The Governing Council of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has formally accelerated the process to appoint a successor to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, whose distinguished tenure concludes on July 31, 2026.
Operating under the university’s statutes and legal framework, the Council initiated the recruitment process earlier this year via a public advertisement in the Daily Graphic.
Following the closure of applications on March 31, a high-powered Search Committee was inaugurated on April 1 to begin the rigorous task of vetting candidates.
Composition and Mandate:
The committee is tasked with evaluating the suitability of applicants and gathering feedback from the university community regarding their expectations for the next leader.
The membership includes:
Chairman: Sir Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei (Justice of the Supreme Court)
Government Nominees: Prof. Leonard Derkyi-Kwarteng, Prof. Abdul Samed Muntaka, and Gloria Naa Amanuah Appoh.
Alumni Representative: Dr. Herman Yobo Addae.
Academic Board Representatives: Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor and Prof. Anthony Andrews.
The committee is expected to conclude its initial assessment by the end of April, followed by formal interviews for the eight candidates who have reportedly filed their applications.
Emerging Controversies:
Despite the prestigious nature of the committee, the process has been hit by allegations of procedural unfairness and “insider trading.”
Concerns have been raised regarding the transparency of the committee’s outreach efforts.
1. Sectional Communication
Reports suggest the committee has bypassed official, university-wide communication channels.
Specifically, a member of the committee allegedly shared the notice for the collation of public views only within a College of Health Sciences WhatsApp group.
Critics argue this “sectional approach” excludes the broader university public and violates the committee’s mandate for inclusive consultation.
2. Conflicts of Interest:
The controversy is deepened by rumors of partisan alliances.
The committee member responsible for the selective WhatsApp post is allegedly a close ally of one of the top contenders, the current Provost of the College of Health Sciences.
This has sparked fears of a biased playing field.
3. Political Lobbying:
There are further allegations that certain aspirants are leveraging political connections within the ruling government to influence the Governing Council and Search Committee members.
Observers warn that such external interference could “taint the image of the revered university” and undermine the merit-based nature of the appointment.
Road Ahead:
Following the interview phase, the Search Committee will submit a comprehensive report to the Governing Council, shortlisting three final candidates.
One will ultimately be selected to lead the premier science and technology institution.
Timeline for Transition:
April 2024:
Completion of Search Committee work and interviews.
May – June 2024:
Final selection and announcement of the Vice-Chancellor Elect.
August 1, 2026: Official commencement of the new Vice-Chancellor’s term.
As the university community watches closely, the pressure is on the Sir Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei-led committee to ensure the process remains beyond reproach, maintaining the academic integrity and global standing of KNUST.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
