The Registrar's Office, under the leadership of Mrs. Emelia N. K. Agyei-Mensah, recently conducted an extensive three-day training and orientation programme for the University's newly appointed administrative and professional staff. The sessions, held in the Basement of the Great Hall, aimed to familiarise the appointees with crucial University policies and provide essential insights into their roles.
In her opening remarks, Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah warmly welcomed the new staff to the University and congratulated them on their recent appointments. Emphasising a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, she encouraged them to contribute their best efforts for the growth and success of the University.
Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah
Mrs. Agyei-Mensah highlighted the importance of data protection, particularly concerning student data, urging the staff to handle such information responsibly. Additionally, she underscored the significance of transparent communication, advising the staff to engage effectively with colleagues and supervisors, and expressed her best wishes to them.
Following the opening session, Mrs. Agyei-Mensah initiated the sessions with an exposition on University governance, decision-making and an overview of the UG Strategic Plan.
Dr. Kwaku Ainuson, a Senior Lecturer at the UG School of Law, provided insights into Confidentiality and the Law of Meetings, outlining the roles of secretaries to committees. He also delivered a presentation on the Data Protection Act and University policies focused on data protection.
Professor Kwasi Dartey-Baah, the Director of the Institutional Advancement Office, discussed leadership, management responsibilities, and emotional intelligence. He detailed strategies to help the new appointees effectively deal with challenging situations and responsibilities.
In a knowledge-packed session, Dr. Yvonne A. Lamptey, the Director of the Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate, shed light on the crucial area of strategy development and implementation. Dr. Lamptey emphasised the pivotal role of aligning organisational objectives with actionable strategies for effective execution. She shared valuable insights into involving key stakeholders, establishing measurable goals, and adapting strategies to the ever-evolving business landscape.
Mr. Godfred Amoah, Deputy Registrar at the Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate (HRODD), delivered a presentation on Performance Management Systems, focusing on optimising performance for both individuals and support staff within the University.
Some of the new appointees at the training sessions
On his part, Mr. Martin De Porres Maaseg, UG Archivist, gave emphasis to the significance of maintaining a robust record-keeping system during his session on effective records management.
Financial management and regulations was discussed by Mr. Bright Obeng-Yeboah, a Deputy Director at the Finance Directorate, with Mrs. Beatrice Clottey, Senior Assistant Registrar in the Office of the Registrar, facilitating a comprehensive walkthrough of key UG policies.
Mrs. Rita Appiah Kubi from the Logistics Directorate led the staff to understand the procurement law and other provisions made by the University regarding the procurement of goods and services.
Insights into developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the University were provided by Mrs. Cynthia Adu, Deputy Registrar at the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID).
The training also delved into technology, with a team from UGCS introducing the new staff to the Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS) and other digital solutions in place to provide robust assistance to staff in delivering their mandates.
Some of the new appointees at the training sessions
In an earlier session, Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, delivered an extensive discourse on the critical subject of management. Prof. Bawole provided a deep dive into fundamental principles and practices essential for effective organisational leadership and touched on key aspects of management integral to successful operations and achieving organisational objectives.
The sessions concluded with a presentation by the University of Ghana chapter of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA). The aim was to familiarise appointees with the roles of GAUA members, which include overseeing day-to-day administration and coordinating university activities. Additionally, they were introduced to the welfare and professional advancement plans available for GAUA members.
