CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF GHANA HOLDS HISTORIC VICE-CHANCELLOR HANDOVER CEREMONY

 

Fiapre, Sunyani – September 1, 2025

The Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) on Monday, September 1, 2025, officially marked the transition of its highest leadership office, as Professor Sir Daniel Obeng Ofori handed over the Vice-Chancellorship to Professor Mathew Glover Addo. The colourful ceremony at Lecture Theatre 2 (LT2) drew staff, students available on campus, university council members, and dignitaries from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, underscoring the moment’s historic significance.

In his farewell address, outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Daniel Obeng Ofori, who has served the institution with distinction for the past nine years, expressed deep gratitude to God, the university community, and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. With a mixture of humility and hope, he officially relinquished the headship of the university, expressing confidence in the leadership of his successor, Professor Mathew Glover Addo.

“It is with great humility and profound gratitude to God that I formally hand over the headship of CUG,” he said. “It has been a great honour and privilege to occupy the highest office of this noble institution. I do not take it for granted.”

Prof. Ofori reflected on the significant strides CUG has made under his leadership in providing holistic education, not only in Ghana but beyond. He commended the dedication and sacrifices of the university’s staff, students, and alumni, while also candidly acknowledging the major financial and operational challenges that persist.

He called for urgent action to increase student enrollment—particularly in postgraduate and sandwich programmes—highlighting a target of at least 2,000 students annually to address pressing financial concerns. “The current financial health of CUG is weak and needs significant financial injection,” he stated. “With God, all things are possible, but we must be intentional about expanding our programs and ensuring cost-effective operations.”

Prof. Ofori stressed the need to operationalize the Faculty of Law and the proposed Medical School in the 2025/2026 academic year, and to improve staff conditions and student services to reduce attrition and boost morale. He urged the incoming leadership to continue the ongoing restructuring to make the university more efficient and competitive in Ghana’s dynamic tertiary education space.

Importantly, he left a strong message on leadership and service, advising the incoming VC to treat every staff member—from labourers to professors—with mutual respect and dignity. “Inspire your staff and they will reward you with respect and dedication a hundredfold,” he said, adding that discipline, teamwork, and integrity must guide the future of the institution.

In his welcome address, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Mathew Glover Addo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception he has received from the university community. He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging his strong leadership and immense contributions to the growth and charter status of the university.

“I am grateful for the warm welcome I am receiving—it truly makes me feel at home,” he said. “To Sir Professor Daniel Obeng Ofori, I extend my deepest gratitude for his leadership over the past years.”

Prof. Addo, who has spent his entire academic career at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), brings a wealth of experience in academic administration, research, and institutional leadership. He has held several senior positions including Director of the Institute of Distance Learning, Dean, Vice Dean, Head of Department, and Hall Master.

He pledged to adopt a participatory and inclusive approach to leadership, drawing on the talents and commitment of all members of the university community to drive growth and innovation. “CUG couldn’t have achieved its charter status without your hard work and commitment,” he said. “I believe every member of staff has a unique contribution to make.”

Prof. Addo emphasized that discipline, good stewardship, and a shared sense of purpose would define his administration. “We will promote discipline in the conduct of staff and students, especially in attitude toward work, studies, and the use of facilities,” he stated. “I will be firm, fair, and committed to upholding high academic and moral standards through the judicious application of statutes and policies.”

He made a passionate appeal for unity and collective action, insisting that he cannot lead the university successfully alone. “I plead with every academic, staff, and student to join hands with me to achieve the vision of our university,” he urged. “Let us now get to work.”

In outlining his strategic priorities, Prof. Addo promised to engage all stakeholders in the coming days to share his vision and roadmap for the future. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening financial sustainability through effective resource mobilization, transparent management, and a drive for innovation across departments.

With a strong focus on academic excellence, technical innovation, and moral development, he envisions CUG as a leading student-centered African Catholic institution, producing graduates with practical, entrepreneurial skills and a strong ethical foundation to transform society.

As the university steps into this new chapter, the transition of leadership marks more than just a ceremonial change—it symbolizes a renewal of purpose and a call to action for all who are connected to the Catholic University of Ghana. With unity, vision, and collective effort, the future of CUG looks promising, as it continues to contribute meaningfully to national development and the global academic community.

The outgoing and incoming Vice-Chancellors, together with university management, later met the Bishop of Sunyani, who also serves as President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, at the Catholic Secretariat for his benediction.”

 

God bless the Catholic University of Ghana as it embarks on this new chapter.

By Adam Siaka

Broadcast Journalist

Wisdom 101.1 Fm