The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) chapter of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has held its maiden week celebration to highlight the activities of the Association.
The three-day event celebrated the significant milestones of GAUA over the past five years and brought together members of Management, staff, and both local and national executives of the Association.
Speaking at the launch of the event, held at the Auditorium of the Multi-Purpose Building of the University, the President of the chapter, Ms. Cynthia Oduro Ameyaa, described the occasion as “history in the making.” She explained that the programme was designed to honour the invaluable role of administrators and professionals in advancing the growth of the University.
Ms. Oduro expressed appreciation to the Management of the University, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson, and the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, for their support and solidarity. She also acknowledged the contribution of the pioneer executives, led by Dr. Hammond Oppong Kwarteng, for laying a solid foundation for the Association.
The Guest of Honour, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson, highlighted the essential role administrators have played in the University’s development. He recalled how UESD began with only three staff members and stated that the University’s growth would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of administrators. He encouraged members to remain committed and extended his best wishes for the celebration.
The National President of GAUA, Mr. Michael Owusu-Ansah, extended fraternal greetings from the national leadership and sister branches across Ghana. He commended the significance of the celebration, which aimed at building capacity, fostering professional networking, and appreciating the contributions of administrators to the growth of UESD and higher education more broadly. He lauded the leadership of GAUA-UESD for organising the historic event and urged members to participate actively and uphold unity and solidarity.
Professional Development Training
A major highlight of the event was a professional development training session for members, delivered by the Treasury Manager for West and North Africa at Wilmar Africa Ltd., Dr. Peter Kwesi Terkper. Speaking on the event theme: “Excelling as a University Administrator/Professional through Innovation,” Dr. Terkper emphasised the need for administrators to embrace innovation to enhance their effectiveness and professional excellence. He noted that administrators serve not only as professionals but also as ambassadors of the University. He encouraged participants to identify key areas of their work and master them in order to build stronger professional capacities.
There were solidarity messages from sister unions within the University, including the Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU). The messages underscored the importance of collaboration and unity among the various staff groups in promoting the growth of UESD.
Chairperson for the occasion and Registrar of UESD, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, expressed her delight in celebrating administrators who have remained committed to the vision of the University. She stressed the vital role GAUA members play in advancing the University’s mandate. She also called on members to cultivate trust, adding that trust fosters teamwork and aligns the Association with the University’s vision.
The three-day celebration also featured an all-male cooking competition, medical screening, and fun games for day two. The event was rounded off with an adventurous trip to the Shai Hills Resource Reserve at Shai Hills, Shai-Osudoku, in the Greater Accra Region.
By: Eric Smart Anumah