Rev. Prof. William Otoo Ellis, former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has been appointed Chair of the reconstituted Governing Council of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED).

Prof. Ellis is celebrated for his pioneering leadership at KNUST, where he served as Vice-Chancellor from 2010 to 2016. His tenure saw major infrastructural growth and institutional reforms that strengthened the University’s global standing.

He holds a PhD in Food Science from McGill University, Canada, and has published extensively in applied microbiology, food safety, packaging, and toxicology. Over the years, he has won competitive research grants from institutions such as USAID, IDRC, UNESCO, IFAD, Mastercard Foundation and the World Bank, cementing his reputation as both a scholar and innovator.

Beyond the academic sphere, Prof. Ellis is also an ordained Reverend Pastor of The Church of Pentecost. He served as Director of the Children’s Ministry from 2020 to 2024. Under his leadership, transformative initiatives such as the Community Children’s Club, Jethro Initiative, and Foundation Builders Conference were launched. He also spearheaded the establishment of a modern Children’s Resource Centre at the Pentecost Convention Centre, creating a lasting legacy for child-focused ministry.

Leading AAMUSTED into the future

With his dual legacy as an academic leader and servant minister, Prof. Ellis now takes on the task of steering AAMUSTED into its next chapter. The Governing Council he leads comprises distinguished academics and professionals whose collective expertise will support the University’s mandate in skills training and entrepreneurship.

At the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, administered the oaths of office and secrecy and commended the Council.

He assured them of government’s support, including a five-million-euro facility from the Italian government for skills development, with AAMUSTED as a beneficiary, and additional GETFund financing for tertiary institutions in 2026.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Ellis expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to lead with integrity and vision.

“I and the members of the Council will rewrite the story of AAMUSTED; the next time you hear about us, the story will be special and you will be proud of us,” he said.