Administrators from various Higher Education institutions across Ghana on June 13 to 14,2024 attended the 2nd GAUA Administrators Conference to explore the relevance of Emotional Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in contemporary administrative practices.
The Conference held annually by the GAUA-UENR Chapter was convened under the theme “The 21st Century Administrator: Charting a New Paradigm”. This year’s event which was held at Sheila’s Executive Lodge delved deeply into critical topics such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern administrative practices.
The Participating institutions included the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Berekum College of Education, St. Ambrose College of Education, Al-Faruq College of Education, Tamale College of Education, E.P. College of Education, Catholic University of Ghana, and University of Cape Coast.
Welcoming the participants, Rev. Kwaku Amoah Karikari, President of GAUA, emphasized the pivotal role of emotional intelligence, AI literacy, and comprehensive knowledge of labour laws in steering higher education institutions toward excellence. His address set the stage for insightful discussions on the evolving responsibilities of administrators in a dynamic educational landscape.
Rev. Kwaku Amoah Karikari, President of GAUA
Dr. (Mrs)Georgina Asi Owusu, Registrar and Chairperson, underscored the conference’s timeliness in addressing contemporary challenges faced by administrators. She emphasized the imperative of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging participants to embrace innovative approaches in administrative leadership.
Dr. (Mrs)Georgina Asi Owusu, Registrar and Chairperson for the Conference
Giving the Keynote Address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of UENR (Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako), the Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu recognized the importance of University Administrators in the development of higher education. He commended the organizers and executive board of GAUA-UENR for convening the conference. He also expressed optimism about GAUA-UENR hosting the GAUA National Conference next year or in the few years to come.
Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu
The first plenary session, facilitated by Rev. Mrs. Bernice Serwaa Ofosuhene Peasah, focused on the topic “Empathy in Leadership: How Administrators Use Emotional Intelligence in their Work”/Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills for Effective Leadership”. She outlined the qualities and characteristics of empathetic leaders, the causes of conflict, and how emotional intelligence plays a key role in conflict resolution. The session highlighted the importance of knowing one’s self as well as understanding and managing one’s emotions to create a supportive work environment.
Rev. Mrs. Bernice Serwaa Ofosuhene Peasah
A panel discussion on Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and conflict Resolution was moderated by Mr. David Twumasi-Ankrah. The panelists were Rev. Mrs. Bernice Peasah, Dr. Mrs. Georgina Asi Owusu and Rev. Kwaku Karikari Amoah. The discussion centered on Conflict Resolution, the role of Spirituality in Empathy, enforcing Regulations vis-a-vis Empathy, and the role of counseling in University Administration.
The discussion stressed the importance of connecting our hearts to our minds, showcased that being able to apply rules with a human face makes a person empathetic, and reiterated the need to apply empathy in conflict situations. Panelists mentioned the prerequisite of personal development and understanding of cultural diversity in enhancing emotional intelligence.
The Second facilitator, Dr. George K. Anane discussed leveraging Artificial Intelligence for effective higher education administration. He covered the history of AI, its importance and the challenges one could encounter when using AI in administrative work. He practically demonstrated the use of AI tools like chatbots and Google applications. He ended by accentuating the importance of Artificial Intelligence literacy among administrators.
Dr. George K. Anane
The second day commenced with a reflective and detailed recap of day-one by Conference Rapporteurs, Ms. Joy Sarkodie Addo and Ms. Jennifer Naa Jaaga, highlighting key takeaways and participant engagements, and reaffirming the conference’s impact on administrative practices.
Solomon Panford, Esq., Chairman for the day, underscored the structured nature of the conference and the relevance of the topics discussed. He emphasized the critical roles of administrators in management, secretarial, and advisory capacities, stressing the importance of comprehensive knowledge of labour laws for ensuring institutional integrity and operational excellence.
Solomon Panford, Esq., former UENR Registrar and Chairperson for day-two of the Conference
His Honour Samuel Djannie Kortey delivered an enlightening presentation on “The Labour Law and Conditions of Service of Public Tertiary Institutions in Ghana.” His thorough exploration of employer and employee rights under the Labour Act, of 2003 (Act 651) elucidated legal intricacies crucial for administrators. Mr. Kortey’s insights into employment contracts, workplace safety, and collective bargaining resonated deeply, prompting lively discussions among participants.
His Honour Samuel Djannie Kortey
The panel discussion moderated by Dr. John K. Annan delved deeper into key provisions of labour laws pertinent to higher education institutions. Panelists including His Honour Samuel Djannie Kortey, Solomon Panford, Esq., and Dr. Kusi Boachie Yiadom elaborated on leave policies, termination procedures, and the imperative of aligning HR policies with national labour laws. Participants engaged in a robust Q&A session, seeking clarification on shift systems, workplace injuries, and legal frameworks governing employment relations.
Panel discussion moderated by Dr. John K. Annan
The conference underscored the indispensable role of emotional intelligence in nurturing empathetic leadership and fostering effective conflict resolution within higher education institutions. Participants gained invaluable insights into leveraging AI technologies to enhance administrative efficiency and optimize decision-making processes across diverse campuses.
Understanding labour laws emerged as a cornerstone for safeguarding both employer and employee rights, underscoring the importance of compliance and ethical practices in administrative governance.
