Prof. Acquah, Emmanuel Obed

Professor Emmanuel Obed Acquah is a distinguished Professor of Music who has steadily risen through the academic ranks—from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and now Professor—within an impressive timeframe of dedicated teaching and professional service at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). His rapid ascension in academia is a testament to his exceptional scholarship, commitment to education, and impactful contributions to music and the creative arts.

Professor Acquah’s academic journey began with his training as a professional teacher at Komenda College of Education, following his secondary education at Mando Secondary School. As an alumnus of UEW, he graduated with First-Class Honours in Music Education and was recognized as the Best Graduating Student of UEW, an award conferred by the Unilever Ghana Foundation in 2002 in acknowledgment of his outstanding academic performance and excellence. His advanced academic qualifications include:

·       Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Arts and Culture (Music) – University of Education, Winneba

·       Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Music – University of Ghana, Legon

·       First-Class Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – KAAF University College (affiliated with GIMPA)

His multidisciplinary expertise in music, law, and education reflects his commitment to broadening intellectual horizons and engaging in interdisciplinary scholarship.

Professor Acquah’s influence extends beyond his university through various national and international engagements. His professional standing is evidenced by his roles as:

·       External Examiner for both local and international universities

·       Chief Examiner for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

·       Secretary-General of the Ghana National Association of Music Teachers (GNAMT)

As a recognised scholar and mentor, he serves as:

·       Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Arts and Culture

·       Associate Reviewer for several academic journals

Through these roles, he has mentored numerous young scholars, providing academic and professional guidance, and has been instrumental in reviewing books, monographs, executive manuscripts, and in developing curricula for schools and colleges. As a prominent scholar in the creative arts, Professor Acquah has published extensively in both local and international peer-reviewed academic journals. His research covers a wide spectrum of musical arts, education, performance, and cultural studies, contributing significantly to music pedagogy and creative arts education. To his credit, he has authored and co-authored over 70 publications, including:

·       Scholarly articles in high-impact journals

·       Discographic publications

·       Creative works

He has also traveled extensively, presenting research at numerous international conferences, where he has actively contributed to global conversations on music education, artistic innovation, and cultural preservation.

Professor Acquah has played a pivotal role in the development of Arts and Culture, as well as Creative Arts programs at UEW. He has led several academic teams in designing and restructuring arts-related programs and has served as a consultant for academic institutions in Ghana and Nigeria. As a highly sought-after leader, he has represented the Vice-Chancellor on numerous occasions as a chairperson and guest speaker, both within and outside the university, further solidifying his influence in academia and the creative arts sector.

Professor Acquah’s intellectual and professional expertise is complemented by his strong leadership within UEW. Over the years, he has held key positions such as:

·       Coordinator of Sandwich programmes

·       Academic Counsellor

·       Examinations Officer

·       Head of Department (four terms)

·       Director for Quality Assurance – where he significantly enhanced the university’s academic audit system, introducing reforms that improved institutional accountability and academic excellence.

He has chaired and been a member of numerous university committees and remains an active member of several professional associations, making notable contributions to the advancement of music education and higher education governance.

Professor Emmanuel Obed Acquah currently serves as the Dean of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Education, Winneba. In this capacity, he continues to drive academic innovation, research excellence, and the promotion of creative arts education. His visionary leadership is shaping the next generation of musicians, educators, and creative professionals in Ghana and beyond.