The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the university's newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, to lead through consultation, dialogue and openness rather than command.

Administering the oath of office to Professor Agyare as KNUST's 13th Vice-Chancellor, the Asantehene said the university's new leader must manage differences through established institutional structures while promoting fairness, mutual respect and transparency.

He cautioned that internal disputes should strengthen rather than weaken public confidence in one of Ghana's leading higher education institutions.

"As a former provost, you have been part of management and are therefore very familiar with the concerns of students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders. Now, becoming a Vice-Chancellor, you must rise above these concerns and provide solutions that inspire confidence," Otumfuo said.

He noted that Professor Agyare's tenure as Provost of the College of Health Sciences had given him a deep appreciation of the expectations of students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders.

However, he said assuming the role of Vice-Chancellor required a broader perspective capable of uniting the university community.

"Your responsibility will be to ensure that differences are managed through the university's established structures, through fairness, respect and openness," he stated.

The Asantehene further stressed that dialogue should remain the primary tool for resolving disagreements within the university.

"Internal challenges should strengthen the institution. Dialogue, rather than command, should guide the resolution of differences and not diminish public confidence in this great university. Leadership may change hands, but the mission of the university remains constant," he added.

Professor Agyare, who succeeds Professor Rita Akosua Dickson as Vice-Chancellor, pledged to build on KNUST's achievements by promoting innovation, strengthening partnerships and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

"This honour belongs to all of us. Together, let us build on our rich legacy, embrace innovation, strengthen partnerships, and work collectively to transform KNUST into an even greater institution," he said.

"The journey ahead is one of shared purpose, and I invite every member of our community to join hands as we move from excellence to eminence."

The investiture ceremony was attended by members of academia, traditional and religious leaders, as well as political figures.

Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, also challenged the university's leadership to deepen its contribution to national development by driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said Ghana's economic recovery must translate into opportunities for young people through knowledge, enterprise and job creation.

"Our economy has shown signs of recovery. We cannot be satisfied with an economy that grows on paper while too many young people remain outside its opportunities," he said.

"Our task is to convert growth into jobs, knowledge into enterprises and national progress into visible improvements in people's lives. This is where KNUST becomes indispensable."