UG-GAUA Executives Take Over Reins of GAUA National Leadership

The mantle of national leadership of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has been passed on to executives of the UG Chapter. For the next two years, the newly sworn-in executives will steer the affairs of the Association. 

They are the National President, Michael Owusu Ansah; Vice-President, Philip Quaye; Secretary, Augustine Amissare; Assistant Secretary, Albert Adjekum-Essuman; Treasurer, Alex Nii Crabbe and the Editor, Samuel Y. Amebley.

This took place during the 2024 GAUA National Congress held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana on the theme, "Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Expanding Public Universities: The Role of GAUA.’’

The Congress also focused on reviewing the conditions of service of members as well as adopting new technological approaches in administrative tasks. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Micheal Owusu Ansah, GAUA National President thanked all sponsors including UG Management for their generous support in organising the Congress. He urged members to work collectively to promote the growth of all member universities and GAUA.

Chairing the opening ceremony of the Congress, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, underscored the importance of the Congress, which provides an opportunity for members to connect and learn from each other. “It is crucial to step away from our everyday activities to reflect on our roles, recognise emerging trends, and address current challenges in Higher Education (HE) administration.” she said.

Prof. Amfo highlighted the theme’s relevance to the future of higher education in Ghana and the role public universities play in advancing research to address societal challenges in response to the growing demand for higher education.

Prof. Amfo further explained that to meet the demands of individuals seeking to improve their lives through academic and professional development, there is a need for universities to expand their capacity by developing new facilities, introducing innovative programmes, and increasing enrollment. 

The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in the new leadership made up of experienced and dedicated individuals whom, she noted, will provide valuable expertise to advance GAUA's objectives. She assured members that UG’s Management is committed to supporting GAUA's welfare and activities, in line with UG's third strategic priority: ‘Commitment to Our Faculty and Staff.’ 

Keynote speaker, Mrs. Mildred Asmah, a Consultant Administrator, gave a comprehensive overview of the evolution of higher education and major milestones chalked in higher education.

Mrs. Asmah stated the need for universities to get strong administrative leadership that can empower students, teachers, staff and other stakeholders to enable them to embrace changes.

Mrs. Asmah further expatiated on sub-topics including ‘the challenges of balancing growth and leadership', ‘How to balance growth and sustainability,’ ‘Understanding leadership, role of leadership in higher education institutions and roles of administrators.’

She also touched on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on higher education, the importance of collaborative leadership, leveraging new opportunities to achieve success, emotional intelligence and possible solutions of balancing growth and sustainability by administrators.

Mrs. Asmah called on the members of GAUA to work not only as administrators but rather, great achievers uniting to advance the cause of their various institutions.

Former GAUA National President, Dr. (Mrs.) Beth Offei-Awuku, outlined some significant achievements and challenges of the Association, including GAUA’s resilience in the fight against unfair treatment meted out to university administrators, the progressive efforts in the local associations such as the organisation of workshops, professional development programmes among others.

“There is apathy, lack of interest from a section of our members. Sometimes, even when we say, “Aluta” and declare a strike, it is right from within us, that the strike does not happen. We need to address that. We need to stand together. We need to break the apathy, and we need to be a force in the universities to be reckoned with.” She said.

However, amidst all the challenges she mentioned the opportunities ahead of GAUA and provided recommendations to enable the new administration enjoy a successful tenure. She called on the members of GAUA to stirrup hope and work together towards a promising future. 

UG Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, who chaired the closing session of the congress, pledged UG’s commitment to work collaboratively with GAUA to achieve a common goal and encouraged newly appointed executives to work together toward balancing growth and sustainability in expanding Public Universities.

Prior to the Congress, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, hosted a welcome dinner for executive members of the Association at the VC’s Lodge. She expressed her joy that UG was hosting the 2024 Congress.

The 2024 edition of the GAUA National Congress was attended by Senior Administrative and Professional Staff from Public Universities across Ghana. In addition to the plenary sessions of the Congress, participants also took part in breakout sessions that allowed members to hold detailed discussions on the topics:  The Expansion in Public Universities – Implications and the Role of GAUA; GRA’s Intention to Tax Book Allowance for GAUA and the Way Forward; 2024 Conditions of Service Proposals - Securing the Best Outcomes for Our Members; Positioning GAUA to Improve its Influence on Our Universities and the Nation – Strategies of Dealing with Government Agencies; Expansion in Public Universities – Implications and the Role of GAUA and Election 2024 and the Expectations of GAUA. The key outcomes of the discussions formed the basis for a communique that was issued at the end of the Congress.

Please click here for a copy of the communique.