The university of cape coast (ucc): has formally inducted Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto as its 12th Vice-Chancellor, with a charge to reposition the institution as a hub for practical and skills-based learning to produce competent graduates to solve real-world problems.
According to Ghana News Agency, Sir Sam Eson Jonah, the Chancellor of the University, emphasized the disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the necessity for universities to move beyond degrees based solely on theoretical knowledge. He proposed that UCC becomes the first in Africa to establish a full faculty dedicated to vocational education, offering Bachelor and Master degrees in Applied Skills. This would include rigorous academic training and practical workshop experience. For instance, he suggested a Bachelor of Applied Skills in Renewable Energy Systems, where students must demonstrate practical competence by installing and maintaining a working solar installation before graduation.
Prof. Aheto takes over from Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, whose term ended on September 18, 2025. Aheto's appointment was confirmed by the University's Governing Council in May, following a 10-month acting period and 19 months as Pro Vice-Chancellor. During his investiture, Sir Jonah highlighted the importance of ensuring that graduates are capable of tasks beyond the reach of machines, citing international examples of skills-based education from countries like Germany, China, and the United States.
The Chancellor stressed the need for a dual approach in education, where master practitioners work alongside theoretical professors, and proposed the introduction of project-based curricula to develop specific skills. This transformation, he argued, would require innovative resource mobilization, something he believes Prof. Aheto is well-equipped to lead, as evidenced by his past success in mobilizing significant funding and scholarships.
Prof. Aheto, in response to the Chancellor's charge, laid out a four-year plan focusing on digital innovation, research excellence, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable financing. His vision includes establishing new colleges and programs to meet both national and global demands, and launching initiatives such as the UCC E-Campus in collaboration with Astra Learning to increase access to quality education.
He also announced the creation of the Africa Ocean Institute and the Africa Food Integrity Centre to bolster research and innovation, alongside plans to improve teaching facilities, expand student accommodation, and fortify campus digital infrastructure.
Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, representing the Minister of Education, urged Prof. Aheto to produce graduates capable of addressing Ghana's developmental needs. He reaffirmed GTEC's commitment to maintaining high educational standards through quality assurance measures and promised continued support for UCC.
Prof. Aheto, a renowned expert in Coastal Ecology and Interdisciplinary Oceans Studies, has over 15 years of experience in scientific project management and is recognized for his contributions to marine conservation and management, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals.