Prof. Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah sworn in as new Vice-Chancellor for Central University
Prof. Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah has been sworn into office as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Central University.
In his first words as Vice-Chancellor on Wednesday [Oct 22, 2025], he called on the government to recognise private universities as equal partners in national development and emphasised 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 added.
He was speaking at his investiture as the Vice-Chancellor of Central University 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 talked about his 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 fundraising 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.
Reforms
The new Vice Chancellor also addressed national challenges such as youth unemployment and the mismatch between education and job market demands, urging reforms to make higher education more practical and industry-aligned.
“We cannot build a 21st-century Ghana on a 20th-century higher education model,” he cautioned.
Prof. Dartey-Baah concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to build a stronger, more inclusive educational ecosystem for national transformation.
The ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor of Central University, Pastor Mensa 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.
“Central University is just three years shy of its 30th anniversary. Over the past 21 years, we have witnessed dedicated leadership and steady growth. Today, we stand tall as a respected university, thanks to your commitment and the guidance of Council,” he said.
He expressed confidence in his successor, Prof Dartey-Baah and urged the university community to rally behind him.
Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
