October 15, 2014 – In a short induction ceremony held at the Linda Archer and David Cornfield Courtyard at Ashesi, members of the Class of 2017 pledged to abide by and support the Ashesi Honour Code. The ceremony was organised by the Judicial and Electoral Council of Ashesi’s Student Council, together with the Class of 2017 and the Dean of Students Office. The purpose of the Honour Code is to create an ethical environment for examinations, and by extension, for Ashesi's campus. 
Speaking at the ceremony, Ashesi President Dr. Patrick Awuah, congratulated the Class of 2017, and reminded the Ashesi community that it had a responsibility to help build strong legacies of African leadership and innovation.
“Forty years ago, if Ghana’s universities had the focus on ethics, problem solving, innovation and passion that we do here at Ashesi, Ghana would be a different place today,” Dr. Awuah explained. “Based on that I say to people, that thirty years from now when you are in your fifties, Ghana will be a different place because of what we are starting here. We must challenge ourselves to be the ones who will change this continent. We will be the beautiful ones that this continent needs and we must have the conviction that we can do it.” 
Guest speaker at the event, Phoebe Acolatse ’11, also explained to the class that the Honour Code was not only a part of the University’s reputation, but would affect the reputation of each individual student as well.
“This is your brand,” she told the Class of 2017. “Many of you chose to come to Ashesi because of the University’s brand, but that brand was built by students just like you. You are now equally responsible for this brand. You must resist the temptation to rest on your laurels.”
For a class to sign on to the Honour Code, at least two-thirds of that class must vote in the affirmative. The Class of 2017 exceeded this minimum, as some 86% of the Class voted to join the Ashesi Honour Code. With members of the entire Ashesi community serving as its witnesses, the class went on to collectively pledge to abide by the Honour Code, ensuring that the Honour Code continues to stay strong on campus.
“It is reassuring to see that we are being given the power to make our own decisions and choices,’ said Stephanie Oguego ’17. “Ashesi is motivating us to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership.”
Congratulations for your bold step, Class of 2017.
