By E. KINGSLEY LARBI (Rev. Prof)
I remember the day vividly, July 11, 2003, as narrated in Chapter 39 of my book titled Born to Win, when I submitted my handing-over notes to the Chancellor of Central University College.
It was a day of mixed emotions, a culmination of years of dedication, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.
I had poured my heart and soul into building an institution that was meant to stand as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment.
Yet, I found myself at the crossroads of uncertainty, called back without notice, without clarity, and a defined next step. From a human perspective, it was bewildering. But as I look back today, I see it clearly, God was at work.
The Unseen Hand in Leadership Transitions
Leadership transitions often come with their fair share of uncertainties, and mine was no different. The suddenness of my exit from Central University College mirrored what many leaders in various spheres experience, be it corporate institutions, religious organizations, or government entities.
According to a 2023 study by the Harvard Business Review, 70% of leadership transitions in organizations fail due to a lack of succession planning and abrupt changes. The issue is not just the exit but the absence of a well-structured transition process.
At that time, my mind was preoccupied with why I was recalled so suddenly after my first graduation from the University College. Why was there a rush to remove me when the University had not yet appointed a successor? It took almost two years before a new President was recruited, which in itself suggested a lack of preparation for my departure.
This phenomenon is not unique to faith-based institutions alone. In Ghana, major transitions in organizations such as GNPC (Ghana National Petroleum Corporation) and even political appointments have often been met with abrupt decisions that disrupt continuity and institutional growth.
The Financial Reality of Institutional Growth
One of the major points of contention during my tenure was the issue of funding. The National Accreditation Board had stressed the importance of an Endowment Fund for the University, and I strongly advocated for the Church to allocate a portion of its annual budget to the institution. At the time, Central University College was handling both recurrent and capital expenditures from its internally generated funds (IGFs), a financial model that was unsustainable in the long term.
To put this into context, private universities in Ghana require an estimated GH¢10 million ($830,000) annually to run efficiently, covering operational costs such as faculty salaries, infrastructure, research development, and accreditation fees. Yet, the financial support for such institutions remains limited. This challenge is not isolated, universities like Ashesi and Lancaster Ghana have had to leverage international grants, corporate partnerships, and tuition fees to remain sustainable. Perhaps, if there had been greater alignment on financial sustainability, my exit might have unfolded differently.
Faith, Growth, and the Power of Perspective
At the time of my departure, my focus was on the actions of men rather than the hand of God. It was only later that I saw the divine orchestration at play. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This was not just a scripture; it became my reality.
I was not the only one to experience an abrupt change that turned out to be a divine realignment. Consider the case of Steve Jobs, who, in 1985, was forced out of Apple, a company he co-founded.
For a moment, it seemed like a devastating setback, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened to him. His departure led him to create NeXT and Pixar, both of which later played pivotal roles in Apple’s resurgence when he returned in 1997. Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
Similarly, my recall from Central University paved the way for what would become my “promised land”, Regent University College. What I initially saw as a setback was, in fact, God’s preparation for a greater assignment.
Contemporary Narrative: A Lesson from a Young Entrepreneur
Recently, I met a young entrepreneur, Kwame, who had built a thriving agribusiness in Ghana’s Eastern Region. With investments in organic farming, his business was on the rise, employing over 50 workers and supplying produce to major supermarkets. However, a sudden policy shift in 2022 by the Ministry of Agriculture, introducing new licensing fees and import restrictions, crippled his supply chain. Overnight, he lost key partnerships and had to shut down operations.
For months, he battled despair, questioning why such an unfortunate turn of events had happened. But rather than wallow in disappointment, Kwame pivoted. He rebranded his business, sought international partnerships, and within a year, he had expanded his operations, now supplying produce beyond Ghana to Togo and Burkina Faso.
His story mirrored mine, a lesson in how what seems like an abrupt end can be the beginning of something greater.
Lessons for Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Believers
- Transitions Are Often Divine:
Even when leadership changes seem unfair or abrupt, trust that there is a greater plan at work.
- Financial Sustainability is Key:
Institutions must have a long-term financial strategy beyond internal revenue generation.
- Faith Over Frustration
Our immediate response to challenges may be despair, but hindsight always reveals God’s wisdom.
- Reinvention is Possible
Like Steve Jobs and Kwame, moments of crisis often lead to the most innovative breakthroughs.
Conclusion
Looking back, I see my exit from Central University College not as a rejection but as a redirection. Today, I hold firmly to the words in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
For every leader, entrepreneur, or believer facing an uncertain transition, I say this, trust the process. Life’s greatest blessings often come wrapped in painful exits. But through faith, resilience, and a shift in perspective, we will always emerge stronger, wiser, and victorious.
