In response to a mandate from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has announced that Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, the institution’s pro vice-chancellor, has been appointed as interim vice-chancellor.
The decision was made on September 24, 2025, during an emergency meeting of the University’s Governing Council. The University stated in a formal notice signed by Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, Registrar and Secretary to Council, that it is completely adhering to GTEC’s directives concerning the leadership change.
“Accordingly, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto is to act in the interim,” the statement read.
The leadership change follows GTEC’s order to former Vice-Chancellor Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong to resign from his position, citing a violation of the constitutional retirement age for public officers.
In a letter dated September 19, 2025, GTEC stated that Prof. Boampong’s continued service after turning 60 was against Article 199(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates that public officers must retire at age 60 unless otherwise specified by law.
GTEC also cited the University of Cape Coast Act (PNDCL 278) and the University’s own statutes, which restrict the Vice-Chancellor’s term and uphold the constitutional retirement provision.
GTEC has ordered that no significant appointments be made until the legal case is settled, even though the matter is presently before the Cape Coast High Court.
In its statement, the University Council aimed to reassure stakeholders and the university community that administrative and academic operations are still stable and unabated. Prof. Aheto will serve as the acting head of the institution during this interim period.
