Professor Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, who officially assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of Central University on 1st September 2025, has commenced his tenure with an active and engaging first week, signalling a leadership approach rooted in accessibility, collaboration, and transformational vision.
Appointed by the University Council for an initial five-year term, Prof. Dartey-Baah’s assumption of office follows a rigorous and competitive selection process, culminating in his unanimous endorsement by the Council at its 35th meeting in accordance with Section 16 of the Statutes of Central University (2023). The appointment was based on the recommendations of a Search Party chaired by Professor Kwesi Yankah, which found Prof. Dartey-Baah to be the most suitable candidate to lead the University into its next phase of growth and development.
A renowned academic, leadership scholar, and organisational development expert, Prof. Dartey-Baah succeeds Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, under whose leadership Central University experienced significant stability, academic expansion, and infrastructural advancement.
Highlights from the Vice-Chancellor’s First Week:
Prof. Dartey-Baah’s first week in office was marked by a series of strategic engagements and comprehensive familiarisation activities across the University. His itinerary reflects a strong commitment to understanding the University’s operations, fostering internal collaboration, and setting the tone for his administration’s priorities.
Strategic Engagements:
- Held key meetings with Senior Management, Deans, and Directors, engaging in frank and forward-looking discussions on academic delivery, governance, and strategic direction.
- Interacted with the Student Recruitment Team to appreciate ongoing efforts in student admissions and outreach, while exploring innovative strategies to boost enrolment.
Campus Tour and Infrastructure Review:
Prof. Dartey-Baah embarked on an extensive tour of the Miotso Campus, where he visited:
- Lecture halls, to assess learning environments and infrastructural adequacy.
- Student hostels, ensuring a focus on student welfare and accommodation standards.
- The Data Centre, which serves as the backbone of the University’s digital infrastructure.
- Administrative Directorates, meeting staff and observing operational processes.
- The University land boundaries, gaining firsthand insight into land usage and development potential.
In line with the University’s faith tradition, Prof. Dartey-Baah joined the Central University community for Chapel Service—his first experience of campus worship.
He also visited several key infrastructure projects and development sites:
- The newly completed Nursing Licensure Exams Centre, a significant addition to the University’s healthcare training resources.
- The proposed Hostel Village Project site, a strategic initiative to expand student housing capacity.
- Various ongoing project sites to understand timelines and challenges.
Christ Temple Campus Visit:
The Vice-Chancellor also visited the Christ Temple Campus at Abossey-Okai, where he met with faculty and staff, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive development across all university campuses.
Next Steps: Kumasi Campus Visit
As part of his familiarisation tour, Professor Dartey-Baah is scheduled to undertake a working visit to the Kumasi Campus in the coming days, where he will meet with staff, students, and key stakeholders, and assess ongoing initiatives on that campus.
Professor Dartey-Baah’s proactive and inclusive approach in his first week has been widely welcomed across the University community. His leadership style—marked by listening, engaging, and leading with vision—promises an exciting chapter in the life of Central University.
“I am honoured to serve this great institution and look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to position Central University as a beacon of excellence in higher education,” he remarked.
The University community looks forward to the impactful journey ahead under the leadership of Professor Kwasi Dartey-Baah.