Department of Distance Education Unveils UG-VDEMS to Transform Administrative Processes
The Department of Distance Education has marked a major milestone in its digital transformation agenda with the official launch of the University of Ghana Distance Education Virtual Management System (UG-VDEMS). The event took place on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at the SCDE Smart Classroom.
Opening the event, the Head of Department Prof. Samuel Amponsah described the system as the culmination of a shared vision, collective commitment and sustained collaboration across multiple university units. He extended his appreciation to university leadership, the technical team, faculty and staff of the DE Department, whose dedication brought the concept to life. Prof. Amponsah noted, “The launch of UG-VDEMS represents a major step forward in modernising our administration and improving how we deliver distance education."
The College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah welcomed guests to the ceremony and commended the collaborative spirit behind the project before introducing the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Cudjoe, Provost of the College of Education.
In his keynote address, Prof. Cudjoe highlighted how the platform directly advances the University of Ghana’s Strategic Priority Five, which focuses on the VC’s Key Aspiration 2, which seeks to Develop technology-driven and robust processes across all administrative and academic operations. He stated, "The UG-VDEMS will significantly strengthen information management, streamline administrative processes, and foster seamless collaboration between academic and administrative units." Prof. Codjoe offered special praise to the project consultant, Prof. Tayo Arulogun (Vice Chancellor, Miva Open University, Nigeria), lead programmer, Mr. Ernest Okyere Owusu, the entire development team for delivering a bespoke digital solution tailored to the department's operational needs.
Reaffirming the School’s commitment to tech-driven education, Prof. Olivia T. F. Kwapong, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE), expressed confidence that UG-VDEMS would bring unparalleled efficiency, transparency and service quality to students and staff alike.
A key highlight of the launch was a live demonstration by system developer, Mr. Ernest Okyere Owusu. Demonstrating the platform's core architecture, Mr. Okyere showcased how UG-VDEMS seamlessly integrates with the University’s Student Records System (STS). The end-to-end management network connects key operational hubs, including the Academic Office, Human Resource Office, Library, lecturers, and regional learning centres. Key features highlighted during the demonstration include Automated Approval Workflows, Granular Permission Controls and Multi-Centre Integration. The demonstration sparked an engaging Q&A session, with faculty and staff praising the system's intuitive interface and practical functionality.
Following the demonstration, Provost Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Cudjoe officially launched the UG-VDEMS to enthusiastic applause from attendees. The event drew strong backing across the university community, featuring solidarity messages from Mr Moses Musah Bawa - Academic Officer, College of Education, Dr Abel Fumey - a Representative from partner departments and Ms. Diana Nartey - President, Distance Education JCR. Joining virtually, the Prof. Tayo Arulogun congratulated the department on championing digital innovation, hailing the system as a benchmark contribution to higher education technology across Africa.
Following a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Gifty Ako-Adjei, the ceremony closed on a high note, setting a new standard for technology-enabled learning and administrative excellence at the University of Ghana.
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