UG InAD Hosts 2025 Deans and Directors in Leadership and Advancement Conference
The University of Ghana Institutional Advancement Directorate (InAD) has organised the third edition of the Deans and Directors in Leadership and Advancement Conference on 27th February 2025 at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER). This year’s conference was held under the theme: “Navigating International Relations and Aid Dynamics: Accreditation, Fundraising, and Stressors in Higher Education.”
The Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe delivered a message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. He commended InAD for its continued efforts to host this annual event. He expressed confidence that the conference will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Deans and Directors contributing to collective efforts in advancing higher education.
Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, the Director of InAD, stated that this conference serves as a valuable platform for dialogue and brainstorming on sustainable resource mobilization and to share insights, strategies, and best practices to lead effectively within the university. He underscored the challenges facing higher education leaders in adapting to evolving international relations and dynamics. Prof. Dartey-Baah also highlighted the complexities of accreditation, fundraising, and institutional stressors, stressing the need for innovative and collaborative solutions.
Prof. Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the School of Law, spoke on ‘Emerging International Relations and the Changing Aid Landscape’. He noted that educational aid is vital for the sustainability of international higher education. However, Prof. Atuguba noted that current geopolitical shifts are leading to a reduction in funding for Africa. While this poses challenges, he highlighted it as an opportunity for African universities to become more self-reliant and adapt their strategies for long-term sustainability. Prof. Atuguba also advocated stronger South-South and South-East cooperation as a means to enhance resilience and resource mobilization.
Dr. Gladys Setordzi, Senior Counsellor at the Careers and Counselling Directorate, addressed Stressors in Higher Education and Their Management. She cited that lecturers with ten to nineteen years of teaching experience record high levels of stress. Dr. Setordzi urged them to maintain a balanced life, seek professional and social support, and improve self-awareness to manage stress. She entreated them to commit to keeping their body healthy as they would fall back to their body during retirement.
Additionally, Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of UGBS, facilitated a breakout session on International Collaboration and Partnerships. Ms. Joy Lamptey, Head of Projects at InAD also moderated a discussion on ‘Achieving and Maintaining Academic Accreditation’. Mr. Benjamin Addo, Director of Finance at InAD, moderated on ‘Initiating and Funding CAPEX Projects’.
The Institutional Advancement Directorate (InAD), established in 2017 under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, supports the University of Ghana’s Colleges and Schools in achieving their mandates. InAD focuses on alumni engagement, enhancing the university’s visibility, securing funding for development, and supporting donor-funded projects. Its key initiatives include an annual leadership and advancement workshop for Deans and Directors, Unit-Specific Customer Relations Training, and Industry Engagement Fora.