At KNUST, We Resolve Matters as a Family– Otumfuo to Incoming Vice-Chancellor

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, to uphold the institution’s family-based approach to conflict resolution.

During his introduction to His Majesty at the Manhyia Palace on June 29, 2026, Otumfuo expressed reservations about public exchanges on matters concerning the institution.

According to the Asantehene, dispute resolution should be confined strictly to indoor settings.

“I don’t want any disturbances. Whatever challenge you encounter in the course of your duty must be dealt with indoors. Airing issues in public is not how we deal with matters here. We resolve issues as a family,” he said.

Soul-Bound Relationship
Enlightening the incoming Vice-Chancellor on the relationship between the University and the Golden Stool, His Majesty described it as a soul-deep bond.

“Our soul is in the school, and so we are ensuring its progress. I will be available for everything concerning the University. We will help in every way we can,” he added.

Commendation for Outgoing VC
His Majesty commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, for her dedication and service to the institution.

“Akosua’s tenure will soon end. She has done extremely well in her role. Last Friday, the Pharmaceutical Association honoured her for six years of dedicated service,” Otumfuo noted.

Charge
Welcoming his successor, Otumfuo urged Professor Agyare to emulate Professor Dickson’s patience and friendliness and to live up to expectations.

“I believe he can do the work because he was selected from many. If the University has reposed such confidence in him, he must live up to expectations and bring honour. Akosua will not leave the institution. She will be available for consultation. He is abreast with the issues of the University and should therefore use his experience and legacy to his advantage,” he said.

The King assured him of his continued support, as he did for previous and current Vice-Chancellors.

“We will support him with our prayers. He must not forget that he will be working with people. Be receptive to all and remain honest. Though the University has progressed, take it further. This is your home. You can come to me at any time to brief me on developments. We will give you the same support we offered your predecessors.”

Otumfuo also charged the University’s management to provide the necessary atmosphere to support the new leader.

The introduction was led by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and the Chairman of the KNUST Governing Council, Akyamfuo Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, together with other management members.

The delegation also informed Otumfuo about the investiture of the new leader, scheduled for August 1, 2026.

Appointment
The KNUST Governing Council, at its 292nd Special Meeting held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, appointed Professor Christian Agyare as Vice-Chancellor for a four-year term.

His appointment makes him the 13th Vice-Chancellor since the University was established on October 6, 1951.

Professor Agyare succeeds Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, whose tenure ends on July 31, 2026.

Profile
Prof. Agyare is a distinguished academic, globally recognised researcher, and accomplished institutional leader with more than 25 years of service to KNUST and the international academic community.

He is widely respected for his transformational leadership, strategic vision, and contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and higher education management.

He currently serves as Provost of the College of Health Sciences, the University’s largest and most complex college.

Professor Agyare holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Master of Pharmacy from KNUST, and a Doctor rerum naturalium, Dr. rer. nat., from the University of Münster, Germany.

He later undertook postdoctoral and research appointments at Novartis/Seeding Labs in Boston and at the University of California, San Francisco, focusing on parasitic diseases and advanced pharmaceutical research.

He has served on several strategic KNUST committees, including the University Executive Committee, Academic Board, Planning and Resources Committee, Budgetary Committee, and the Appointments and Promotions Committee.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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