The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has learnt with profound sorrow of the passing of Professor Daniel Anleu-Mwine Bagah, an accomplished sociologist, distinguished academic administrator, mentor and statesman, who passed away on 27th June 2026.
Born on 23rd December 1957, Professor Bagah devoted more than four decades of his life to teaching, research, university administration and public service. He was widely respected for his intellectual depth, integrity, humility and commitment to the development of higher education in Ghana.
Professor Bagah obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with Political Science from the University of Ghana in 1981. He later earned a Graduate Diploma in Economics and Management before proceeding to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Sociology in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology in 1996.
His outstanding academic performance at McMaster University earned him the prestigious Dr. Alfred A. Hunter Graduate Award, presented in recognition of exceptional academic excellence.
Professor Bagah played a pioneering role in the development of higher education in the Upper West Region. In September 2002, he was appointed Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies at the Wa Campus of the then University for Development Studies.
Following subsequent institutional restructuring, he served as Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Education, Law and Business Studies and later as Foundation Dean of the School of Business and Law from 2013 to 2016. Through these roles, he contributed significantly to the establishment and strengthening of academic programmes, administrative systems and governance structures.
He also served as Dean-in-Charge of the Wa Campus from October 2014 to August 2016, providing academic and administrative leadership during an important period in the Campus’s development.
Professor Bagah was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Sociology on 1st July 2016. Following the establishment of UBIDS, he continued his academic service in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Social Science and Arts.
Professor Bagah rendered distinguished service to Ghana’s tertiary education sector. He served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the then Wa Technical University and represented Vice-Chancellors Ghana on the National Accreditation Board. He also served two terms as the Non-Professorial Convocation Representative on the Governing Council of the University for Development Studies.
Beyond the University, Professor Bagah was a member of Ghana’s Council of State representing the Upper West Region during the 2021–2025 Council of State term. He was elected by the Upper West Regional Electoral College in February 2021 and was subsequently sworn into office by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo together with the other members of the 8th Council of State.
Although he attained the mandatory retirement age in 2018, Professor Bagah was retained on a post-retirement contract in recognition of his extensive experience and continued relevance to the University. He remained actively engaged in teaching, research, student supervision, mentorship and institutional development until his passing.
Professor Bagah will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, inspiring mentor and transformational academic leader. His contribution to sociology, university governance, institutional development and higher education in Ghana has left an enduring legacy.
The Governing Council, Management, staff, students and the entire UBIDS community extend their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, former students and all who mourn his passing.