UniMAC Celebrates Academic Brilliance as Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani Emerges Valedictorian with a Remarkable 3.99 CGPA

The University of Media, Arts and Communication burst into celebration on Friday, 28th November 2025, as one of its brightest stars, Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani, walked gracefully to the podium to deliver a message that would define the emotional core of the 1st Session of the 4th Congregation.

The Ceremonial Grounds of UniMAC fell silent, not only because she had been named the Valedictorian of the entire graduating cohort, but also because she had emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of UniMAC with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.99. Her achievement, earned from the UniMAC’s Institute of Film and Television in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Directing programme, instantly became one of the most celebrated highlights of the day.

Ms. Adu-Amoani in a Pose with the Council Chair and Vice -Chancellor

Ms. Adu-Amoani academic journey had not been a quiet one. It had been marked by determination, self-doubt, persistent effort, and a deep sense of purpose that many young people across Ghana could relate to. Standing before her colleagues, she opened her speech with a simple yet profound acknowledgement. “As we celebrate the undergraduate Class of 2025, let us give glory to God. Indeed, it has been the doing of the Lord, and thus far has He brought us,” she said. Her words resonated powerfully with parents whose prayers had travelled with their children through years of uncertainty, growth and resilience.

Proud Parents of Ms Joana Nhyria Adu-Amoani Supporting her until the End.

She did not hide the vulnerability that accompanied the pursuit of success. “For some of us, we were unsure of whether we were on the right path, but we had big expectations, some even bigger than ourselves, and we have not been disappointed,” she admitted. It was a line that drew murmurs of agreement across the congregation, especially from students who bore the scars of countless late nights, creative blocks and emotional strain.

Ms. Adu-Amoani Receives her Citation Presented to her by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Papa Aminsa Coleman - Senior Manager, Corporate & Institutional Banking of Fidelity Bank and supported by her Parents.

In one of the most memorable passages of her address, Joanna captured the lived reality of training in Ghana’s premier creative and communication university. “We smiled even when we knew, especially those of us at UniMAC IFT, that the days ahead would be sleepless nights filled with sessions for brainstorming news stories, screenplays, casting, editing techniques, creative shots, animatics and all the other aspects of production,” she said. It was the kind of honesty that only someone who had survived the rigour could articulate.

She went on to remind her peers of the bonds that carried them. “Through all the challenges, we held tight, we have become more than classmates, we have become more than friends, we have become family,” she said, and the audience responded with applause that seemed to recognise a shared truth. Her celebration of collective strength stood as a reminder that excellence is often built in community rather than in isolation.

Ms. Adu-Amoani showed equal gratitude to the mentors who had shaped her growth. “Our lecturers were not just lecturers, they became parental figures, mentors and friends,” she said, pausing as the hall erupted once again. Her tribute reflected a sentiment echoed by many graduates who had walked up to lecturers after the ceremony with teary eyes, laughter and heartfelt appreciation. In a university where teaching often goes beyond academic content, her words affirmed the unspoken labour of faculty who guide students through both academic and personal challenges.

Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani Proudly Going to Receive her Award

Her moment in the spotlight would later gain even deeper significance as she was named the recipient of a special industry-sponsored award. Farmhouse Production, in their continued commitment to supporting emerging Ghanaian storytellers, honoured Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani with a Gh¢5,000 award for Scriptwriting, a gesture that was warmly applauded as it bridged academia with real-world industry recognition.

In addition to the industry-sponsored award, the ceremony also celebrated the exceptional overall performance of Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani. As the Overall Best Graduating Student (Valedictorian), she received GHS5,000 sponsored by Fidelity Bank and a citation, a gesture that underscored the value placed on academic excellence. Her distinction as the Best Graduating Female Student was further recognised with a brand-new laptop sponsored by Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, whose support added to the celebratory spirit surrounding Joanna’s achievements. Her speech found its emotional peak when she addressed the people who had contributed to her journey. “To our lecturers, leaders of this esteemed institution, parents and guardians, 3ne3 bo 3t3, ayekooo,” she said, weaving together English, Twi, Ewe and Ga in one heartfelt gesture. It was a moment that highlighted Ghana’s multilingual beauty while honouring the diverse community behind her success.

Ms. Joanna Nhyira Adu-Amoani ended with a pledge befitting a valedictorian whose story now inspires many. “On behalf of the graduating class of 2025, we pledge to apply the lessons learned from every experience, build upon each one, and carry the names of our prestigious school, the University of Media, Arts and Communication, high and our beloved country, Ghana, far and wide.” Her voice, steady and confident, carried through the grounds like a promise that her generation intends to honour.

UniMAC 2025 Graduating Students Take their Oath

For a university that graduated 897 students on the day, Joanna’s achievement symbolised what is possible when talent meets dedication. In a world where Ghana’s creative and media landscape continues to expand rapidly, her success stands as a reminder that excellence is not accidental. It is crafted in the long nights, shaped by guidance, strengthened by community and grounded in purpose.

Her 3.99 CGPA did more than top the charts. It reminded the entire congregation that brilliance still shines even in the toughest of times. And on this memorable day, UniMAC not only graduated students. It witnessed the rise of a young woman whose voice, vision and leadership are poised to influence the future of Ghana’s creative industry.

By Makida El Husseini
UniMAC-IFT First Class Graduate and Broadcast Journalist