The 24th Regular Meeting of the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities-Ghana (VCTU-G), held on Monday, June 28, 2025, at Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), turned into a moment of celebration and reflection as the association honoured five of its former Chairpersons for their distinguished leadership and contributions to technical and vocational education in Ghana.
Among those honoured was Prof. Sir Elias N. K. Sowley, immediate-past Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University and a former Chair of VCTU-G (2023-2024). He was commended for his scholarly leadership and transformative influence on both his university and the association. His citation praised him for steering DHLTU through a period of growth and for his unwavering commitment to unity and excellence across Ghana’s technical universities.
The ceremony also celebrated Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice-Chancellor of Bolgatanga Technical University and Chair of VCTU-G from 2022 to 2023. He was lauded for bringing ethical leadership, diplomacy, and vision during a period described as “marked by shifting national expectations.” His calm, steady hand was credited with building consensus and fostering institutional harmony.
Also honoured was Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University and Chair of VCTU-G from 2021 to 2022. He was recognised for his bold, collaborative leadership and for helping to redefine the association’s role in national education discourse. His tenure, according to the citation, was marked by institutional advancement and a deep commitment to public service.
Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University and Chair of VCTU-G between 2020 and 2021, received accolades for his strategic leadership and efforts in positioning the association as a relevant force in higher education policy. His time as Chair was noted for helping the association “reaffirm its voice” and guiding it through key transitions.
Rounding off the tributes was Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University and Chair of the association from 2019 to 2020. He was praised as a stabilising force during the early years of institutional conversion from polytechnics to technical universities. Under his leadership, VCTU-G matured in stature and became a more cohesive and effective platform for national engagement.
In a brief address, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, the current chair of the VCTU-G noted that the ceremony was not only about recognising past contributions but also about reaffirming the association’s values of service, unity, and transformation. “These leaders are the architects of the progress we see today,” he said. “They have given us more than guidance, they have given us a legacy.”
The recognition ceremony, which formed part of the official meeting proceedings, brought together the leaders of the Technical Universities in the country. In attendance were Professor John Owusu of Koforidua Technical University, Professor Bashiru Imoro Ibn Saeed of Tamale Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi of Accra Technical University, and Professor Hamidatu Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University. The Executive Secretary of VCTU-G, Mr. J.M. Oti-Asirifi, was also present.
The VCTU-G continues to build on the foundations laid by these academic giants. Their legacies, woven into the policies, structures and culture of technical education, remain vital to the system’s evolution.