ICAG CEO Urges UEW Students to Excel Beyond the Classroom
The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), Mr. Eric Oduro Osae, has urged students of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to pursue professional excellence anchored in integrity, ethics and practical experience. He stressed that the future of the accounting profession depends on morally upright and career-ready professionals.
He made the call during the launch of the ICAG Students’ Association–UEW Chapter and the swearing-in of its inaugural executives at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Thursday, 18th June, 2026. Held under the theme, “Empowering Future Accountants: Building Ethical and Career-Ready Professionals,” the event marked a major step in strengthening collaboration between ICAG and UEW’s School of Business while preparing students for professional accountancy practice.
Mr. Oduro Osae noted that modern accounting extends beyond bookkeeping and requires professionals who can add value through ethical conduct, innovation and strategic thinking. He explained that the UEW chapter, the seventh ICAG student chapter nationwide, forms part of a national initiative to connect students to the profession early and equip them with practical experience before graduation.
He highlighted the benefits of membership including mentorship, networking, leadership development and internship opportunities designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He also encouraged students to take advantage of the existing ICAG–UEW partnership, which offers exemptions and pathways that allow students to begin parts of the professional programme while pursuing their degrees.
Touching on the future of the profession, Mr. Oduro Osae revealed that ICAG is digitising its professional examinations and has integrated sustainability reporting, environmental, social and governance (ESG) assurance, data analytics and emerging technologies into its training programmes to align with global standards.
Emphasising ethics as the foundation of the profession, he reminded students that chartered accountants are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability and warned that misconduct would attract sanctions. He further challenged the newly sworn-in executives to build a culture of excellence, professionalism and inclusion while inspiring future generations of accounting students.
He concluded by reaffirming ICAG’s commitment to supporting students on their professional journey. He encouraged them to prepare themselves as the next generation of ethical accountants, transformational leaders and global finance professionals.
