'UG will see a spiritual transformation' - Vice Chancellor

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu has pledged to lead with integrity and a spiritual transformation of the university.

Prof Owusu takes over as successor to the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, who retires from office on July 31, 2016, a statement issued and signed last Friday by Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar and Secretary of the University Council said.

Speaking at the Trinity United Church at Legon (TUC) on Sunday, Prof Owusu said it was his aim to bring happiness and encourage those who have no courage to climb up to do so, as well as lead the university through the difficult period.

He said from Friday since the announcement to Sunday morning, at least he has replied over 2000 mails, text messages and WhatsApp messages.

He said one of the mails which came from one of his fiercest competitors to the position read: “You know it is the Lord who has given you that seat, and the Lord knows why he gave you that seat, to use that seat to cause a change in the spiritual life of the university.”

“And that has been the sign leading to the end of the process. So my reign as Vice Chancellor will see a spiritual transformation of the university…I will lead with integrity,” he said.

Prof Owusu said it was his prayer that the Lord who has given him the job, will help him lead “Ghana’s most important university”.

Educational background

He served as Head of Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, from 2008 to 2010; Vice Dean, Faculty of Science from 2010 to 2014, Dean School of Biological Sciences from August to September, 2014 and Acting Dean, School of Biological Sciences from September, 2014 to June, 2015.

He served as Country Director of KANEMATSU Corporation, Tokyo, Japan (Ghana Office) from July, 2001 to December, 2004 and Country Manager, SIRUS Corporation, Tokyo, Japan from 2005 to 2009.

Professor Owusu has served on numerous University Boards and Committees as well as serving as Hall Tutor and UTAG Secretary.

He is a scholar of international repute with proven knowledge and experience in university administration and governance, in addition to demonstrable fundraising ability.

Prof Owusu has edited several research articles for many journals, and authored over hundred scientific papers in the area of Entomology. He has also served as consultant to many agencies in the areas of pesticide science, pest management, agriculture and project management and evaluation.