Dr Kofi Koduah Sarpong has been sworn in as the Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra for a five-year tenure.
The former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation becomes the second Chancellor of the institution after it attained a full university status.
Speaking at his investiture ceremony on Thursday, June 16, Dr Sarpong outlined his vision and commitment to repositioning UPSA into a world class institution with a robust foundation rooted in research, academic excellence and global competitiveness.
The new Chancellor among other things pledged to institute an Endowment Fund for Research to incentivise faculty members to embark on relevant research projects that will help spur national development.
“One of the aims of this University, just like other universities, is to undertake research in disciplines that fall within the mandate of the University in furtherance of mankind’s development. I can say without fear of contradiction that many universities barely achieve this aim due to funding constraints,” Dr. Sarpong said.
“During my tenure as Chancellor, I will work tirelessly with the governing council to set up the Chancellor’s Endowment Fund for research. My target is 20 million Ghana cedis. The establishment of this Fund will assure the University of a steady income dedicated solely to research. I will implore all guests here today to contribute to the Fund when Council makes the call.”
Dr Sarpong said he was humbled by the massive demonstration of love and the presence of noble and distinguished personalities who attended his investiture.
“It has always been my greatest joy to contribute to education in any possible and relevant way,” he said. “The conferment of the position of Chancellor on me today marks the summit of my desire and calling to contribute to the development of education in Ghana and beyond. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in this manner.”
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who was the special guest of honour, administered the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy to Dr K. K. Sarpong in the presence of an elated audience comprising members of the University Council, members of convocation, staff, students, diplomats, government officials, traditional rulers and business executives.
Dr Bawumia described Dr Sarpong as a good friend, a great counsellor and illustrious son of Ghana who has distinguished himself across all spheres of life.
He added that his elevation to the position of Chancellor of UPSA was therefore not only befitting but the right replacement for his predecessor, His Royal Majesty Drolor Bosso Odamtey I, the immediate past of Chancellor of the University.
“A chancellor’s level of influence, his gravitas, his ability to inspire and share his vision, and his clout to tackle the constellation of issues that may arise while leveraging his networks, his integrity and his charisma to steer the university to its strategic destination is what distinguishes a good chancellor from a great chancellor,” the Vice President noted.
“I’m certain that the University Council found all these attributes and even more in Dr K.K. Sarpong. His wealth of experience and hard work that I am privy to tells me that he is up to the task, having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Deputy Chief Executive at the Ghana Cocoa Board, Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery to mention a few.
“He is undoubtedly the right person for this position at this moment in time. I am confident that he is well advanced in his planning for the future and his prospects are palpable.”
The Chairman of the Governing Council of UPSA, Dr. Kofi Ohene-Konadu, congratulated the Chancellor on his appointment. He stressed that Dr Sarpong was no stranger to the University due to his long standing relationship with UPSA in the past as a visiting lecturer.
He was confident that the new Chancellor will propel UPSA to higher heights as enshrined in the institution’s mantra of change to spur development.
