Telecel Introduces Award For Ethical Leadership

Telecel Ghana has launched an annual award to recognize ethical leadership and academic excellence among graduates of Palm University College. The "Telecel Award for Excellence and Ethical Leadership" will be granted to a student who exhibits outstanding academic performance, sound judgment, integrity, responsibility, and service throughout their university tenure.

This initiative, sponsored by Telecel Ghana, aims to stress the significance of ethics and excellence among emerging professionals entering the workforce and society.

At the Palm University College commencement ceremony in Manya Jorpanya, Shai Hills, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, unveiled the initiative. She emphasized that the award seeks to underscore the importance of ethics and excellence in future leaders. Obo-Nai also advocated for leadership that combines competence, integrity, courage, and responsibility towards society.

During her address, Obo-Nai highlighted that educational institutions play a crucial role in cultivating responsible leaders. She proposed that ethics should be intentionally integrated into the curriculum, reinforced by examples, and practiced via everyday decision-making. She noted the increasing demand for ethical leadership in the economy, with investors seeking reliable managers and employers looking for individuals with sound judgment, discipline, and strong character to enhance their organizations.

Obo-Nai concluded by stating that while technical expertise may open doors, integrity is what sustains trust, builds brands, and generates lasting value.

Dr. Peter Carlos Okantey, founder and president of Palm University College, explained that the college was founded on the belief that Ghana's development challenges stem not only from skill shortages but also from a lack of ethical leadership. He urged graduates to showcase and apply the values, skills, and talents cultivated during their time at the university.

Dr. Okantey highlighted initiatives such as the Centre for Ethical Leadership (CEL), the Palm Corporate Mentoring Programme, and the Palm GreenLab Innovation and Incubation Lab as efforts to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the real world. The graduation ceremony gathered trustees, faculty, students, parents, traditional leaders, industry partners, and university supporters.

Valedictorian Dr. Alex Osei, who graduated with an MSc in Services Management and Leadership, stated that ethical leadership involves making difficult yet principled choices when no one is watching. He explained that ethical leadership means being transparent when it may be more convenient and potentially profitable to conceal information, and it entails equity and accountability even when it is easier to deflect blame.