The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Chapter of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) held a handing-over and Swearing in ceremony for its newly elected Executives on Monday, August 1, 2022. The new Executive body includes Mr. Paul Nana Nketiah-President, Rev. Kwaku Karikari Amaoh- Vice-President, Mr. Charles K. Aidoo-Secretary, Ms. Abigail Yeboah-Kyereh-Assistant Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Asare- Treasurer, Mr. Benjamin Gyamera- Editor.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, speaking as the Special Guest at a brief but colourful ceremony held at the French Lab at the Sunyani campus, remarked that unionism is relevant in seeking the welfare of members. He, however, recommended Associations resort to dialogue instead of the “militant” way of relaying their concerns to the appropriate authorities.
He lauded the Old Executives for their achievements in organizing the Administrators Conference which offered the participants the opportunity to learn about trending issues in University administration and also for donating supportive items to the University clinic, such initiatives, he said are worthy of recognition, calling on the new executives to follow suit as they assume office. The Vice-Chancellor also advised the members to acquire more knowledge, be competent and not rely solely on their academic qualifications.
Expressing concern about their promotions and other demands, the Vice-Chancellor gave the assurance that the University Management would support them within its powers. He further called for teamwork among all categories of staff in the University, noting that a lack of unity can retard the development of the University.
Delivering the handing-over address which can be hailed as a milestone of achievements, the outgoing President of the Association, Dr. George K. Anane, on behalf of his other executives, recounted the various strides made in uplifting the name of the Association. He mentioned the likes of the “GAUA Happy Hour”, branding the image of the Association, instituting the GAUA Motor Insurance and Welfare Policy for its members, and embarking on charity works in and outside the University among others.
To the new Executives, he reassured their readiness to support them when called on. He believed that the new executives would continue to drive the Association to its desired destination.
In his acceptance speech, the President, Mr. Paul Nana Nketiah, acknowledged that change of leadership is likened to a natural phenomenon which pave way for “old leaves to fall for new ones to come up” he thanked the members for believing in them to lead the Associations in the next three (3)years. He outlined that his administration would continue to serve the Association taking into consideration the overall well-being of members.
The Registrar, Solomon Panford, Esq., APR chaired the Ceremony, with the presence of some University Management members, representatives of some of the unions on campus as well as members of the Association attending in their numbers. The new executives were sworn into office by a Junior Assistant Registrar at the University Legal Affairs Division, Miss Joy Sarkodie Addo, Esq.
