The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has outlined an ambitious transformation agenda centred on artificial intelligence, engineering education, digital learning and industry-relevant skills following the formal induction of Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto as the institution’s 12th Vice-Chancellor.
At a special congregation held for his investiture, Prof. Aheto pledged to reposition UCC as a globally competitive university by expanding academic programmes, strengthening research, modernising infrastructure and diversifying the institution’s revenue base.
Among the key initiatives announced is the establishment of a College of Engineering and Built Environment, alongside new academic programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture and Special Languages to respond to emerging national and global workforce demands.
Prof. Aheto also announced the launch of the UCC E-Campus in partnership with Astra Learning, which is expected to enrol approximately 10,000 students annually through a virtual learning platform.
“We estimate to enrol approximately 10,000 students annually on the virtual platform,” he said, adding that the initiative would complement the university’s existing regular, sandwich and distance education programmes.
The new Vice-Chancellor said his vision was to build a transformative and inclusive academic environment that promotes excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
His administration also plans to establish the Africa Ocean Institute, the Africa Food Integrity Centre, and a Centre for Ecological and Terrestrial Sustainability to strengthen research, innovation and policy engagement.
He further pledged to improve teaching and learning facilities, expand student accommodation through public-private partnerships, enhance campus digital infrastructure and secure sustainable financing for the university.
The ceremony also featured a strong call for a shift from theory-based education to practical, skills-oriented training.
UCC Chancellor Sir Sam Jonah urged the university to lead a new model of higher education that prioritises competence and real-world problem-solving.
He proposed the creation of a degree-awarding faculty for vocational and applied skills education, arguing that universities must prepare graduates who can perform practical tasks in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
“In a world where machines can reproduce knowledge faster than humans, a degree will only be valuable if graduates can do what machines cannot,” Sir Jonah said.
He suggested programmes such as Renewable Energy Systems and Coastal and Aquaculture Enterprise, where students would be required to complete practical projects before graduation.
The Chancellor also called for the integration of AI across all disciplines, the establishment of a student AI innovation club, stronger engagement with Ghana’s technology diaspora, and the introduction of project-based learning across the university.
Prof. Aheto succeeds Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, whose tenure ended in September 2025. He had served as acting Vice-Chancellor for 10 months and as Pro Vice-Chancellor for 19 months before his appointment was confirmed by the university’s Governing Council in May.
Representing the Minister of Education, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), urged the new Vice-Chancellor to produce graduates of character and competence while maintaining UCC’s reputation for academic excellence and quality assurance.
With more than 15 years of experience managing major international research projects, Prof. Aheto is widely recognised for his work in coastal ecology, fisheries management, marine spatial planning and environmental sustainability.
