A new chapter is set to unfold at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as the institution begins the process of selecting its next Vice-Chancellor.
With competition expected to be keen, focus is gradually shifting to key contenders such as Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, a seasoned academic and administrator within the university.
Professor Marfo currently serves as Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, a role he has held since 2020. His tenure has been marked by strategic leadership and a commitment to advancing academic excellence within one of the university’s largest and most diverse colleges.
Elevated to the rank of Full Professor in 2022, Professor Marfo has steadily built a solid academic profile, with over 400 citations, an h-index of 11, and an i10-index of 15. His work reflects a sustained contribution to scholarship, particularly within the humanities and social sciences.
Before assuming his current role, he served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences from 2018 to 2020, following an earlier stint as Dean between 2016 and 2018. These roles have given him deep administrative experience and a thorough understanding of faculty-level governance and institutional development.
Professor Marfo is also an active participant in KNUST’s governance architecture. He has served on all major statutory committees, including the Academic Board, Welfare Services Board, Executive Committee, Planning and Resources Committee, and the University Appointments Committee. His involvement in these bodies underscores his familiarity with the university’s decision-making processes and strategic direction.
Beyond KNUST, Professor Marfo has gained international academic exposure. He has been a visiting scholar at the University of Hong Kong’s Centre for African Studies and Department of Linguistics, as well as at the University of Potsdam in Germany, where he engaged with the Department of English and American Studies. These experiences have contributed to his global academic outlook and collaborative networks.
He also serves as an external examiner for several universities, further demonstrating his standing within the academic community.
Also a unionist, Prof. Charles Marfo was the National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) from 2019 to 2021. Indeed, he rose through the ranks as the Secretary of UTAG-KNUST to Vice President before becoming UTAG-KNUST President and UTAG National President.
Outside academia, Professor Marfo plays key roles in corporate governance, serving on the Board of Directors of the House of Faith Credit Union and as Chairman of the Royal Image Broadcasting Network, operators of Royal TV.
As KNUST moves forward with its Vice-Chancellor selection process, Professor Marfo’s blend of academic scholarship, administrative leadership, and international experience places him firmly among the notable candidates.
His track record reflects a balance of institutional knowledge and broader engagement, qualities that are likely to weigh significantly in the decision-making process.
