Christian Service University (CSU) held a landmark meeting of its Convocation on July 15, 2026, at which the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Banahene, presented a comprehensive report on the state of the University and inaugurated a newly constituted nine-member Convocation Board.
Convocation, made up of all senior members of the University’s academic and non-academic staff, is a statutory body established under the University’s governing statutes. The Registrar described the meeting as historic, noting that it fulfilled a longstanding statutory provision requiring Convocation to meet and to be properly constituted.
During the meeting, members of Convocation nominated a nine-member Board, which in turn selected a Chairperson from among its ranks. The Board, including its Chairperson, Dr. Samuel Brefo Adubofour, Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, and a Secretary to Convocation, Mrs. Florence Boffah Pokumensah, Head of Human Resource Management and Administration, was formally presented to Convocation and inaugurated in a short ceremony that included prayers for the Board’s mandate ahead.
Ten Months in Retrospect
In his report, Dr. Banahene reflected on his first ten months in office, from October 2025 to July 2026, describing the period as one of governance renewal. He called on staff to work in unity and synergy toward the University’s mission and vision, and to use their offices to advance the institution’s Christian values, professionalism and pursuit of academic excellence.
On governance, Dr. Banahene reported on the appointment of the first Chancellor of the University in the person of Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante. He noted that the University’s Council had been reconstituted, with Kwabena Boafo Esq. as the new Council Chairman following the resignation of the previous chair. He noted that most of the University’s policy documents, including the Students’ Handbook and several administrative policies, had been reviewed and were nearing completion ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Financial Health
On the University’s finances, the Vice-Chancellor reported that CSU had realised 99 percent of student fees for the year, a collection rate he described as unprecedented, alongside improved payment turnaround for suppliers and staff. He said the University’s financial ratios were healthy and resilient, and announced tighter budgeting controls requiring all payments to be captured within approved budget lines going forward.
Infrastructure Gains
On infrastructure, Dr. Banahene outlined a number of completed and ongoing projects, including the award of a contract for an 840-bed capacity hostel at Sabin Akrofrom, now at ground floor stage, the purchase of a new Tata bus to support student transport, and the refurbishment of the Examination Office with CCTV and enhanced security. He also cited the refurbishment of offices and classroom spaces, including the Academic and Student Affairs Unit, a new conference room for the University’s Doctor of Ministry programme, the purchase of 500 additional chairs, and an expansion of the ICT laboratory with 100 new laptops, alongside 10 others, issued to administrative staff to enhance their work.
The Vice-Chancellor further reported the upgrades of the University clinic, including the procurement of four hospital beds and bedside lockers, and the refurbishment of the Nursing Skills Laboratory with additional required equipment. He noted that a new on-campus eating place to host five food vendors was nearing completion for operation.
Staff Development
On human resource development, the Vice-Chancellor reported three staff promotions to Assistant Registrar and one to Senior Staff rank, along with one lecturer promoted to Senior Lecturer. He said six further lecturers were being processed for Senior Lecturer status, and two Senior Lecturers for promotion to Associate Professor.
Strengthening External Relations
Dr. Banahene also spoke on plans to revive the University’s relationship with its friends and stakeholders, including a stakeholder dinner planned ahead of the next graduation, and announced ongoing reorganisation within the Office of Institutional Advancement to strengthen internal and external communication.
He concluded his address by describing the University as sound, healthy and resilient in its finances, administration and governance, and called on staff to uphold the spirit of voluntary service on which the University was founded.
