Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador Becomes First Female UTAG National President
Head of the Department of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, has been elected as the new National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at its 22nd Biennial Congress in Aburi. The theme of the Congress is “Rethinking Higher Education Pedagogy and Funding in the Age of AI: Ethics, Equity and Development Impact”.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Fiador pledged to “ignite a new paradigm of respect for academia by setting out a bold, practical, measurable agenda that makes the work of universities and academics unmistakably consequential to everyday life.”
She called for support from her colleagues to make UTAG a movement that marries integrity, courage and commitment to results people can feel.
The other executives are Reverend Dr. Ebenezer T. Amanor-Lartey as the Vice-President, Prof. Gladys A.A. Nabieu as the Treasurer, Dr. Samuel Segla as the Secretary and Dr Rosemary Anderson Akolaa as the Women's Commissioner.
The newly elected executives will serve a two-year mandate in line with the provisions of the UTAG Constitution.
Ahead of the Congress, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, hosted all national and branch executives to a dinner reception at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge.
In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor expressed her delight in hosting the association and commended UTAG for its unwavering commitment to promoting academic excellence and advancing the cause of higher education in Ghana.
She further underscored the importance of such occasions, explaining that they serve not only as moments of relaxation but also as platforms for dialogue and renewed commitment to tackling the pressing challenges in higher education. She highlighted key issues such as the integration of technology in teaching and learning, the need to improve pedagogy and the continuing concerns around staff and faculty welfare. According to her, these are critical areas that demand the collective attention of university teachers if Ghana’s higher education system is to remain competitive and sustainable.
Prof. Amfo encouraged the association to continue providing leadership and to remain a strong voice in national conversations about the future of education.
In a closely related development, newly elected UG-UTAG Branch Executive Officers shall also begin their term of office from October 1, 2025, for a 2-year term.
They are Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison as President, Prof. Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu as Vice-President, Dr. Godfred Bright Hagan as Secretary, Dr. Sarah Marjie as Women’s Executive Officer and Dr. Akua Boakyewaa Konadu as Treasurer.