The newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of Garden City University (GCU), Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori, has called on the Government of Ghana to deepen its partnership with accredited private universities by extending infrastructure and research support to strengthen tertiary education and national development.

Speaking during his investiture as Vice-Chancellor at the University’s 18th Congregation, Professor Ofori urged the government to continue supporting Garden City University through the Ghana  Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and other strategic interventions, while outlining an ambitious vision to position the institution as a leading entrepreneurial university.

“I therefore appeal to the Government of Ghana and its agencies to continue supporting Garden City University through GETFund and other strategic interventions, including infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, and resources that will strengthen teaching, learning, and research,” he said.

He also appealed to the government to extend the Book and Research Allowance currently enjoyed by faculty in public universities to lecturers and researchers in accredited private universities.

“Such an investment is not only support for private institutions; it is an investment in Ghana’s research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and national development. Knowledge knows no institutional boundaries. Whether research is conducted in a public or private university, its impact ultimately benefits our nation,” he stated.

Professor Ofori, who officially assumed office as Vice-Chancellor, unveiled his governing vision themed “An Entrepreneurial GCU for Quality and Inclusive Tertiary Education, Infrastructural Advancement, Internationalisation, and Staff Motivation.”

According to him, the vision is anchored on three strategic pillars aimed at transforming the university into an innovative institution that produces graduates capable of creating opportunities rather than merely seeking employment.

He also pledged to transform Garden City University through entrepreneurship, infrastructure expansion, internationalisation, and staff development while appealing for increased state support for private universities.

“The first is the development of entrepreneurial graduates through excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and professional service. We want students who do not simply ask, ‘Where can I find a job?’ but rather, ‘What problem can I solve? What value can I create? How can I contribute meaningfully to society?” he said.

He explained that entrepreneurship would be integrated into every aspect of the student experience to equip graduates with practical problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset capable of driving national development.

Professor Ofori also pledged to prioritise staff welfare and institutional excellence through what he described as the development of “intrapreneurial staff.”

“My administration is committed to promoting staff welfare, creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, and ensuring that appointments, promotions, and staff development processes are transparent, fair, and timely,” he assured.

The Vice-Chancellor announced major infrastructure projects to support the university’s growth, including the construction of a Teaching Hospital, a seven-storey Examination, Conference and Lecture Complex, and a modern Administrative Complex.

He disclosed that the Garden City University Teaching Hospital is currently 25 percent complete and is expected to be completed by June 2027.

“When completed, it will serve as a centre of excellence for teaching, clinical training, research, and innovation, reinforcing GCU’s commitment to the future of healthcare education,” he noted.

To support the institution’s long-term expansion, Professor Ofori appealed to traditional authorities in Kenyase and surrounding communities to provide additional land for academic development and the expansion of the Teaching Hospital.

He further invited private investors, corporate organisations, alumni, philanthropists, and development partners to invest in student hostels, staff accommodation, and other infrastructure projects needed to transform the university.

Addressing members of the university community, Professor. Ofori pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness.

“I will lead by example. I will work with and through people, not above them. My door will be open. My mind will be open. And my commitment to this institution will be total,” he declared.

Reflecting on the institution’s journey, the new Vice-Chancellor paid tribute to his predecessors and all those who contributed to the university’s growth over the years.

“Garden City University did not arrive at its 18th Congregation by accident. This institution was built on the courage, the sacrifice, and the unyielding vision of those who served before me,” he said.

He concluded by calling for stronger partnerships among government, traditional authorities, the private sector, and development partners to realise the university’s vision.

“Together, we can build not only a stronger university but also a thriving university community that creates opportunities and prosperity for generations to come,” Prof. Ofori said.