Professor Okoe Amartey, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has been inducted into office as the second Vice-Chancellor and eighth executive head of the University to steer the affairs of the country’s premier professional and Management University.
At a colourful handing over and induction ceremony, the Chancellor of the UPSA, Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, administered the Oath of Office to Prof. Amartey which was witnessed by ministers of state, members of parliament, the clergy, traditional rulers, representatives from sister universities, members of the UPSA Governing Council, Convocation, staff and students of the University as well as family members.
In his inaugural address, Prof Amartey outlined his vision for UPSA for the next four years which would be anchored on four broad strategic goals of the university, namely: Enhancing institutional image and environment; improving institutional effectiveness; promoting research, and competing in global higher education environment.
He said UPSA Management under his leadership would invest in staff training and development, and create a culture of institutional ownership. “Accordingly, expectations are high with respect to completing the process of transforming this university into a world-class institution of higher learning, the good news is: we are ready, God being our helper, he said.”
He stated that “the shared values of UPSA namely integrity, respect and service will continue to be our watch words.”
Prof Amartey expressed his gratitude to the Almighty God for His grace and blessings; and to the Governing Council of UPSA for the trust reposed in him. He also paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Prof Joshua Alabi, for his “foresight, insight and far sight in bringing this University from its humble beginning to the enviable position it has attained.”
Earlier, Drolor Bosso Adamtey I urged the new Vice-Chancellor to carry on with the good works of Prof Joshua Alabi in moving UPSA forward by building on the foundation and structure which had been laid.
In his remarks, the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joshua Alabi, acknowledged God’s guidance and the rare opportunity given him to serve his alma mater in the high office of Vice-Chancellor. He commended the UPSA Council, Management, staff and students for their support during his eight-year tenure.
Prof Amartey joined UPSA 10 years ago as a lecturer at the Department of Marketing after working with a number of corporate organisations. He was among the first batch of lecturers employed to augment the staff strength of the faculty when the degree programme was introduced.
Prof Amartey holds a PhD in Business Administration from the SMC University of Switzerland, Master of Philosophy in Marketing, a Master of Business Administration (Marketing option) and Bachelor of Arts (Economics Major) all from the University of Ghana.
He is a product of the Saint Thomas Secondary School, Accra and Prempeh College, Kumasi.
He has won a number of awards, locally and internationally, with the latest being the prestigious Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2016, which was presented to him at the 76th Meeting of Academy of Management (AOM) annual conference held in Anaheim, California.
