UEW Hosts GAUA 2022 National Congress
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) chapter of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), with support from the National Executives of GAUA, from Thursday, August 4 through to Saturday, August 6, 2022, held the 2022 GAUA National Congress at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, UEW. It was under the theme, "Corporate Governance and the Socio-Political Environment of Public Universities in Ghana: The Role of the University Administrator.”
The congress, which was also spiced on the sidelines with fun-based activities such as health walk and aerobics, and theatre performances, ended with a handing-over ceremony and dinner on August 7, 2022.
In welcoming participants to the university and congress on behalf of UEW Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mawutor Avoke, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, commended the dedication and professionalism of the university administrators in maintaining quality and efficient higher education in Ghana.
Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang
He continued by stating that the nation is proud of the historical contribution made by university administrators to developing the country's university system and environment.
In his speech, Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, the immediate past national president of GAUA stated that ever since the mantle was handed over to him and his fellow executives by their predecessors, they had worked hard to advance the growth and welfare of the association, improve communication and visibility, and combat injustices suffered by members. He stressed that they had strived to make GAUA one of the most respected and responsible labour unions in the country, especially in the tertiary education landscape. He was quick to acknowledge that, in spite of all the advancements, a lot remains to be done.
Immediate past national president of GAUA, Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu
He pointed out that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 Congress could not come off, hence the 2022 congress was an important forum that offered an opportunity for GAUA members and stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and innovations in dealing with some of the challenges they face in their various roles as university administrative professionals and stakeholders.
The keynote speaker for the congress, former Rector, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Philip Ebo Bondzi-Simpson, in his speech noted that university governance pertains to how universities run their own affairs based on sound governance structures, frameworks, or principles.
He explained that when sound university governance frameworks and principles, including transparency, accountability, and fairness, are employed, the mission of the university is pursued and achieved.
Former Rector of GIMPA, Prof. Bondzi-Simpson calls on all and sundry in universities to work towards the betterment of university governance
Prof. Bondzi-Simpson further indicated that as much as university administrators are central to ensuring sound university governance, other stakeholders such as the government, councils, academic boards, vice-chancellors, executive managements, unions, and students all have a role to play in the improvement of university governance. He, therefore, made a call for all hands to be on deck for the betterment of university governance.
Other dignitaries who made presentations at the congress included, the paramount chief of Effutu Traditional Council, Neenyi Ghartey VII, Registrar of Ghana Institute of Journalism, Dr. J. Sika Akoto, and Registrar of Takoradi Technical University, Dr. Dr. Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory.
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