Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has inaugurated the University of Ghana Chapter of the University Laboratory Technologists Association (ULTTA).
The inauguration ceremony was under the theme; “Attaining and Sustaining a World Class Research Intensive University-The Role of Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Yidana urged members of the Association to spread their wings beyond the confinement of the laboratory. He urged them to be explorative and embrace the benefits that come with being in the University so that together, they may be able to contribute their quota to the vision of the University. Prof Yidana encouraged them not to despair in growing their knowledge but always suffice the need to package themselves to meet new trends as far as technology is concerned.
Mrs. Joyce Duah, Chairperson of the Association, in her welcome address expressed how the role of high-quality technical staff and laboratorians are needed in reaching the University of Ghana’s 10-year strategic plan, with the vision of becoming a “World-Class research intensive University” over the decade which was launched in 2014.
She indicated that even though a lot of work and commitment has gone into reaching the vision, and a lot has been achieved, more can be attained and sustained beyond the decade with the University’s effective use and involvement of technical staff. “In a World-Class University, technical staff contribute to high level research, demonstrate practical procedures and show competence in operation, maintenance and fabrication of all common user laboratory and field equipment with varying degrees. The role of technical staff is therefore crucial in helping this University to achieve its vision”, She stated.
Mrs. Duah advocated for the need to train and upgrade the technical staff of the University to be abreast of best practices and to sharpen their competences. She solicited for support in the Association’s call for hazard allowance which is being pursued at the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
Prof. Edmund Ameko, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University (AIU), in a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of AIU, congratulated Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo on her appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.
Analyzing the relationship existing between the theme of the event and the University of Ghana’s vision to become a ‘World-Class Research–Intensive University” over the next decade, Prof. Ameko highlighted the role of ULTTA in attaining the vision of the University of Ghana. He encouraged the Association to be interested in everything about the University and know the strategic priorities of the University which include Research, Teaching and Learning, Internal Stakeholders, Gender and Diversity, Institutional Processes, Financial Performance, Asset Management, Monitoring and Evaluation and External Stakeholder. Prof. Ameko stressed the need for the Association to get to know the goals and objectives of each priority area.
In stating the strategic plans of some Colleges of the University including the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the College of Health Sciences, he urged the Association to be conversant with the strategic plans of the various Colleges. “So the role of ULTTA members in attaining and sustaining the vision of the University is to contribute positively towards the success of the strategic plans of the respective Colleges”, he added.
Prof. Ameko urged members of the Association to uphold the values of the University of Ghana; be passionate, inquisitive, creative, innovative and persistent, develop higher level skills in managerial and strategic skills and be abreast of emerging technology.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of ULTTA from the University of Cape Coast, Accra Technical University and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The Association although newly inaugurated, was established in 2019. Other Universities’ chapter of the Association is yet to be inaugurated.
Other executives of the University of Ghana ULTTA include, Mr. Paul Atiah, Vice-Chair; Mrs. Flora Zigarh, Secretary; Mrs. Hannah Amponsah, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Kofi Ayan, Organiser; Mr. Robert Sedohia, Assistant Organiser and Mrs. Sethina Abbey, Treasurer.
Some personalities present at the event were Rev. Prof. Patrick Ferdinand K. Ayeh-Kumi, Former Provost, College of Health Sciences and Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu, Head of Psychology Department.
