The Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) recently organised its second annual Deans and Directors Advancement and Leadership Workshop, on the theme ‘Leading in Uncertain Times: Exploring Sustainable Initiatives for Growth.’ The workshop aimed to promote advancement and progress across the University's Colleges and Directorates.
During her remarks at the workshop, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo stressed the importance of exploring avenues for sustaining and developing the University of Ghana.
She mentioned that timely reflection, planning and addressing various challenges such as technological advancements, political dynamics, economic downturns, pandemics and evolving student needs are essential in these uncertain times.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
“These uncertainties require adept leadership equipped with the right knowledge and information. Higher education institutions require fresh perspectives and advanced skill sets to deliver excellent academic services,” Prof. Amfo added.
She commended the Office of Institutional Advancement, headed by Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, for the initiative to organise a workshop focused on ideating and implementing sustainable growth. The Vice-Chancellor assured the Deans and Directors of the dedication of management to providing structured leadership and management training programmes for the long term.
In his welcome address to open the workshop, Prof. Kwasi Dartey Baah, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, shared strategies for driving efficiency, focusing on factors such as demographic shifts, technological advancements and financial pressures.
Prof. Kwasi Dartey Baah, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement
He indicated the importance of adaptation and efficient planning in navigating challenges, outlining key focus areas including financial sustainability, infrastructure development, student success, research innovation and internationalisation.
During the workshop, Mrs. Bernice Agudu, the Director of Finance, delivered a presentation on “Understanding Financial Processes,” emphasising the importance of collaboration and adherence to rules and regulations. She announced that initiatives to digitise financial processes have commenced, with online payments replacing traditional checks.
Mrs. Bernice Agudu, the Director of Finance
“There is also a push for electronic receipts instead of manual ones for future audits,” she announced. In the question-and-answer session, Mrs. Agudu clarified plans to digitise finance processes, highlighting the transition to online payments for enhanced audit tracking. She stressed the importance of issuing receipts from the IPS system to acknowledge payments and ensuring proper documentation for petty cash expenditures.
Ms. Adwoa O. Abrokwa, Head of Alumni Relations at OIA, for her part, provided insights on fundraising and alumni engagement strategies amidst uncertain times. She enumerated the potential of digitalisation in expanding alumni engagement efforts, organising alumni groups using platforms like WhatsApp and facilitating networking events and job boards for students.
During a breakout session, the Deans and Directors discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their respective units and proposed strategies for the university's development. Additionally, suggestions were made regarding procurement challenges and strategies to address them.
In his closing statement, Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah assured attendees of OIA's commitment to facilitating efforts to gather support from alumni, ensuring the University's continued progress and success.
