Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto has embarked on a new chapter as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), assuming his three-year term on January 1, 2025. His inauguration ceremony, held at the university, marked the commencement of his leadership, during which he has pledged to propel UCC onto the global stage of academic excellence. Prof. Aheto’s vision centers on fostering a transformative, inclusive, and diverse academic ecosystem, prioritizing the pillars of research, teaching, and outreach. His strategic roadmap aligns with both UCC’s Corporate Strategic Plan (2023-2027) and the Vice-Chancellor’s vision (2020-2024), both of which aim to reshape UCC into a world-class entrepreneurial university. This overarching goal will guide Prof. Aheto’s efforts to cultivate an environment of academic innovation and global impact.
Central to Prof. Aheto’s vision is the empowerment of faculty and staff, recognizing their crucial role in the university’s success. He emphasized their importance as the institution’s most valuable assets, committing to prioritize their development through various initiatives. These include creating opportunities for professional growth through postgraduate education and mentorship programs, along with enhancing their global visibility and recognition. Prof. Aheto underscored his commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to empower faculty and staff to excel in their respective roles, thereby strengthening the foundation of UCC’s academic pursuits.
Furthermore, Prof. Aheto’s leadership emphasizes the cultivation of a collaborative, innovative, and entrepreneurial culture within the university community. This focus aims to strengthen the bonds between students, faculty, and staff, creating a vibrant and interconnected academic environment. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, Prof. Aheto seeks to unlock the full potential of UCC’s diverse talent pool, driving the institution towards its goal of becoming a world-renowned entrepreneurial university.
Prof. Aheto expressed profound gratitude to the University Council for entrusting him with this pivotal leadership position. He also acknowledged the substantial contributions of his predecessor, Professor Rosemond Boohene, commending her for establishing a strong foundation during her tenure. Prof. Boohene’s leadership, which concluded on December 31, 2024, was marked by significant accomplishments, including the introduction of new academic programs, the establishment of valuable industry collaborations, and improvements in UCC’s global rankings. These achievements provided a solid platform for Prof. Aheto to build upon.
Professor Boohene reflected on her time as Pro Vice-Chancellor with a sense of fulfillment, highlighting the significant strides made under her leadership. The introduction of new and innovative academic programs broadened UCC’s academic offerings and enhanced its appeal to a wider range of students. The establishment of collaborations with various industries created valuable opportunities for students and faculty to engage with the practical application of their knowledge and research, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. Furthermore, the improved rankings solidified UCC’s position as a leading institution of higher learning, both nationally and internationally.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong extended his congratulations to Prof. Aheto and expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to further elevate UCC’s reputation and impact both locally and globally. This endorsement underscores the university’s collective belief in Prof. Aheto’s vision and leadership capabilities. The Vice-Chancellor’s confidence reflects the shared aspiration for UCC to achieve greater prominence on the global academic stage under Prof. Aheto’s guidance. This handover ceremony signifies a transition to a new era of leadership at UCC, one that promises to be defined by transformative growth and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Prof. Aheto’s vision for a transformative, inclusive, and diverse academic environment sets the stage for UCC to continue its upward trajectory towards becoming a world-class entrepreneurial university.
