In recognition of the critical role marketing professionals play in shaping the future of business and practice, I am delighted to celebrate the appointment of Prof. E.Y. Tweneboah-Kodua as the next Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS). Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua, who currently serves as the Head of the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at UGBS, is not only an accomplished academic but also a respected business leader and an elder in the church community. Personally, I am particularly proud to acknowledge him as my second supervisor during my graduate studies.
Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for UGBS and for marketing education in Ghana. As higher education institutions around the world strive to enhance their relevance, global competitiveness, and societal impact, it is essential that leaders in these institutions possess a deep understanding of marketing’s strategic role.
Marketing, as a discipline, transcends the narrow confines of promotional activities to embrace a broader, strategic perspective that integrates customer-centricity, innovation, and value co-creation.
Historically, marketing professionals who have ascended to leadership positions have left indelible marks on their institutions. For example, Prof. A.F.O. Amartey and Prof. Joshua Alarbi, during their tenure at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), championed curriculum reforms, strengthened industry collaborations, and expanded international partnerships, thereby enhancing UPSA’s reputation as a leading business education hub.
Similarly, Prof. Robert E. Hinson’s leadership at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) exemplified how marketing-driven strategies can foster innovation, build stakeholder trust, and position institutions as leaders in research and community engagement.
At the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei’s stewardship further demonstrated the transformative power of marketing-led leadership in academia.
The appointment of Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua, therefore, is both a celebration and a challenge—a challenge to demonstrate how marketing knowledge and principles can drive strategic transformation, foster academic excellence, and position UGBS as a world-class business school.
The global landscape of business education is increasingly competitive, with institutions vying for international accreditation, global research recognition, and sustainable industry partnerships.
Under Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua’s leadership, UGBS has a unique opportunity to enhance its academic programs, attract high-caliber faculty and students, and deepen its engagement with industry, alumni, and the broader community.
Moreover, as a leader who understands the intersection of theory and practice, Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua is well-positioned to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and real-world business challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation, ethical leadership, and excellence in marketing education and research, he can contribute significantly to the strategic aspirations of UGBS and the University of Ghana at large.
As we celebrate Prof. Tweneboah-Kodua’s appointment, let it also serve as a reminder to all marketing professionals that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is an opportunity to inspire others, to shape the future of education and practice, and to leave a legacy that endures.
Congratulations, Prof. E.Y. Tweneboah-Kodua. Ayekoo!
Author
Dr. Ibn Kailan Abdul-Hamid
Head of Marketing Department
University of Professional Studies, Accra
ikabdul-hamid@upsamail.edu.gh
