Govt urged to recognise private universities as equal partners
The new Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Prof. Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, has called on the government to recognise private universities as equal partners in national development, emphasising the need for fairness in policy, research funding, and inclusion in national education strategies.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness,” he stated.
“Private universities are not competitors to public institutions — we are co-builders of Ghana’s future,” he said
Prof. Dartey-Baah made the call during his investiture as the Vice-Chancellor of Central University, held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Miosto Campus of the University.
He succeeds Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, whose eight-year tenure brought remarkable stability, institutional growth, and academic advancement to the university.
Prof. Dartey-Baah is a distinguished academic, leadership scholar and organisational development expert whose career spans academia and professional consultancy.
He brings to Central University a wealth of experience, a strong record of research, and a commitment to excellence in higher education.
Vision
In his acceptance address, Prof. Dartey-Baah unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Central University into a model of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and societal impact across Ghana and Africa.
He outlined five strategic pillars to guide the university’s growth, including strengthening alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and fund-raising initiatives to ensure sustainable development. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the university’s brand, compliance and community engagement to boost visibility and credibility.
Reaffirming Central University’s participation in The Education Collaborative—a regional initiative led by Ashesi University that fosters innovation and shared learning—Prof. Dartey-Baah said the partnership would help position the university as a hub of academic excellence in Africa.
As a faith-based institution, he added that Central University remained committed to integrating spiritual values with global relevance.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor of Central University, Pastor Mensa A. Otabil, who formally conferred the office of Vice-Chancellor of Central University upon Prof. Dartey-Baah, invoking both academic authority and divine blessing.
Pastor Otabil charged the new Vice-Chancellor to embrace a model of leadership rooted in service, humility, and faith, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Christ in the Gospel of Mark.
The Chancellor encouraged Prof. Dartey-Baah to lead with courage and integrity, trusting in God’s guidance throughout his administration.
“May your time and term in the office be marked by righteousness, foresight and courageous action. May the Lord bless you, and may the Lord be magnified through you,” he concluded.
Support
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, expressed gratitude to the University Council, management, faculty, students and the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) for their support during his eight-year tenure. Prof. Puplampu reflected on the university’s progress, noting that Central University now stands as a credible institution with over 8,000 students. End
Writer's email:
