Prof. Eric Kwasi Ofori Installed as Garden City University Vice Chancellor

Garden City University has officially ushered in a new era of leadership with the investiture of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as its Vice Chancellor.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the university’s Kwabre Kenyasi campus in the Ashanti Region, brought together members of the University Council, traditional leaders, academics, students, alumni and other distinguished guests to witness the formal installation of the institution’s new chief executive.

The event also coincided with the university’s 18th Congregation Graduate Session, during which 48 students graduated with degrees in Public Health.

In a colourful investiture ceremony, members of the University Council adorned Prof. Ofori with the official regalia and symbols of office, formally investing him as the university’s Vice Chancellor for a four-year term spanning July 2026 to June 2030, subject to renewal in accordance with the university’s statutes.

The Special Guest of Honour was the Okyenhene of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chancellor of Garden City University, Mr. Albert Acquah, described Prof. Ofori as an accomplished academic and visionary leader whose wealth of experience would strengthen the university’s pursuit of academic excellence.

He expressed confidence that the new Vice Chancellor would provide strategic leadership to advance teaching, research, innovation and institutional partnerships, while positioning the university for greater national and international recognition.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Ofori pledged to champion transformational leadership anchored on innovation, collaboration and excellence.

“I am an opportunity-driven leader. I do not accept what exists and call it potential. I look at what does not yet exist and I commit to creating it,” he said.

He assured students, faculty and staff that his administration would be guided by inclusiveness, transparency and shared decision-making.

“I will lead by example. I will work with and through people, not above them. I will make decisions inclusively, hold every member of this community in high regard, and empower Deans, Heads of Department, faculty, students and staff to bring their best ideas forward. My door will be open. My mind will be open. And my commitment to this institution will be total,” he stated.

Prof. Ofori also pledged to uphold integrity and accountability throughout his tenure.

“As I assume this office, I make three public commitments. I will lead with integrity, placing institutional mission above personal interest at all times. I will lead with transparency, keeping this community informed and engaged as genuine partners in governance. And I will work tirelessly to advance the mission and vision of Garden City University,” he said.

He reaffirmed his vision of transforming Garden City University into one of Africa’s leading higher education institutions through academic excellence, impactful research, innovation and student-centred development.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and student development. Together, we will position Garden City University among the leading universities in Africa,” Prof. Ofori added.

His administration is expected to spearhead reforms aimed at expanding academic programmes, strengthening research capacity, improving infrastructure and enhancing the university’s global competitiveness over the next four years.