The university is a public funded national institution which seeks to provide leadership and management of energy and natural resources and be a centre of excellence in these critical areas.
The university approaches its programmes and research emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and taking into account, areas such as economics, law and policy, management, science, technology and engineering as well as social and political issues affecting energy and natural resources.
[3] Prior to the passing of the bill establishing the university into law, the then President, J. E. A Mills set up a National Task Force Planning Committee on January 8, 2010, with the mandate to develop, organize and supervise the implementation of the programme for the establishment of the two new Universities at Volta and Brong Ahafo (Now Bono) Regions.
The 24-member Task Force was chaired by Samuel Kofi Sefah-Dedeh, a former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Services, University of Ghana with Christine Amoako-Nuamah of the Office of the President, Osu Castle as the convener.
Following the recommendations of the committee, the former president, J.E.A Mills cut the sod for the commencement of the University at Sunyani on February 8, 2011.