The Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities Ghana (VCTU-G) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening university administration through continuous professional development with the organisation of a capacity-building workshop for senior member non-teaching staff of Takoradi Technical University (TTU).
The one-day workshop forms part of VCTU-G’s ongoing capacity-building programme for staff across the ten technical universities in the country.
The rotational training programme forms part of VCTU-G’s broader effort to enhance governance, professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence within Ghana’s technical universities. It aims to provide a platform for capacity building, professional development, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among staff who play critical roles in the administration and management of their institutions.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that capacity building is a key pillar of the first VCTU-G Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
“This initiative by the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities Ghana is both timely and strategic. As the immediate past Chairman of VCTU-G, I supervised the development of the first VCTU-G Strategic Plan (2026–2030), which rightly recognises capacity building as a key pillar for strengthening governance, professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence. This programme is therefore a deliberate investment in human capacity,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the first phase of the programme, which was implemented in Zones I and II, noting that participants found the training highly relevant and beneficial to their daily responsibilities. According to him, the positive feedback received from institutions across the country underscores the importance of continuous professional development within the technical university system.
“I am particularly encouraged by the outcomes of the first phase of this programme implemented across Zones I and II. Reports presented at the last VCTU-G meeting indicated that participants from the five technical universities involved found the sessions highly relevant and beneficial to their daily responsibilities. The positive feedback received from institutions across the country demonstrates the value of continuous professional development within our technical university system,” he said.
Rev. Prof. Eshun commended the Chairman of the Conference of Registrars and Directors of Finance (CRDF), Dr. Moses Abnory; the Immediate Past Chairman, Dr. Christopher Kwasi Amehoe; the VCTU-G Secretariat; facilitators; and all contributors for their efforts in advancing administrative professionalism within the technical university system.
He also praised the leadership of the VCTU-G Chairman and the Vice-Chancellors for prioritising staff development as a catalyst for institutional transformation.
“I wish to commend the Chairman of the Conference of Registrars and Directors of Finance (CRDF), Dr. Moses Abnory; the Immediate Past Chairman, Dr. Christopher Kwasi Amehoe; the VCTU-G Secretariat; facilitators; and all contributors to this initiative. Your commitment to strengthening administrative professionalism is highly commendable. I also acknowledge the leadership of the VCTU-G Chairman and Vice-Chancellors for prioritising staff development as a foundation for institutional transformation,” he added.
Former Registrar of Ho Technical University, Dr. Christopher Kwasi Amehoe, in a presentation titled “Relevance of Senior Administrative and Professional Staff (SAPS) in University Governance,” acknowledged senior administrators and professional staff as the driving force behind universities, stressing that their positive contributions are critical to institutional growth.
His presentation highlighted the need for senior administrators to continuously build their capacity, advance their knowledge and skills, and invest in personal qualities such as good grooming, personal hygiene, honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for others. He also emphasised job-related qualities such as punctuality, innovativeness, and time consciousness.
He further encouraged administrators to develop the right competencies that would help propel their universities to greater heights.
The Registrar of Takoradi Technical University, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, delivered presentations on “Contemporary University Governance: The Role of Senior Administrative and Professional Staff of Technical Universities” and “Administrative Write-Ups Part II for Professionals.”
He took participants through the principles of university governance, operational leadership, university regulatory bodies, statutes, and relevant Acts.
Highlighting how senior administrators can translate policy into practice for institutional effectiveness and development, Dr. Abnory encouraged participants to use policies as working tools rather than shelf documents, break down strategic goals into daily operations, prepare simple action plans based on policy, and support colleagues in understanding institutional policies.
On administrative write-ups for professionals, Dr. Abnory guided participants through the process of writing proposals and papers for promotion, as well as the standards required for such documents.
He elaborated on what assessors look for in promotion-related write-ups and emphasised the need to meet those standards. Areas of focus he identified included historical developments, global trends, human resource issues, finance, infrastructure, and other institutional matters.
The Registrar therefore advised senior members to avoid plagiarism, duplication of previous work, textual fraud, poor referencing, and inappropriate language when preparing proposals and professional write-ups.
The Director of Finance of Ho Technical University, Mr. Augustine Kwame Owusu, presented on the topic “Understanding the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA), 2016 (Act 921): An Overview and Practical Implications.”
He took participants through the budget preparation process, the management and utilisation of public funds, what is permissible and impermissible under public financial regulations, and other essential aspects of public financial management.
Mr. Owusu noted that to achieve economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in public institutions, public funds must be used judiciously, lawfully, and strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The Executive Secretary of VCTU-G and Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs at Takoradi Technical University, Mr. Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, engaged participants on the topic “Basic Administrative Write-Ups and Publicity for Senior Career Administrators and Professionals in Public Universities.”
His presentation underscored the importance of administrative write-ups in record-keeping, institutional governance and accountability, effective communication, transparency in decision-making, and institutional reputation management.
On promoting university publicity, Mr. Oti-Asirifi urged senior members to understand what information should be shared and how it should be communicated. He advised them to use approved institutional logos, respect confidentiality and data protection requirements, and verify information before publication.
He further advised that administrative write-ups should reflect professional standards, intellectual rigour, and the credibility expected of higher education institutions.
The VCTU-G Professional Training and Capacity-Building Programme continues to serve as an important platform for equipping administrative and professional staff with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education administration in Ghana.
