Members of the UG Anti-Corruption Committee Pay Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor 

Members of the University of Ghana Anti-Corruption Committee have formally met with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo to reaffirm the University’s commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity under the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan. 

The visiting delegation comprised Mr. Stephen Azantilow, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), member; Ms. Beauty Emefa Nartey, Executive Secretary, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, member; Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, member and Regina Asiedu Asiamah, former Secretary to the Committee.  

The meeting provided an opportunity to present the Committee’s work over the past two years and hear Prof. Amfo’s vision for promoting anti-corruption values at the university. 

Prof. Amfo emphasised the need to revise the University’s committee policy, highlighting the importance of clear guidelines on chairperson appointments and quorum for decision-making. She further called for the streamlining of the Committee’s mandate to avoid duplication with similar committees.  

Prof. Amfo also underscored the need for the committee to focus on preventive strategies in the fight against corruption, rather than only reacting to issues after they occur.  

Mr. Stephen Azantilow acknowledged the impact of recent resignations within the committee, including the Chairman. He stressed the urgency of reconstituting the committee to maintain its integrity and legal standing, particularly given its judicial role in handling sensitive investigations. 

Reflecting on the challenges the committee faced following the resignation of some members, Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu alluded that while the committee's work had not been easy since those departures, the remaining members stayed committed and resilient. Despite these issues, they have continued to find ways to meet, often virtually, to ensure the committee’s mandate is upheld. 

Ms. Beauty Emefa Nartey also addressed recent challenges, including delays caused by the lapse in appointment renewals, which temporarily paused their work. She expressed gratitude for the prompt renewal and emphasised the need to fill the two remaining vacant positions to strengthen the committee’s operations. She also reaffirmed their commitment to helping the University of Ghana lead by example in the fight against corruption across academic institutions.  

As part of of its upcoming activities, the UG Anti-Corruption Committee is focused on raising awareness to prevent corruption within the university by educating the community about corruption and the university’s Anti-Corruption Policy. They are collaborating with key university stakeholders including the Public Affairs Directorate to enhance communication efforts and plan to participate in key events like International Anti-Corruption Day.  

The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Committee was in furtherance of other policy reforms for the efficient and prudent management of the University. It is tasked with promoting integrity and addressing corruption within the university.  

The Committee is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from CHRAJ, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, the legal and education sectors and members of the university community, with at least one female member. This diverse composition supports fair and informed decision-making.