set a spotlight on the need for the proper sensitization on mental health and its enforcement to ensure a peaceful general elections.
Officer in Charge, Nsawam Camp Prison, ADP Joseph Anunsieutuo Vuu speaking as the Guest of Honor, congratulated the graduating class for their resilience and determination which has seen them through to this time.
He encouraged them to fulfil their mandate as counselors especially in this year’s elections and be advocates of peace during and after.
Prof. Joana Salifu Yendork adding on as a key speaker expressed that these class of counsellors – now certified have come at an ideal time. She noted that every election should be seen beyond an ordinary political procedure but should rather be seen as a test of the nation’s unity, peace, and strength.
She further appreciated the need for Mental wellness which she describes as a “state of thriving, a feeling of calm and security, and a strong sense of purpose and hope for the future”
The graduating class of counselors were encouraged by Professor Salifu Yendork to be prepared to use their skills to counter the many issues that arise during election periods. “Election cycles, by their nature, challenge this balance. Misinformation, fear, and division often arise, creating stress and mental strain. But these issues can be countered by counselors who serve as beacons of truth, calm, and constructive engagement.” Professor Yendork said.
Valedictorian Dr. Dorcas Akuba-Muhyia Barkers Ansah encouraged her fellow graduates from the TUCEE Institute of Counselling And Technology to use the skills they have acquired to make an impact in the nation Ghana, with a major opportunity presenting itself on December 7th’s general elections. “It will take more than being present to every class we were interrupted by tiredness, Internet disruptions, family and social life and occasionally social media. However, we showed up and when we see we could not remember anything the recorded lectures sent to us became our lifeline. We have fought a good fight to obtain a certificate of which we see today and for that I say a big congratulations to all of us.”
By: Kobina Baidoo