The newly installed Vice-Chancellor of Garden City University (GCU), Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori, has appealed to the government to extend more support to private universities, including access to the Book and Research Allowance, to strengthen teaching, research and academic development in the sector.
Speaking at his investiture ceremony on July 9, 2026, at the university's campus at Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region, Prof. Ofori also called on traditional authorities, alumni and corporate institutions to partner the university to accelerate infrastructure development and enhance the quality of higher education delivery.
The investiture coincided with GCU's 18th Congregation and attracted a number of distinguished guests, including the Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, the Okyenhene, who was the guest of honour.
Outlining his five-year strategic agenda on the theme: "An Entrepreneurial GCU for Quality and Inclusive Tertiary Education, Infrastructural Advancement, Internationalisation, and Staff Motivation", Prof. Ofori said universities that would shape the future of higher education in Africa would not necessarily be the largest institutions but those that were innovative, adaptable and purpose-driven.
He explained that his vision was anchored on three key pillars: producing graduates who would create, value and solve societal problems rather than merely seek employment; cultivating an entrepreneurial culture among staff through innovation, accountability and continuous improvement; achieving infrastructural sustainability through a Ten-Year Development and Maintenance Plan.
He said the university remained committed to providing quality and inclusive education while strengthening its international outlook and enhancing staff welfare and motivation.
In his address, the Okyenhene stressed the need for stronger support systems to enable university graduates to establish their own businesses and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He acknowledged that entrepreneurship remains a difficult path for many graduates and urged policymakers and educational institutions to create opportunities that would make it easier for young people to transition from school into enterprise.
"The future of Ghana and Africa depends largely on our ability to produce graduates who are not merely degree holders but critical thinkers, innovators, ethical leaders and job creators," he said.
New Vice-Chancellor
Osagyefo Ofori Panin II challenged Prof. Ofori to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors and position Garden City University among Africa's leading centres of higher learning.
He noted that the responsibility of a Vice-Chancellor extended beyond managing a university to shaping minds, nurturing talents, promoting research and discovery, protecting academic freedom and driving institutional growth.
"We need leadership that is selfless and courageous.
I am confident that under his leadership, GCU will strengthen its academic programmes, expand research activities, deepen industry partnerships and continue producing graduates who will make meaningful contributions to society," he stated.
