Ho Technical University (HTU) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 reached a landmark moment in its academic journey with the successful hosting of the first inaugural lecture, delivered by Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, Professor of Management Science, and current Vice-Chancellor.
Held at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium, the historic event drew a wide spectrum of attendees, including Vice-Chancellors of sister institutions, members of the clergy, traditional and political leaders, as well as family, friends, and old schoolmates of the lecturer. The gathering also featured members of convocation, students, alumni, and key industry players, reflecting the inclusive spirit and institutional pride that define HTU’s vision.
Delivering the lecture on the theme “Navigating a Model of High Performance Organizations in Ghana: Reflections on a Chameleon Business Environment,” Prof. Honyenuga explored the complexities of Ghana’s economic landscape using the metaphor of the chameleon—a creature celebrated in African wisdom traditions for its adaptability and strategic movement.
He unveiled a Chameleon-Inspired Framework for High Performance Organisations (HPOs), anchored on five interconnected pillars: knowledge management, management innovation, workforce development, long-term orientation, and continuous improvement.
He underscored the persistent underperformance of many Ghanaian organisations, citing sluggish governance systems, bureaucratic inertia, and cosmetic transformations that lack substance.
Drawing on his collaborative research with global scholars like Prof. André de Waal, Prof. Honyenuga demonstrated how the HPO framework mediates the link between knowledge acquisition and competitiveness—particularly in emerging economies.
“Organisations that embrace these principles not only outperform their peers,” Prof. Honyenuga stated, “but become drivers of inclusive growth and national development.”
Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, who chaired the ceremony applauded HTU for launching this vital academic tradition and praised Prof. Honyenuga’s visionary scholarship and leadership.
“Inaugural lectures are powerful platforms for professors to share their intellectual journey and spark meaningful dialogue on national progress,” he remarked, urging fellow academics to emulate Prof. Honyenuga’s dedication.
The event concluded with a momentous gesture as Prof. Honyenuga was ceremonially robed in his professorial gown, marking the formal recognition of his academic status. Attendees responded with resounding applause, while congratulatory messages poured in from well wishers—including the University Management, family, mentors and colleagues.
Prof. Honyenuga is HTU’s first professor, who has risen through the ranks since joining the institution as an instructor in December 1997.
