Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto has officially been inducted into office as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), pledging to strengthen the University’s reputation for academic excellence while driving innovation, digital transformation and global competitiveness.
The investiture ceremony was held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and brought together senior government officials, members of the University’s Governing Council, traditional leaders, academics, students, alumni, development partners and representatives of the diplomatic community.
In his inaugural address, Professor Aheto described his appointment as “a solemn call to service” and pledged to lead the University with humility, integrity and collaboration.
“It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today, honoured and privileged to be appointed and invested as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of our great university,” he said.
Professor Aheto explained that he is recognised as the University’s 12th Vice-Chancellor following a review of historical records to accurately reflect the succession of UCC’s leadership.
He expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the support of the University’s Chancellor, Sir Sam Jonah, Chairman of the Governing Council, Justice William Atuguba (Rtd.), members of the Governing Council and the entire University community.
Vision for UCC
Setting out his vision, Professor Aheto said UCC would continue to strengthen its position as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement while responding to the changing demands of higher education.
He said his administration would focus on improving academic programmes, increasing research output, expanding community engagement and enhancing the University’s international profile.
The Vice-Chancellor also pledged to work closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni and development partners to consolidate the University’s achievements while pursuing new opportunities for growth.
Highlights from His Acting Tenure
Professor Aheto reflected on his 10-month tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor, having assumed the role in September 2025 following his appointment by the University’s Governing Council in line with a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
He said the period was marked by significant administrative reforms, including the decentralisation of financial approval and travel authorisation processes to the colleges to improve efficiency while maintaining accountability.
He also disclosed that his administration commissioned and presented a comprehensive State of the University Report to the Governing Council and Convocation to support institutional planning.
According to him, appointments and promotions approved during the period resulted in the appointment of 92 staff members and the promotion of 160 employees, including 32 full professors, 49 associate professors, 55 senior lecturers and 24 non-teaching staff.
Professor Aheto further announced that UCC graduated 17,542 students during the 2025/2026 academic year across 58 congregation sessions, the highest number of graduates in the University’s history.
UCC Launches Fully Digital E-Campus
One of the major announcements during the investiture was the unveiling of UCC’s fully digital E-Campus, a flagship initiative designed to expand access to higher education through online learning.
Developed in partnership with Astra Learning and approved by GTEC, the E-Campus will offer accredited postgraduate programmes to students in Ghana and around the world.
Professor Aheto revealed that approximately 36 postgraduate programmes have already received accreditation, including Master’s degrees, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes and PhD programmes.
Among the newly approved programmes are MSc Cyber Security, MBA Sustainability and Governance Management, DBA in Financial Analysis and Management, and PhD Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation.
Marketing and student recruitment have already begun, with the first cohort expected to commence studies during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The Vice-Chancellor said the digital platform is expected to enrol approximately 10,000 students annually, significantly expanding UCC’s reach beyond its physical campuses.
“The E-Campus is an additional pathway that expands access to quality higher education, enhances flexibility for learners and positions the University of Cape Coast to meet the evolving demands of higher education in a digital age,” he said.
New Research Institutes Approved
Professor Aheto also announced that GTEC has approved the establishment of the Africa Ocean Institute (AOI) at UCC.
The Institute will serve as a continental hub for ocean science, marine governance, policy research and capacity building by bringing together the Centre for Coastal Management, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and the Centre for Marine Affairs.
In addition, he disclosed that the Commission has approved the establishment of the Africa Centre for Food Integrity (AfriFood) to strengthen research and innovation in food safety, food systems and agricultural sustainability.
Building on a Strong Legacy
Professor Aheto paid tribute to UCC’s former Vice-Chancellors, describing them as visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the University’s growth and international reputation.
“We stand on the strong foundation that you have laid, and your collective legacy will continue to inspire me and colleagues to advance the University of Cape Coast to even greater heights,” he said.
The induction of Professor Aheto marks the beginning of a new chapter for the University of Cape Coast as it seeks to strengthen research, expand digital learning, deepen international partnerships and position itself among Africa’s leading higher education institutions.
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