Okyenhene Calls for Entrepreneurial Shift in Higher Education at Garden City University Investiture

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene, has urged Ghanaian universities to realign their academic programs to produce job creators and innovators rather than mere degree holders. Speaking at the investiture of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as the new Vice-Chancellor of Garden City University (GCU) in Kumasi, the Okyenhene emphasized that the rapidly evolving global job market, driven by technological advancements, requires a fundamental shift in how graduates are trained. He noted that while many Ghanaians possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit, various systemic barriers continue to hinder their success, necessitating a more supportive educational environment that fosters practical skills and critical thinking.

During the ceremony, which was attended by prominent figures including Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Okyenhene also made a passionate appeal for the restoration of dignity to the teaching profession. He argued that the quality of education and national development are inextricably linked to the morale and status of educators. By prioritizing the welfare and respect of teachers, the Okyenhene suggested that the government could better ensure that the next generation is equipped to drive Africa’s economic transformation. He described education as the most sustainable investment a nation can make to secure its future prosperity.

In his inaugural address, the newly inducted Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori, outlined a strategic vision to transform Garden City University into a leading entrepreneurial institution. He committed to integrating entrepreneurship directly into the student experience and announced several ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of a Teaching Hospital and a modern administrative complex. Professor Ofori emphasized that these developments are part of a broader goal to cultivate graduates who are focused on innovation and practical problem-solving, rather than simply filling existing job openings.

To achieve these goals, Professor Ofori called for increased collaboration between the government and accredited private universities. He specifically advocated for state support in areas of infrastructure and research, arguing that such investments would significantly bolster the nation’s overall research capacity and development. By prioritizing staff welfare and fostering community partnerships for institutional expansion, the new Vice-Chancellor aims to establish GCU as a center of excellence that contributes meaningfully to Ghana's socio-economic landscape.