The School of Education and Leadership recently held a faculty and staff retreat on Thursday, 10th July, 2025, which also doubled as a heartfelt send-off ceremony in honour of its outgoing Dean, Professor Gordon Senanu Kwame Adika.
A cross-section of attendees
Hosted at the serene City Escape Hotel in Accra, the retreat brought together faculty, staff and leadership of the College of Education to assess the school’s progress towards implementing the University’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, while celebrating the impactful leadership of Professor Adika.
Mrs. Rodarling Neequaye, School Administrator, delivering the welcome address at the retreat and send-off ceremony
Setting the tone for the day, Mrs. Rodarling Neequaye, School Administrator, welcomed all present and expressed sincere appreciation to faculty and staff for their dedication. She reminded participants of the dual purpose of the gathering: to reflect meaningfully on the school’s strategic direction and to honour a beloved leader.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
The Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, commended the school for organising the retreat and shared insights from the recent Senior Management Retreat of the University. He underscored the importance of aligning unit activities with the University’s five strategic priority areas and corresponding objectives, collectively known as the “5-4-5” framework.
A cross-section of attendees
Professor Codjoe announced the introduction of an online monitoring system developed by the University’s Intercollegiate Implementation Team, which will track implementation progress across units, schools, and colleges. “This system ensures transparency and accountability,” he noted. “It is essential that units indicate clear baselines to measure outcomes. He reminded heads of departments and deans of their critical role in accurate and timely reporting, noting that the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA) had underscored the consequences of inaccurate submissions.
A key highlight of the retreat was a presentation by Dr. Clement Adamba, Chairman of the College Strategic Plan Implementation Team, who is also Director of the Legon Centre for Educational Research and Policy and a faculty member of the School. He underscored the need for intentional and data-informed planning, urging units to design activities that speak directly to performance indicators and to project outcomes based on clearly defined baselines.
A Fitting Tribute to a Gentle Giant
The event seamlessly transitioned into a warm and emotional farewell for Professor Adika, whose leadership had been described by many as transformative and principled.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, offered a touching summary of Prof. Adika’s academic and administrative journey, one marked by excellence, humility and a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership.
Provost presenting the citation to Prof. Gordon S.K. Adika
A citation in his honour was read by Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head, Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies and presented to him by the Provost. Tokens of appreciation were also presented by all constituent units.
Presentation by the Department of Educational Leadership to Professor Gordon S. K. Adika in honour of his service as Dean
Presentation by the Department of Teacher Education to Professor Gordon S. K. Adika in honour of his service as Dean
Presentation by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies to Professor Gordon S. K. Adika in honour of his service as Dean
Presentation by the School Administration to Professor Gordon S. K. Adika in honour of his service as Dean
In his farewell address, Professor Gordon S. K. Adika expressed heartfelt gratitude to colleagues for their steadfast support throughout his tenure. Looking back on his journey, he encouraged faculty to remain principled and purposeful in their work. “Model integrity,” he said and never say what you cannot defend. Our lecture halls are now global platforms; what we say and do matters.”
Professor Gordon S. K. Adika, delivering a heartfelt farewell address as outgoing Dean
He spoke reflectively about the early years of his academic life, noting that the day’s tributes reminded him of how far he had come. “It hasn’t always been easy,” he admitted, “but I am grateful to have worked with people who are both principled and passionate.”
He also thanked the College management, noting the strong working relationship he had built with the Provost, Registrar, heads of departments, faculty and staff. He also acknowledged the efforts of former Heads of Department such Dr. Luguterah, now Director of the Sports and Wellness Directorate, forging vital collaborations for the school.
Professor Adika disclosed that the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) had just submitted long-awaited cost estimates for infrastructure works, a matter he had followed closely. He was pleased to report that the Provost had assured him of the College’s support to fund the project.
Closing with characteristic humility and grace, he remarked, “It is important that, as leaders, we praise in public and rebuke in private. Thank you all for the trust and support you’ve given me. I urge you to extend the same goodwill to the incoming Dean.” Though stepping down from his administrative role, he assured the school community that he would continue to contribute to the school under a post-retirement contract with the Department of Teacher Education.
Pictured from left to right: Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah (College Registrar), Prof. Gordon S. K. Adika (Outgoing Dean), Prof. James Sefe Dzisah (Incoming Dean) and Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (Provost, College of Education)
Professor Codjoe officially introduced the incoming Dean, Professor James Sefe Dzisah, describing him as an experienced academic with a deep understanding of the College’s structures. Prof. Dzisah has served on the College Appointments Board and made significant contributions to curriculum development in the Department of Distance Education.
Professor James Sefe Dzisah, incoming Dean, School of Education and Leadership
In his brief address, Prof. Dzisah expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and paid tribute to his predecessor. “The reflections and tributes shared today speak volumes about Prof. Adika’s impact,” he noted. “This marks both a continuation and a new beginning. I look forward to working with each of you to ensure that every staff member feels seen, heard, and empowered. Let’s move forward with purpose and conviction.”
In his closing remarks, the Provost encouraged staff to take to heart the wise counsel shared by Prof. Adika and announced that the College would soon organise a formal send-off ceremony for both Professor Adika and Professor Akosua K. Darkwah, outgoing Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies.
Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, HoD, Physical Education and Sport Studies
Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu gave the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all who helped make the day a success. “The School stands united and ready to move forward,” she said. “We look forward to supporting Professor Dzisah and continuing the legacy of excellence championed by Professor Adika.”