Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin Commends Garden City University Leadership, Urges Shift to Human Capital Development

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene, has lauded the leadership of Garden City University (GCU) for their commitment to educational innovation and national development. Speaking during a courtesy call from a university delegation led by the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori, the traditional leader emphasized that the future of Ghana's economic growth lies in the development of its human capital rather than a sole reliance on natural resources. He stressed that while mineral and natural wealth are finite, the intellectual capacity of a nation's citizens offers unlimited potential for sustained national progress.\n\nDuring the engagement, the Okyenhene highlighted the pivotal role education plays in national success, urging academic leaders to prioritize integrity and accountability. He commended the university for fostering an environment of innovation, which he described as essential for navigating the challenges of the modern global economy. The visit served as a formal introduction for Professor Ofori, who recently assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor, and provided an opportunity to personally invite the Okyenhene to his upcoming investiture ceremony.\n\nProviding updates on the institution's growth, the GCU delegation noted that the university now serves a student population of approximately 14,000. A significant highlight of the discussion was the university’s ambitious plan to establish the Ashanti Region's first private university teaching hospital. This project is intended to bridge the gap in healthcare training and delivery, offering students hands-on clinical experience while enhancing medical services for the local community and the broader region.\n\nProfessor Ofori expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by traditional leaders, noting that such partnerships are vital for the success of higher education institutions in Ghana. The meeting reflects GCU's broader strategy to engage key stakeholders in its mission to enhance quality tertiary education and healthcare training. By aligning academic goals with national development priorities, the university aims to produce graduates who are not only professionally competent but also ethically grounded to lead the country’s future industrial and social sectors.