The election was highly competitive across all UEW campuses, with Prof. Danso-Wiredu narrowly defeating her closest rival, Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah, by a margin of 13 votes. Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was also a contender in the race.
At the Ajumako Campus, Prof. Braimah secured 31 votes, while Prof. Danso-Wiredu followed closely with 27 votes, and Prof. Sarpong received four votes. However, at the Winneba Campus, where 581 valid votes were counted, Prof. Danso-Wiredu emerged as the frontrunner with 260 votes, surpassing Prof. Braimah’s 243 votes and Prof. Sarpong’s 74 votes. Additionally, four ballots were rejected
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu: UEW Pro-Vice-Chancellor-Elect Expresses Gratitude and Commitment
Following her election victory, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu conveyed deep gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to inclusivity, respect, and humility in leadership.
“This victory belongs to the entire university. My commitment is to inclusivity, respect, and humble service. I pray for God's grace to support the Vice-Chancellor in realizing his vision for UEW and to collaborate effectively with management,” she stated.
Recognizing that her election is only the first step, she emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation within the university. “I hope the council confirms my nomination. Once approved, I will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor and management to implement initiatives that align with his vision. We are one university, one community. Now that the election is over, let us unite and drive UEW forward.”
Prof. Danso-Wiredu extended appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and university leadership for nominating her, as well as to the UEW community for their overwhelming support. She highlighted the encouragement she received from students, staff, and her campaign team.
“I sincerely thank my support team and my department, Geography Education. The encouragement from both staff and students has been invaluable throughout this journey. I am also grateful to everyone who endorsed, collaborated, and encouraged me. I am truly humbled.”
As UEW awaits the University Governing Council’s final approval, her election represents a historic milestone in promoting gender inclusivity in leadership at the institution. Her expertise, extensive experience, and passion for educational development position her as a transformative leader poised to elevate UEW’s status both in Ghana and internationally.
Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for women and young academics aspiring to leadership roles in higher education.
Profile of Prof. (Mrs.) Esther Yeboah Danso - Wiredu
Prof. (Mrs.) Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu is a distinguished academic in the Department of Geography Education at UEW. Her extensive research and contributions focus on geography, urban development, social inequality, and environmental sustainability.
She holds a PhD in Geography from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, an MPhil in Social Change from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from UEW, underscoring her dedication to academia and pedagogy.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Prof. Danso-Wiredu’s research primarily explores urban geography, African housing typologies, environmental challenges, and gender and social development. She has authored multiple books and peer-reviewed journal articles that have significantly influenced policy and academia, earning her recognition as a thought leader in geography and urban studies.
Leadership and Institutional Service
Her leadership roles include serving as Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development (DRID), where she enhanced UEW’s research capacity and fostered academic collaborations. Previously, she was the Deputy Director of DRID, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages Education, and Head of the Department of Geography Education. She has also served on various university boards and committees, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Grants and International Collaborations
Prof. Danso-Wiredu has played a key role in securing national and international research grants. She has been involved in projects funded by Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) and ERASMUS EDU, focusing on vocational education, sustainable transport, and urban planning. Her collaborations extend to institutions in Africa, Europe, and North America, where she has delivered guest lectures and engaged in research
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