The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, has been appointed Chairman of Vice Chancellors Ghana (VCG), effective August 1, 2026.
The appointment marks a historic milestone for UENR, as it is the first time a Vice-Chancellor of the university has been elected to lead the association of vice-chancellors in Ghana.
Professor Asare-Bediako succeeds Professor Richard Kwesi Amankwah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), who served as the immediate past Chairman of the association.
His election is widely regarded as recognition of his leadership and contributions to higher education in Ghana.
Since assuming office as the third Vice-Chancellor of UENR in November 2020, Professor Asare-Bediako has overseen significant growth at the university. Student enrolment has risen to more than 20,000, including over 8,000 first-year students. The institution has expanded its infrastructure, introduced new academic programmes, strengthened research and innovation, and enhanced its national and international profile.
A Professor of Plant Biology and Plant Protection, he previously served as Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from 2014 to 2020 before joining UENR. During his tenure at UCC, he held several academic and administrative positions, including Liaison Officer for the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Academic Counsellor, Examination Officer, Seminar Coordinator and Academic Advisor, while serving on numerous university committees.
His research focuses on plant virology, plant pathology, integrated pest management and crop protection. He has contributed to the development of improved cassava varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease, including white- and yellow-fleshed, high beta-carotene varieties released for cultivation in Ghana, as well as other high-yielding cassava varieties that continue to benefit farmers.
Professor Asare-Bediako has supervised numerous postgraduate students and published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He has also served as a reviewer for several international scientific journals and presented research findings at national and international conferences.
Beyond academia, he has served on several national, regional and international committees. He previously chaired the Committee of Deans and Principals of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and led initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among agricultural institutions across Africa.
Nationally, he has contributed to agricultural research and policy through his membership of the Technical Committee on the Development of Ghana's National Action Plan for the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa under the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. He also served on the Research-Extension-Farmer Linkage Committee of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in the Central Region and was a member of the National Best Farmer Awards Selection Team.
Professor Asare-Bediako is the Founding President of the Plant Protection Society of Ghana and a member of several professional bodies, including the Ghana Science Association, the University Teachers Association of Ghana, the American Phytopathological Society, the British Society for Plant Pathology and the Association of Applied Biologists.
His academic work has attracted research grants and recognition from organisations such as the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, the Ghana Skills Development Fund, RUFORUM, the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cape Coast.
Professor Asare-Bediako received his early education at Poano Methodist Primary School and Bekwai Anglican Primary School before attending Bekwai SDA Secondary School in the Ashanti Region. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in General Agriculture and a Master of Philosophy degree in Crop Science (Plant Pathology) from the University of Cape Coast, and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant and Environmental Sciences from the University of Warwick.
As Chairman of Vice Chancellors Ghana, he is expected to provide strategic leadership for the country’s public universities, strengthen collaboration among member institutions, promote innovation and digital transformation, enhance quality assurance and support policies aimed at improving the global competitiveness of Ghana’s higher education sector.
UENR has congratulated Professor Asare-Bediako on his appointment, describing it as a significant milestone for the university and expressing confidence in his ability to advance the objectives of the association while continuing to lead the university’s development.
— Ben Akoto
Ato Forson pays tribute to Omane Boamah, describes him as selfless and patriotic...
Appeal Court backs District Court ruling against Zuriah FM broadcaster
'Don't be negligent, verify before you buy' — CDA Consult on counterfeit goods a...
Tension brews as Kpandai and Nkanchina communities threaten to shut down nursing...
'Complete existing Accra-Kumasi Highway works before expressway' — Minority tell...
'Fix existing Accra-Kumasi highway; expressway is not the solution to current pr...
Delegate system is destroying Ghana – Asiedu Nketiah
Ghana Water Ltd announces three-day shutdown of Kpong-Tema pipelines for mainten...
Education Minister's claim on recruitment of 2023-trained teachers is factually ...
Fuel intervention: 'Global shocks affect Ghana; NDC must admit that'— Adomako Ki...
