Otumfuo Installs Prof. Agyare as 13th KNUST Vice Chancellor

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has inducted Prof. Christian Agyare as the 13th Vice Chancellor of the institution.

He becomes the fifth VC to be installed by the 16th Monarch of the Asante Kingdom.

The ceremony took place on August 1, 2026, as Prof. Agyare succeeds Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, whose tenure expired on July 31, 2026.

Present at the event were Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II, Bompatahene Nana Effah Appenteng, immediate past VC Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah, Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene.

In a welcome address, Otumfuo congratulated the new VC and wished him Solomon’s wisdom in his decisions, courage in moments of difficulty, humility in success, and strength for the responsibility that lies ahead.

Tribute
Otumfuo paid tribute to the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, saying she has left a lasting mark on the institution.

“Prof, as you assume this high office, you follow an accomplished leader whose tenure has left an indelible imprint on this university. Prof. Mrs Akosua Dickson, the first female Vice Chancellor of KNUST, served with distinction and unwavering commitment,” he said.

His Majesty stated that the university witnessed significant growth and an enhanced reputation under her leadership, and commended her efforts.

“Her leadership has advanced the university’s growth and strengthened its reputation. Mo ne yɛ,” he added.

Continuity
The Asantehene also reminded him that true leadership is defined by continuity, not by starting from scratch, and therefore encouraged him to build on the foundations laid by his predecessors, referencing the KNUST Act, 2025 (Act 1157), the 10-Year Corporate Strategic Plan (PLAN 2K35), and the ongoing drafting of a statute for senior staff promotion.

“Your responsibility, therefore, is not to redefine the destination but to provide the leadership, vision, and stewardship needed to guide the university community faithfully and purposefully towards it,” he added.

Consultation
Otumfuo further advised him to prioritise consultation in his leadership, affirming that universities grow through dialogue, not directives.

“The office that you are going to occupy confers authority, but authority alone does not inspire confidence. People willingly follow leaders who listen when they speak, who consult before they decide, and who respect those they lead. I am told you have already consulted as many people as possible, and so that’s a good start,” His Majesty said.

“Universities thrive through consultation rather than command. You are going to lead a community of scholars, professionals, administrators, students, and workers contributing in unique ways to the advancement of the institution,” His Majesty noted.

His Majesty also singled out his predecessors, counselling him to draw upon their wisdom.

Mandate
The Chancellor additionally urged Prof. Agyare to keep the core mandate of the university at the centre of all decisions, noting that the fundamental purpose of the institution must guide policy and resource allocation.

The Asantehene described the VC’s role as one of stewardship and responsibility to future generations, emphasising that future generations will judge his tenure not by the authority he exercised but by the lasting impact he makes on staff, students, the university, and the nation.

Call for Cooperation
Otumfuo also called for the support and cooperation of members of the university’s Governing Council, Convocation, staff, students, alumni, service providers, and friends for the new leader.

“I encourage you to extend your full cooperation and support to the new VC. Leadership flourishes where there is trust, goodwill, and a shared commitment to the common good. Let us all work together to ensure that KNUST continues to grow in excellence, relevance, and global influence.”

Gratitude
In her speech, the immediate past Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to God, the Chancellor, the Government of Ghana, both past and present, members of the Governing Council, former VCs, university management, global alumni, development partners, industry collaborators, benefactors, and friends of KNUST, staff, and students.

“I thank the Almighty God for His abundant grace and faithfulness in bringing us this far. Indeed, Ebenezer, this is how far the good Lord has brought us… My heart is filled with immense gratitude. I thank God for granting me the strength, wisdom, and privilege of serving KNUST, Asanteman, and Ghana.”

“To Otumfuo, words alone cannot adequately express my appreciation. Thank you for your wise counsel, your fatherly guidance, and your unwavering commitment to the advancement of this university. Your leadership has been a constant source of inspiration. Nana Chancellor, meda wo ase pii.”

Congratulating her successor, she counselled him to prioritise his health amid the demands of his mandate.

“Occasionally pause and smell the roses. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it is an essential part of effective leadership. Please be intentional about this.”

Prof. Dickson also assured him of her readiness at all times to assist him when needed.

She further rallied the support of the university community behind the new VC.

“I, therefore, encourage every member of the KNUST family to rally behind Prof. Christian Agyare, because no Vice Chancellor is able to do it alone. He cannot succeed alone. Let us all rally behind him. Let us give him our full cooperation, our constructive support, and our prayers as he leads this university from excellence to eminence.”

Priority Areas
For his part, the VC committed to building upon the legacy, preserving the excellence he has inherited, deepening impact, and leading the university to greater heights of eminence and global distinction.

“My mission is to pursue eminence in research, innovation, teaching, and institutional stewardship through adaptive governance, sustainable resource management, strategic partnerships, inclusivity, and technology-driven transformation in support of national and global development.”

Government Expectation
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, said the government expects KNUST to fuel knowledge that becomes innovation, enterprise, and industry.

“Ghana cannot continue to depend on exporting raw materials and importing finished products. We must manufacture more of what we consume and add value to what we produce, and build Ghanaian enterprises capable of competing across Africa and beyond. Science, technology, and innovation sit at the centre of this transformation. Industries grow through knowledge, skilled people, patient investment, and practical innovation. KNUST must help provide these.”

He urged the new VC to be guided by this in his leadership.

He further saluted Prof. Akosua Dickson, saying her legacy reaches far beyond being the first woman to head the institution.

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