The newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has pledged to steer the university with transparency, innovation and research excellence as part of efforts to reposition the institution for sustainable growth and greater global competitiveness.
Professor Aheto made the commitment during his investiture as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of UCC at a colourful ceremony held on Saturday, August 1, at the New Examination Centre in Cape Coast. The event was attended by government officials, traditional authorities, members of academia, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
In his inaugural address, Professor Aheto unveiled his 2026–2030 Strategic Vision, describing it as a comprehensive roadmap aimed at driving the recovery, advancement and long-term development of the university.
He said his administration would adopt prudent management practices by running the university with efficiency while preserving its strong academic and research traditions.
“We will run the University as a business, while maintaining focus on its strong academic and research traditions,” he stated.
The new Vice-Chancellor stressed that transparency, accountability and measurable results would form the foundation of his leadership.
“Transparency, accountability and a results-driven approach, grounded on a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, will underpin every phase of execution,” Professor Aheto assured.
He explained that his vision is to provide strategic leadership that promotes a transformative, inclusive and diverse academic environment while strengthening excellence in teaching, research, learning and community engagement.
To achieve this vision, Professor Aheto outlined five key strategic priorities: sustainable financing and resource mobilisation, strengthened institutional governance, staff welfare and human resource development, research excellence and innovation, expanded academic programmes, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer, and enhanced teaching and learning through digital transformation.
He further pledged to secure increased research funding from government, development partners and the private sector while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to produce globally competitive graduates capable of driving innovation and national development.
As part of his reform agenda, Professor Aheto announced that his administration would immediately begin reviewing UCC’s current Corporate Strategic Plan, which expires in 2027, to ensure it aligns with his new vision. The review will also pave the way for a new strategic framework covering the 2028–2032 period.
Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, an environmental scientist and fisheries expert, joined the University of Cape Coast as a lecturer in 2009. Over the years, he has served as Head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, founding Director of the Centre for Coastal Management, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor before being appointed substantive Vice-Chancellor on May 15, 2026.
His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of innovation, institutional transformation and research-driven development at one of Ghana’s leading public universities. Stakeholders believe his emphasis on transparency, accountability, research excellence, digital transformation and sustainable financing will strengthen UCC’s position as a leading centre of higher education in Ghana and across Africa while producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah | Ahotoronline | Accra