What began as a routine academic succession process at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has escalated into a high-stakes political contest, complete with allegations of executive lobbying, shifting party allegiances, and promises of “juicy packages” to influence the final outcome.
As incumbent Vice-Chancellor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson prepares to leave office, the race to lead Ghana’s premier science and technology university has exposed deep tensions between merit-based selection and political patronage.
The Frontrunners
Four seasoned academics have emerged as leading candidates to take the helm:
· Prof. Rexford Assasie-Oppong (Dept. of Architecture): Backed for his institutional memory and technical expertise.
· Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi (School of Graduate Studies): Noted for a strong administrative track record in postgraduate research.
· Prof. Christian Agyare (College of Health Sciences): Possesses an extensive research portfolio but faces scrutiny over alleged political ties.
· Prof. Edward Brenyah (Political Science): A known political figure with direct party affiliation and public policy experience.
‘Double Identity’ and Direct Endorsements
Sources close to the selection process describe intense lobbying that transcends academic credentials.
According to inside reports, one candidate from the College of Health Sciences is leveraging the influence of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Obiri Danso to project loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, critics point to the same individual’s eight-year tenure on the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) board under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, labeling the maneuvering as a “double identity” play.
Meanwhile, Professor Edward Brenyah is reportedly receiving direct political backing from NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah. Brenyah’s political résumé is well-known; he previously contested the Sekyere Afram Plains parliamentary seat.
‘Institutional’ Candidates Lean on Merit and Prayer
In contrast, Professors Assasie-Oppong and Poku-Boansi are positioning themselves as the “institutional” candidates. Without overt political machines behind them, their supporters emphasize deep knowledge of KNUST’s statutes, ethical integrity, and a commitment to academic work ethics.
Notably, lacking high-level political connections, these candidates are said to be relying on their professional credentials—and, sources add, significant spiritual backing.
‘Minister’s Pipeline’ and ‘Juicy Promises’
The contest has reportedly taken a darker turn. A “deep-throat” source alleges that one applicant is attempting to bypass the university’s search committee entirely by using connections within the Ministry of the Interior to lobby the Minister of Education directly.
Even more concerning, reports have emerged of “mouth-watering promises” and “juicy packages” allegedly being offered to members of the Search Committee and the Governing Council to sway their final recommendations.
A Decision With National Implications
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST serves as the chief academic and administrative officer, managing thousands of staff and students alongside a multi-million-cedi budget. Given the university’s role as a hub for innovation and national policy influence, the appointment is widely seen as a gateway to broader national power.
The Governing Council now faces a defining choice: uphold the sanctity of academic independence, or yield to rising partisan pressure.
Further revelations on the lobbying tactics are expected as the selection process nears its completion.
