Prof Wilberforce Dzisah returns as Chair of UniMAC Governing Council

President John Dramani Mahama has named former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Prof. Wilberforce Sefakor Dzisah, as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).

Prof. Dzisah, along with members of the governing councils of several public universities, was sworn in at a ceremony in Accra on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The oath of office was administered by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Dzisah expressed profound appreciation to President Mahama and the Minister of Education for the trust reposed in him and his colleagues. “I do not take this honour lightly, but on behalf of my colleague Members of the Council, we appreciate the weight of the responsibility that comes with it,” he said.

Describing UniMAC as “a unique institution – one that sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, culture, and information,” the communications scholar stressed the institution’s critical role in shaping future storytellers, journalists, artists, policy thinkers, and innovators at a time when truth is contested, technology is rapidly evolving, and cultural narratives are central to national identity.

He pledged that the Governing Council would work collaboratively to address the university’s infrastructure needs, advance cutting-edge research, protect academic freedom, and ensure prudent financial management. Strategic priorities, he said, include aligning UniMAC’s curriculum with industry and national development needs, empowering faculty and staff, nurturing students into ethical and critical thinkers, and safeguarding Ghanaian culture through the arts and media.

“Let us work with urgency, unity, and purpose. On behalf of my colleague Members, I want to assure all of you that we would lead with integrity, transparency, and vision. I welcome the guidance and support of every stakeholder as we embark on this journey together to reset Ghana by adopting bold, creative, resilient, and progressive policies,” he emphasized.

Dzisah oust from GIJ
The Governing Council of the then Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) ordered Dr. Wilberforce Sefakor Dzisah, who was the Rector of the school, to take his 2018 annual leave ‘as investigations into the operations of the institute continue.’

This was contained in a press release issued by the Council after an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 and signed by its chairman, Prof Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh.

The rector on long leave denied somewhat that an investigation was going on about the operation of the GIJ.

A letter sighted at the time suggested that the rector’s leave was because of an investigation into the “facts of academic integrity and procurement concerns that have been raised regarding the institute’s operations.”

The letter signed by Professor Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh listed Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, Dr. Margaret Amoakohene, Mr. Edwin Amankwah and Ms. Joyce Mensah (non-voting legal facilitator) as the five-member committee’s membership and it was being done in accordance with the GIJ Act 2006 (Act 717) (9) and the Statutes, GIJ, July 2009 (3.0).

It said “the committee began its work with a meeting on Monday, December 19, 2017 at which it elected Dr. Amoakohene as its chair and Mr. Edwin Amankwah as it secretary.”

“Being investigated are matters arising out of, and as summarised in, petitions submitted to the Council Chairperson; complaints raised during meetings with the Executive Management Board, Senior Members, Senior and Junior Staff and the SRC; as well as the Chairperson’s observations on prevailing decision making and implementation procedures.”

The letter further said “the investigation is to focus on: a) Academic Integrity, b) Procurement practices, c) Any other matters arising out of the investigation,” adding “the committee is also to come up with proposals to rectify any shortcomings that may be detected to enhance the institute’s operations.”

The council sought “the cooperation of all within the GIJ community to ensure a successful investigation,” adding “the Rector of the institute is on leave to facilitate a smooth investigation. The Acting Vice Rector will act as Rector in his absence.”