CSU Unveils Festschrift Honouring Former Vice-Chancellor

The Christian Service University (CSU) in Kumasi has unveiled a Festschrift in honour of its former President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kofi Afrane, celebrating his contributions to academia, planning, institutional leadership and Christian higher education.

The publication, which brings together scholarly contributions from academics, was unveiled as part of activities recognising Professor Afrane’s decade of service and contribution to the development of the university.

Reviewing the Festschrift, the Chancellor of CSU, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, described the publication as an intellectual tribute to a distinguished scholar, planner and academic administrator whose career had contributed significantly to scholarship and institutional development.

He explained that a Festschrift was not merely a collection of essays but an expression of appreciation for an individual’s contribution to scholarship, professional practice and society.

According to him, Professor Afrane’s academic career was closely linked to planning, particularly during his years at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where his teaching, research and consultancy work contributed to planning practice in Ghana.

Most Rev. Prof. Asante said Professor Afrane’s influence, however, extended beyond planning, noting that his scholarship and professional engagements demonstrated the importance of applying knowledge to institutional development, community transformation and national progress.

He also commended Professor Afrane’s 10-year leadership at CSU, saying his tenure helped strengthen the university’s academic profile, broaden its institutional vision and deepen its commitment to Christian higher education.

11 Scholars, 11 Chapters

Most Rev. Prof. Asante disclosed that the Festschrift contains 11 chapters authored by 11 scholars, with the contributions focusing mainly on planning and related areas.

He said the diverse contributions reflected the interdisciplinary nature of planning, which brings together issues concerning people, communities, institutions, resources and the organisation of society.

The essays also examine broader issues relating to development, governance, sustainability and societal transformation.

The Chancellor noted that the foreword by Professor Emeritus Kwafo Adarkwa provided an important intellectual framework for understanding Professor Afrane’s contribution to Ghana’s academic and professional development.

He said one of the major lessons from the publication was that scholarship becomes most valuable when knowledge is translated into practical contributions towards the transformation of communities and institutions.

‘Grace And Grace Alone’

For his part, Professor Afrane attributed his achievements to the grace of God, saying his academic and professional journey had not always been smooth.

Speaking at his end-of-service ceremony, he said, “I have come thus far by grace and grace alone.”

Professor Afrane recalled that the early stages of his academic journey were characterised by instability and uncertainty, adding that the circumstances at the time did not suggest that he would eventually become a professor and planner.

He said he did not regard himself as one of those with “super brains,” but believed God had given him vision, determination and the courage to pursue goals that appeared impossible.

Professor Afrane expressed gratitude for his two professions—teaching and planning—saying teaching enabled him to interact with thousands of young people and positively influence their future.

Planning, he added, equipped him with analytical skills and enabled him to engage professionals and contribute meaningfully to discussions on a wide range of issues.

Advice To Leaders

Professor Afrane also shared leadership lessons from his years of service, cautioning that visionary leaders could sometimes be misunderstood and labelled arrogant, unrealistic or disconnected from reality.

He urged leaders to develop the confidence and resilience to withstand criticism while remaining committed to their vision.

He further stressed the importance of effective communication and genuine concern for the welfare of stakeholders.

“If you want to carry people with you in your leadership role, then be genuinely interested in people’s welfare and also ensure they have access to you,” he said.

Professor Afrane expressed his belief that people who trust in God can overcome difficult circumstances and eventually emerge victorious.

He thanked the leadership and staff of CSU and KNUST and other individuals who supported him throughout his career, particularly his wife, Mrs. Augustina Afrane.

He also recognised Rev. Dr. Isaac Boahen for his role in organising the ceremony and facilitating the publication of the Festschrift, as well as Prof. (Mrs.) Philomena Okyeso Yeboah and Dr. Ginn Assibey Bonsu of KNUST for their contributions to the publication.

Professor Afrane, who served as President and Vice-Chancellor of CSU for 10 years, concluded by praying for the university to attain its full potential as an institution of excellence and integrity while remaining firmly committed to its Christian mission.