Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong Appointed UniMAC Chancellor as Graduation Speakers Call for Integrity in Leadership

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong as its first-ever Chancellor. The decision, sanctioned by the University Governing Council on May 26, 2026, is set to take effect on August 1, 2026. Dr. Sarpong, a renowned entrepreneur and CEO of the Special Group of Companies, is expected to leverage his extensive leadership experience to enhance the university's strategic partnerships and international profile. As Chancellor, he will play a pivotal ceremonial role, including the conferring of degrees and strengthening ties between the institution and various industries.

Dr. Sarpong’s appointment comes as a recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to national development. Beyond his business empire, which includes interests in manufacturing, real estate, and finance, Sarpong is a prominent figure in the media sector through ventures like United Television (UTV). His academic credentials include a Master of Science in Finance, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. UniMAC officials expressed strong confidence that his background and dedication to excellence will establish the university as a leading institution in media, arts, and communication.

Parallel to these leadership changes, several Ghanaian higher education institutions recently celebrated the graduation of new cohorts, with a unified message urging graduates to uphold integrity. At the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) 15th graduation ceremony, 162 students received Master of Arts degrees. Air Vice Marshal David Akrong cautioned the graduates that failures in ethical leadership remain a primary contributor to Africa's challenges. Keynote speaker Justice Professor Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu further addressed the complexities of contemporary conflict, emphasizing the need for renewed multilateral commitments from the new graduates.

Similarly, during a graduation ceremony at Wisconsin International University College in Accra, the Executive Chairman of McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, stressed that character and discipline are as vital as academic qualifications for professional success. University President Lawrence Kannae urged the graduates to transition into innovators and problem-solvers to meet the demands of the modern workforce. The event also celebrated high achievers, such as Daniella Quansah, who was named the top undergraduate, and Elsie Adwoa Adutwumwaa Boateng, the valedictorian at KAIPTC, who inspired peers with her journey of pursuing education later in life.

These developments reflect a broader trend in Ghana’s educational sector: the integration of seasoned industry leaders into academic governance and a heightened focus on the moral fiber of the next generation of professionals. As Dr. Sarpong prepares to take his seat at UniMAC and the newly minted graduates enter the workforce, the emphasis remains on service to society and the pursuit of excellence. The transition of these institutions signals a commitment to producing not only skilled experts but also ethical leaders capable of navigating Africa's evolving socio-economic landscape.