The Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has staged an orientation workshop for Deans, Directors, Heads of Academic Departments and Units.
The purpose of the one-day orientation was to equip participants with the requisite skills to tackle common challenges in the discharge of their duties.
In a brief welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abednego F. O. Amartey explained that the orientation aims at improving the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the University while sharpening the skills of participants to execute their duties properly.
He emphasised that the orientation would enable participants to adjust in their leadership roles, charging them to exercise their supervisory roles effectively in order to enhance students’ educational experiences by making the needs of students paramount.
Commenting on some challenges facing the institution, the Vice-Chancellor observed that investing more resources into recurring challenges, most often, does not bring about the needed transformation especially when the managers in charge of those challenges are ineffective and inefficient.
He stressed his belief in the prudent management of the scarce resources while thinking through problems to arrive at the best solution for each problem.
“The solution to a problem is not about throwing money at everything,” he said. “The solution is thinking through what the problem is and [ultimately] how best to resolve it with the limited resources at your disposal.”
For his part, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Barnor asked participants to intensify their pursuit of excellence in all their endeavours. He advised the participants to take responsibility for their respective departments/Units, take ownership of problems, learn new skills and consult with colleagues for the growth of UPSA.
Resource persons drawn from the University presented on various topics and participants had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each presentation.
Among the presenters were Mr Nicholas Nelson-Adjei, Director of Finance and Mr Albert Amponsem, Internal Auditor who took participants through the principles of effective financial management of public funds as well as value for money and safeguarding the University’s assets.
They also enlightened members on their financial responsibilities and acceptable processes to ensure compliance with Standards, the Public Financial Management Act, Policies and Regulations.
The Director of IWES/HR, Dr Mrs Mary Essiaw informed participants of their responsibility to manage the performance of staff. She indicated that the onus lies on Heads of Units to ensure that the general administration of their departments/units in respect of human, financial and material resources are within the general framework of University policies.
On his part, the Senior Procurement Officer of the University, Mr Daniel Diyuoh urged all Heads to adopt proper planning, prudent financial management and to follow due processes when making procurement proposals.
This he said will enable the smooth operation of the procurement process while adhering to best practices.
The final presentation on the day focused on the effective management of academic-related issues with the Ag. Director of Academic Affairs, Mr Anthony Afeadie asking participants to improve students’ educational experience by offering them the needed assistance at all times.
At the close of the one-day orientation, some of the participants expressed satisfaction and described the programme as an insightful experience.
