A two-day orientation workshop has been organised by the Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate (HRODD) for newly appointed Heads of Department, Deans and Directors. The purpose of the workshop was to equip the new appointees with the requisite skills that would enable them to adjust in their leadership roles.
In a brief welcome address, the Director of HRODD, Mr. Daniel O. Baidoo, congratulated the new officers on their appointment. He expressed the hope that by the end of their workshop, they would be better trained to assume their respective offices and deliver their best.
Director of HRODD, Mr. Daniel O. Baidoo
Resource persons drawn from the University presented on various topics and participants had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each presentation.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo’s presentation on Academic Leadership, Responsibilities and Challenges of Heads of Departments (HoDs) highlighted the academic head’s role in driving the teaching and learning agenda of the University. Prof. Amfo encouraged academic heads to distinguish themselves in their dual role of leadership or manager and as faculty members.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
The Dean, University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole, presented on the topic: Higher Education Management. He explained the functions and principles of management and shared personal experiences as both Head of Department and Dean. Prof. Bawole urged the Heads of Unit to lead the discussions on adding financial value to some of the services their Units render in order to get additional income to fund the activities of their respective units.
Dean, University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole (File Photo)
Delivering a presentation on Financial Role of Heads of Departments, the Director, Finance Directorate, Mrs. Bernice Agudu, explained that the University of Ghana Financial Regulations and Governance Policy 2020 (UGFRGP 2020) provides the framework and guidelines to control resources to ensure the University complies with the relevant legislature, guarantee financial viability, achieve effective financial management of public funds as well as value for money and safeguard the University’ assets. Mrs. Agudu cautioned that employees who contravene the UGFRGP 2020 will be in breach of their duties, hence, they will face disciplinary action. She also enlightened participants on their financial responsibilities and acceptable processes to ensure compliance with Standards, Acts, Policies and Regulations.
Director, Finance Directorate, Mrs. Bernice Agudu
In his presentation on Human Resource Responsibilities of HoDs/Units, Mr. Daniel O. Baidoo, Director of HRODD, noted that the onus lies on Heads of Unit to ensure that the general administration of their departments/units in respect of human, financial and material resources are within the general framework of University policies. Mr. Baidoo informed participants of their responsibility to manage the performance of staff. He elaborated on the recruitment, placement and separation procedures in the University. He also threw light on UG policy documents, performance management, discipline of staff and conflict of interests in offices. Mr. Baidoo further reminded the Heads of Unit to uphold the University’s core values of integrity, commitment, respect and loyalty.
Other topics covered included, Procurement, UG Statutes and Procedures, The Integrated Tertiary Software, Appointments and the New University of Ghana Promotion Policy, Role of HoDs in Quality Assurance Processes at UG and Building Effective Teams: Roles of Leaders, Administrative Ethics for Higher Education Administrators, among others.
The other resource persons were Prof. Daniel Tweroufou, Director of Academic Quality Assurance Unit; Prof. Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Director of Institutional Advancement Office; Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning; Mr. Sampson Owusu Afriyie, Director of Logistics Directorate; Dr. Kweku Ainuson, School of Law; Mr. Vincent Acheampong, University of Ghana Computing Systems (UGCS) and Mr. Michael Antwi, Finance Directorate.
At the close of the two-day workshop, the new appointees expressed a high level of satisfaction and described the programme as an insightful experience.
