The newly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Ghana, Fiapre, Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Nkrumah Amponsah, has visited the University of Ghana for knowledge sharing and to gain insights into the academic and administrative processes at the University.
This forms part of a move by the Sunyani-based University to further deepen its ties with the University of Ghana and pave the way for its swift development after receiving a Presidential Charter in September 2022.
The visit was also aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration between the Catholic University and the University of Ghana, which had mentored the former for the past two decades.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), who accepted the request for the visit by Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Nkrumah Amponsah, welcomed him to the University.
During their interaction at the Pro Vice-Chancellors’ office, Prof. Awandare took Rev. Fr. Prof. Amponsah through the functions of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA), as well as the units under his office, and their functions. He also provided an overview of the administrative and governance structure of the University.
Prof. Awandare noted that the University is happy to collaborate with the Catholic University of Ghana, which had been under its mentorship for the past twenty years.
He further pledged the support of the University to the Catholic University of Ghana by providing insights into how the University can improve its academic and administrative operations.
As part of Rev. Fr. Prof. Amponsah’s familiarisation visit, the Academic Affairs Directorate organised an orientation to abreast him with the mandate and activities of the Directorate, focusing on the various Units and their collaborative roles.
The Director of the Academic Affairs Directorate, Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, also welcomed the visiting Pro Vice-Chancellor and expressed the Directorate's enthusiasm for supporting sister institutions like the Catholic University of Ghana.
During her welcome address, she emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing in advancing the human resource development in Ghana and hoped that the orientation would aid the Catholic University of Ghana on its path of growth and development.
“We are genuinely pleased that you took time off your busy schedule to gain insights into the operations of our Directorate and to understand the administrative processes within our various units. Your interest in the meeting is highly commendable, and we believe that the knowledge you will gain during this visit will be beneficial in your role as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Ghana”, Mrs. Nyako-Danquah stated.
She added, “Furthermore, we are delighted to acknowledge the longstanding relationship between our two esteemed universities. It was indeed heart-warming to hear of your commitment to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership. Such collaborations play a pivotal role in advancing the endeavours of both institutions, and we look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation in the future. We are, in particular, open to hosting your administrative officials for study visits on your request.”
The orientation session witnessed various Units of the Academic Affairs Directorate, providing detailed explanations of their roles and functions. Key subjects of discussion revolved around student management, admission processes, examinations, transcripts, certification, graduation procedures, timetable management, classroom allocation, and several other operational aspects.
Mr. Frederick Yourkuu, from the Examination and Teaching Unit, shed light on their activities, which encompass teaching and examination timetable preparations, interim assessment coordination, arrangements for on-site examinations, appointment of examination invigilators, and the management of all necessary teaching and learning logistics, among others.
The event concluded with Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Nkrumah Amponsah expressing his gratitude to the University of Ghana for the opportunity to gain valuable insights. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the two institutions as partners and looked forward to further exchanges in the future.
"We are family, and I must thank the University of Ghana for the opportunity to gain some valuable insights. Our relationship has changed, and we are now partners, so it is important that we collaborate for mutual benefit. I thank the Pro VC ASA for accepting my request and granting me the opportunity”, Rev. Fr. Prof. Amponsah stated.
He added, “in the coming days, we hope to get some more officers from our university coming to understudy some other departments or even have some officers from UG come to us.”
Also present at the orientation session were Senior Assistant Registrar and Administrator, Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Mawusi Kofi Gblozah; Senior Assistant Registrar, Affiliations Unit, Ms. Essie T. Budu Ayensah; Senior Assistant Registrar, Boards and Committees Unit, Ms. Bernice Otaah Anokye; Senior Assistant Registrar, Admissions Unit, Mrs. Yvonne Lartey and Assistant Registrar, Students’ Services and Records, Mr. Eric Yaw Alade.
During his visit, Rev. Fr. Prof. Amponsah also toured the Student Financial Aid Office, Office of Student and Staff with Special Needs, School of Graduate Studies, Academic Quality Assurance Unit, Office of Dean of Student Affairs, University Library and University of Ghana Careers and Counseling Centre.
