Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, born on 1 April 1972 at Nsawam in the Eastern Region, is a Ghanaian academic, marine scientist, and professor of coastal ecology and interdisciplinary ocean studies at the University of Cape Coast. He serves as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university and has also served as Acting Vice-Chancellor. He is the founding director of the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) and the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), a research and capacity-building initiative focused on coastal resilience and sustainable ocean governance in Africa.

Aheto's research focuses on coastal and marine ecosystem conservation, wetlands ecology, small-scale fisheries governance, marine spatial planning, and ocean conflict management. He has led numerous internationally funded research projects and capacity-building initiatives supported by organizations such as the World Bank, the African Union, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). His scholarly work has contributed significantly to coastal management policy and marine conservation in West Africa.

Aheto pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Coast, earning a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Sciences and a Diploma in Education in 1998.

Career Aheto began his academic career at the University of Cape Coast as a Teaching Assistant (1998–1999) shortly after completing his undergraduate studies.

During his tenure in university leadership, Aheto has advocated for strengthened partnerships between universities, governments, and private sector actors to advance research, innovation, and infrastructure development in higher education.