Accra Technical University (ATU) has formally invested Professor Amevi Acakpovi as its second substantive Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s evolution as a fully-fledged tertiary university.
The colourful investiture ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, university directors, corporate partners, staff, alumni, and students, highlighted the importance of the occasion and underscored ATU’s growing national relevance.
Professor Acakpovi, who previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor, has already guided the university through key milestones in academic advancement, staff development, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure improvement. His formal investiture now confirms his mandate to lead the university into its next phase of growth.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Acakpovi expressed appreciation to the University Council and the entire ATU community for the confidence reposed in him. He described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, and pledged to lead with humility, purpose, and openness.
He emphasised a leadership approach that listens, engages, and values the contributions of staff and students, describing them as central to the university’s success.
Professor Acakpovi outlined the university’s five-year strategic direction, drawn from ATU’s strategic plan, which will guide management decisions and institutional priorities. Key focus areas include skills-based and future-ready teaching and learning, digital transformation, modern infrastructure, quality assurance and compliance, applied research and innovation, staff development and welfare, strong industry and institutional partnerships, and sustainability through green technologies.
He noted that these priorities are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are designed to deliver tangible benefits to both the university community and society at large.
Describing the strategic pillars as practical and measurable commitments, Professor Acakpovi said they are supported by clear implementation plans and monitoring systems. He called on staff and students to support the administration, describing them as the backbone of the institution and custodians of its values.
The guest speaker, Professor George K. T. Oduro, urged the university community to rally behind the Vice-Chancellor to achieve ATU’s shared vision. He stressed the importance of allowing institutional systems to function effectively within the framework of the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922), noting that strong systems are critical to safeguarding academic integrity.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, emphasis was placed on strengthening industry–academia collaboration. The message encouraged ATU to deepen partnerships that support student success and contribute to national development, while also strengthening internal systems for staff and students.
With his formal investiture complete, Professor Acakpovi begins his tenure with a clear message of inclusive, people-centred leadership. His commitment to listening, engagement, and shared responsibility sets the tone for the next chapter of Accra Technical University’s growth and transformation.
By aqgmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
