UCC Vice-Chancellor unveils vision to drive innovation, research and global competitiveness
The newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has pledged to steer the institution with transparency, innovation and research excellence as part of efforts to reposition the university for sustainable growth and global relevance.
Professor Aheto was formally invested as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of UCC on Saturday, August 1, during a ceremony held at the New Examination Centre in Cape Coast. The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, academics, students, alumni and other stakeholders.
In his inaugural address, Professor Aheto introduced his 2026–2030 Strategic Vision, which he described as a framework designed to guide the university’s recovery, advancement and long-term development.
“We will run the University as a business, while maintaining focus on its strong academic and research traditions,” he said.
He emphasised that his administration would be guided by transparency, accountability and a strong focus on measurable results.
“Transparency, accountability and a results-driven approach, grounded on a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, will underpin every phase of execution,” he added.
Professor Aheto said his vision is to create a transformative, inclusive and diverse academic environment that promotes excellence in teaching, research, learning and community engagement.
He outlined five key priority areas that would shape his administration, including sustainable financing and resource mobilisation, improved institutional governance, staff welfare and human resource development, research excellence, expansion of academic programmes, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and the use of digital technology to enhance teaching and learning.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced plans to strengthen partnerships with industry, increase research funding from government, private sector and development partners, and produce graduates with global outlooks capable of contributing to innovation and national development.
He disclosed that his administration would begin a review of UCC’s current Corporate Strategic Plan, which expires in 2027, with the aim of aligning it with his vision and developing a new strategic framework for the 2028–2032 period.
Professor Aheto, an environmental scientist and fisheries expert, joined UCC as a lecturer in 2009 and has held several leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, founding Director of the Centre for Coastal Management, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor.
He was appointed substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university on May 15, 2026.