Otumfuo tells new KNUST Vice-Chancellor to put dialogue before authority

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the institution’s newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, to lead through consultation, dialogue and openness rather than command.

Otumfuo made the call while administering the oath of office to Professor Agyare, who becomes the 13th Vice-Chancellor of KNUST. He said the university’s new leader must handle disagreements through the institution’s established structures and make fairness, mutual respect and transparency central to his administration.

The Asantehene warned that internal disputes should reinforce public confidence in one of Ghana’s leading higher education institutions, rather than damage it.

“As a former provost, you have been part of management and are therefore very familiar with the concerns of students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders. Now, becoming a Vice-Chancellor, you must rise above these concerns and provide solutions that inspire confidence,” Otumfuo said.

Professor Agyare’s previous role as Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Otumfuo noted, had exposed him to the expectations and concerns of students, staff, alumni and other groups connected to the university.

However, he said the Vice-Chancellor’s office demanded a wider outlook, with the ability to bring together the different parts of the KNUST community.

“Your responsibility will be to ensure that differences are managed through the university’s established structures, through fairness, respect and openness,” he stated.

Otumfuo also emphasised that dialogue should be the main method of settling disputes at the university.

“Internal challenges should strengthen the institution. Dialogue, rather than command, should guide the resolution of differences and not diminish public confidence in this great university. Leadership may change hands, but the mission of the university remains constant,” he added.

Professor Agyare succeeds Professor Rita Akosua Dickson as Vice-Chancellor. In his remarks, he pledged to build on KNUST’s achievements by encouraging innovation, expanding partnerships and developing a stronger culture of shared responsibility.

“This honour belongs to all of us. Together, let us build on our rich legacy, embrace innovation, strengthen partnerships, and work collectively to transform KNUST into an even greater institution,” he said.

“The journey ahead is one of shared purpose, and I invite every member of our community to join hands as we move from excellence to eminence.”

The investiture ceremony brought together members of the academic community, traditional and religious leaders, and political figures.

Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, used the occasion to call on KNUST’s leadership to make a greater contribution to national development through innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said Ghana’s economic recovery needed to create meaningful opportunities for young people through knowledge, enterprise and jobs.

“Our economy has shown signs of recovery. We cannot be satisfied with an economy that grows on paper while too many young people remain outside its opportunities,” he said.

“Our task is to convert growth into jobs, knowledge into enterprises and national progress into visible improvements in people’s lives. This is where KNUST becomes indispensable.”