Cape coast: The Governing Council of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has appointed Denis Worlanyo Aheto as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university. Professor Aheto, currently acting as Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor, is set to officially assume his new role on August 1, 2026. The appointment was announced by the UCC Council Secretariat following a Special Meeting of the Governing Council held on May 15, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, the Council has approved Professor Aheto's appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university. The statement, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, informed the University of Cape Coast Community and the General Public of the decision. Professor Aheto will begin his tenure as Vice-Chancellor effective August 1, 2026.
Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto is a Professor of Coastal Ecology and Interdisciplinary Oceans Studies, as well as the Director of the Centre for Coastal Management - The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) at UCC. He holds a PhD and MSc Degrees in Environmental Sciences and Tropical Aquatic Ecology from the University of Bremen and an MSc in Rural Development from the Swedish Agricultural University. His academic journey began with a BSc (Hons) Degree from the University of Cape Coast.
Professor Aheto is noted for his extensive experience in scientific project management, with over 15 years in the field. He is the authorized representative for institutional donor-funded projects in marine/coastal and fisheries management at UCC, funded by organizations such as the World Bank, African Union, USAID, and DANIDA. His work emphasizes international academic partnerships in his professional area.
Professor Aheto has a substantial intellectual publication record in indexed journals, focusing on topics such as coastal/marine ecosystem conservation, small-scale fisheries, marine spatial planning, wetlands ecology, and marine conflict. He serves on several national and international boards, including his position as a technical advisor to the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program of the World Bank. The University of Cape Coast website provided the details of his background.