Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere on Tuesday took the oath of office as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon at a colourful induction ceremony and promised to initiate pragmatic programmes to address the challenges that confronted the University.

He called for positive innovations to enhance the operations of the University to enable it to compete effectively in the globalised economy and to win the confidence of the people. Prof Asenso-Okyere said: "I am seeking your concurrence to initiate an institutional programme to address problems and to transform the University to enable it tackle the challenges that confront it,"

He appealed to individuals, organisations and the government to support programmes aimed at improving conditions at the University. Prof Asenso-Okyere said such a change should include expediting decision making process, setting up effective and transparent administrative and managerial system.

Others were enhancing the incentive structure for all categories of hardworking staff, expanding information-communication technology and making the University more responsive to the needs of the wider society.

The Vice-Chancellor said the transformation was necessary to ensure that the University was able to meet the stiff competition that it faced from other public and private Universities.

Prof Asenso-Okyere said he would ensure that the University became a center for training people in management and administration. "The curricula of the University and mode of teaching have to be tailored in such way as to provide the skills and competencies needed by our graduates to solve the myriads of problems facing society today," he said.

Prof Asenso-Okyere said a major difficulty in the transformation process would be the willingness of people to change their mindset. He noted that the development of every country depended on education, and pledged to continue the good work of his predecessor.

Professor Addae-Mensah, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude to the University Community for its support that enable him to complete his six years administration.

The Chairman of the University Council, Dr Ishmael Yamson praised the achievements and contributions of Professor Addae-Mensah, saying they were beyond the normal call for duty. He asked him not to abandoned the University but be actively involved in its activities.

Born 55 years ago, Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere had his Primary education at Dunkwa Catholic Boy's School, secondary Education at Twenoboa Kodua Secondary School, Kumawu and Prempeh College, Kumasi.

He graduated with a BSC (Hons) in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ghana, Legon in 1973. He obtained his Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph, Ontario and a PHD in 1982 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, USA, specialising in Econometrics and Price Analysis.

Professor Asenso-Okyere had considerable experience in research and advocacy on economic development issues such as food and agriculture, health and nutrition and international trade policies.

He was until his appointment the Director of ISSER. Professor Asenso-Okyere has authored/co-authored 115 publications, papers, monographs, technical and consultancy reports. Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, the Chancellor of the University, administered the oath of office.