The Ghana Association of University Administrators, University of Ghana (GAUA-UG) recently held its Annual General Meeting for the 2022/2023 academic year and a retirees party to honor seven of its members who retired during the year.
The Annual General Meeting, which is a constitutional obligation according to the GAUA-UG constitution, took place at the Great Hall and was attended by members of the association. During the meeting, various discussions were held concerning the management and growth of the association.
The minutes of the GAUA Annual General Meeting for the previous academic year, held on 6th October 2022, were approved by the quorum formed at the meeting to commence the proceedings.
In his address as part of the President's Report, Mr. Michael Owusu Ansah, President of GAUA-UG, expressed his gratitude for the support received from members. He highlighted that the membership of GAUA-UG had increased from 292 to 303 during the year, with 7 members retiring from the University's service at the end of July 31, 2023.
Mr. Owusu Ansah paid tribute to Major (Rtd.) Adam Gariba Pabi, a member of the association who had passed away during the year and welcomed new members attending the GAUA-UG Annual General Meeting for the first time, wishing them success in their careers at the University.
He also recognised the achievements of Mr. Alfred Quartey, the former Director of the erstwhile PMISD, who became the first member to be promoted to the position of Chief Systems Analyst. Mr. Owusu Ansah encouraged other members to apply for promotion when the time is due, emphasising that this would lead to recognition and higher retirement benefits.
Mr. Owusu Ansah discussed various efforts made by the association, including negotiations with the government on conditions of service, vehicle maintenance and off-campus allowances, officeholding positions and allowances payable on payroll, and the contributions to the review of the University's statutes and HR manual.
He also mentioned that GAUA had acquired 10 laptops for donation to the University's management in support of the Vice-Chancellor's One Student One Laptop Initiative. Additionally, as part of a national project, GAUA-UG planned to engage with the Anumle Basic School to interact with pupils and provide mentoring sessions to boost their educational aspirations.
Following the President's report, the meeting scrutinised and approved the audited accounts for the 2022/2023 academic year, along with the budget for the 2023/2024 academic year.
During the event, new members of the GAUA Welfare Committee were introduced. They were Mr. Noah Tetteh, Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Dadde, Mrs. Ammah Appah, and Ms. Catherine Emefa Aziaku. Mr. Frederick Yuorkuu was also introduced as the new Electoral Commissioner for the association.
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University, expressed her support for the idea of capping the terms of administrators and assured administrators that the University of Ghana's management was diligently working to improve their working conditions.
Subsequent to the formal meeting, members of the association engaged in further discussions about emerging issues and pertinent matters.
Following the successful conclusion of the meeting, a retiree’s party was held at the Legon pool gardens to honor the seven retirees. Mr. Michael Owusu Ansah expressed his appreciation to the retirees for their dedicated service to the University and wished them a joyful retirement.
In his remarks, Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, ASA, who was the special Guest of Honour, commended the retirees for their meaningful contributions to the University of Ghana over the years. He urged current administrators to emulate the admirable qualities exhibited by the retirees and leave a lasting legacy.
The event featured a musical interlude and optional speeches by retirees and members of GAUA-UG about the retirees. It was a celebration of their dedication and service to the University.
