The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), University for Development Studies (UDS) Chapter, organized a swearing-in ceremony to induct its newly elected executives into office. The event, held at the UDS WPD Conference Hall, was a testament to the Association’s commitment to fostering effective leadership and ensuring the continuous professional development of its members.

The out-going executives, made up of Dr. Iddrisu M.Tanko (President), Hajia Ruhia Abdulai (Vice- President), Ms. Stephanie Abokzele Adongo (Secretary), Mr. Adam Aliu (Treasurer) and Mr. Dauda Alhassan (Assistant Secretary) handed over files to the new executives, three of whom served on the previous executive board in different roles.

The new executive board is made up of Ms. Stephany Adongo (President), Mr. Adam Aliu, (Treasurer), Mr. Dauda Alhassan (Secretary) Mr. Gilbert A. Ayombisah (Vice President) and Mr. Alhassan Abdul-Rahman (Assistant Secretary).

The outgoing president, Dr. Iddrisu M. Tanko delivered a poignant address, reflecting on the strides made during his tenure. He expressed gratitude to the executive team and all members for their unwavering support, which enabled significant advancements in university administration at UDS. He highlighted key achievements, including enhanced capacity-building initiatives, improved collaboration between institutions, and the promotion of innovation in administrative practices. The outgoing president encouraged the incoming leadership to continue fostering unity and professionalism, emphasizing that the future of higher education in Ghana relies on strong, effective administration.

The oath of office was administered by the Head of the Legal Office, Lawyer Robert Naamwinibob Tater, a senior member of GAUA, who congratulated the new executives on their election. He urged them to work diligently and remain committed to advancing the interests of university administrators across all campuses. Lawyer Tater emphasized the importance of unity within the association and reminded the executives of their duty to maintain transparency and integrity in all their dealings.

In her maiden speech, the newly elected president of GAUA-UDS, Ms. Stephany A. Adongo expressed gratitude to members for entrusting her and the rest of the team with the leadership mantle. She outlined her vision for the association, focusing on enhancing the welfare of administrative staff and promoting capacity-building initiatives. Ms. Adongo stressed the need for collaboration between the university's management, other unions and GAUA to ensure that staff concerns are adequately addressed, adding that "GAUA will continue to be a strong voice advocating for the professional growth and well-being of its members."

The ceremony saw goodwill messages from several senior members of the association. Dr. Amos Alale, a long-standing GAUA member, encouraged the new executives to lead with humility and openness, reminding them that leadership is about service to others. Other members shared insights, advising the executives to build upon the achievements of their predecessors and work collectively to address the challenges facing university administrators.

There was an outpouring of solidarity messages from major university unions. The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Senior Staff Association of Ghana (SSAG), and the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU- GH) each delivered heartfelt messages of support, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and a collective commitment to improving the welfare of university workers.

The representatives of these unions spoke about the shared challenges facing higher education institutions in Ghana, including funding issues, staff welfare, and the need for collaborative leadership in addressing these problems.

The Prof. Nashiru Sulemana, who represented UTAG, congratulated the new GAUA executives on their appointment and highlighted the importance of maintaining a harmonious working relationship between academic and administrative staff. He stressed that strong cooperation is essential in addressing the common challenges of university governance.

The Senior Staff Association of Ghana (SSAG), represented by its General Secretary, Kate Bayuor , also expressed optimism about the new leadership, urging the new executives to be proactive in advocating for better conditions of service for all university staff. SSAG pledged its unflinching support to the new GAUA leadership, emphasizing that the association plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth administration of the country's tertiary institutions.

TEWU, through its Chairman, Mr. Sulemana Abdul-Rahman reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with GAUA, as the success of university administrators has a direct impact on the success of other categories of staff. TEWU’s solidarity message highlighted the need for continued advocacy for improved working conditions, including fair wages, and better retirement benefits for all university workers.

The newly sworn-in President of GAUA, in response, thanked the unions for their support and acknowledged the shared responsibility in advocating for the welfare of university staff. She emphasized that under her leadership, GAUA would work closely with all stakeholders to improve the conditions of service, promote staff development, and ensure that university administration is efficient and responsive to the needs of the academic community.

GAUA plays a vital role in representing the interests of administrative staff across public universities in Ghana. The association is committed to promoting professionalism, providing a platform for dialogue between administrators and university management, and ensuring that staff welfare issues are addressed. Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, GAUA equips its members with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles.

The swearing-in ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, with both the new executives and members pledging to work together to advance the objectives of the association and contribute to the overall growth of the university.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)