The University of Ghana has held a mid-year review and management retreat aimed at evaluating progress on its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and realigning priorities for the rest of the year. The session brought together University Management, Deans, Directors, and other key stakeholders to reflect on achievements, identify challenges, and refine implementation efforts.
Held as a follow-up to the initial retreat in January 2025, the mid-year meeting served as a crucial checkpoint in tracking the execution of the University’s 2025 Action Plans and monitoring the work of the Inter-Collegiate Implementation Committee.
Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Strategic Commitment
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo emphasized the importance of consistent progress checks in driving meaningful change.
“This mid-year review has helped us assess where we are, improve our efforts, and continue working collectively to realize our vision,” she noted.
Prof. Amfo shared key updates on the University’s five strategic priority areas, including the successful commissioning of a Cybersecurity Lab, the launch of the first Hotspot Comfort Zone, and a significant Four-Star Award presented by the Africa CDC to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
She also highlighted academic achievements such as the delivery of six inaugural lectures out of the eight scheduled for the 2024/2025 academic year and the successful hosting of the 2025 Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures.
In a bid to strengthen internal recognition, the Vice-Chancellor announced that committees have been formed to develop fair, merit-based criteria for reviving award schemes to honour outstanding faculty and staff. She also disclosed that training programs had been rolled out across academic units to enhance customer service delivery.
Prof. Amfo praised the University’s active involvement in national and community development. Notably, she mentioned the University’s role in the National Education Forum and the launch of the first-ever University Community Games Corporate Football League, led by the Sports and Wellness Directorate.
She further informed participants about a significant development: the recent inauguration of a committee by former President John Dramani Mahama to oversee the reintegration of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) into the University’s administration.
Challenges and Call to Action
While celebrating milestones, the Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged persistent challenges. These include high student-to-lecturer ratios, reduced external funding from sources like USAID, and general financial constraints. She urged unit heads to step up efforts in mobilising resources to drive forward strategic goals.
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, who chairs the Inter-Collegiate Implementation Committee, provided insight into the robust monitoring and evaluation systems now in place.
“We’ve implemented a standard reporting template and an online portal to track progress. KPIs have been updated, and the Public Affairs Directorate is spearheading a new communication strategy,” he explained.
Prof. Awandare encouraged full compliance with these tools to ensure transparency and accountability in delivering the Strategic Plan.
Throughout the retreat, various Provosts, Deans, and Directors presented progress reports from their respective colleges and units. These included updates from:
- Office of the Registrar
- College of Basic and Applied Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Humanities
Additionally, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah (Registrar) and directors from administrative units such as Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, Physical Development and Municipal Services, and Public Affairs shared updates on ongoing initiatives and set priorities for the coming months.
Technology, Leadership & the Road Ahead
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, announced progress on the development of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system aimed at streamlining administrative processes across the University.
Meanwhile, Prof. Gordon Adika, Team Lead of the Legon Leadership Academy (LLA), offered an overview of leadership development modules being rolled out to strengthen institutional capacity and leadership at all levels of the University.
As the mid-year review concluded, the University reaffirmed its commitment to delivering on the pillars of its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. These include enhancing the student experience, promoting impactful research, advancing staff development, deepening stakeholder engagement, and ensuring long-term sustainability through innovative resource mobilisation.
The retreat not only offered a moment for reflection but served as a rallying point to refocus energies and foster collective accountability toward achieving the University’s vision.
