The Ambassador of the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Teferi Fikre Gossaye, has paid a working visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.

H.E Gossaye in brief remarks, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and indicated his delight in visiting the University. He outlined the purpose of the meeting, disclosing plans to explore opportunities for establishing a connection between the University of Ghana and the African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX), alongside considering the signing of an MoU to formalise the comprehensive cooperation between the two institutions. This he said will aim at collectively addressing leadership and development challenges in Africa.

His Excellency Teferi Fikre Gossaye

The African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) is an institution reestablished in June, 2021 by the Council of Ministers, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to provide various learning opportunities to national government leaders. The academy expects systemic-level leadership change through its gradual cultivation of a future generation of leaders and executives in Africa who share a common vision and work culture. Through leadership policy research and advisory functions, the academy aspires to influence leaders in the public, private and civic society sectors to shape and gravitate their policies and leadership structure into a meritocratic, youth-inclined and gender-balanced direction.

The Ambassador emphasised the importance of mobilising resources like human expertise across countries to build leadership capacity in public and private sectors across the continent. He also highlighted the potential of utilising AFLEX as a platform to connect senior universities and institutions, fostering collaboration to collectively tackle leadership and development challenges in Africa.

Ambassador Gossaye finally stated, “We have various strategic documents, including reform pillars and other related materials. I will share these documents with the relevant stakeholders to explore how we can establish a significant presence for the Academy in Ghana and across Africa as we aim to create an environment conducive to understanding how we can enhance mutual benefits, particularly in terms of human resource mobilisation”.

In her response, Prof. Amfo expressed the University’s willingness to embrace opportunities for collaboration not only within academia but beyond to generate meaningful impact on societies. She stressed the multitude of resources available for mutual benefit among Africans, highlighting the lack of extensive collaborations between the University of Ghana and Ethiopian universities.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

Prof. Amfo conveyed her deep passion for leadership development and nurturing the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the proposed leadership academy. She expressed her eager anticipation in receiving the official documents and formally signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, in his closing remarks expressed interest in the potential collaboration between the University of Ghana and the African Leadership Excellence Academy.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare (left) and Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate (right)

He believes that partnering with the African Leadership Excellence Academy aligns well with the University’s vision of developing excellence in leadership through institutions and looks forward to further exploring the mutual benefits of the partnership.

Also in attendance were Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate and Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, also at the Directorate. Accompanying the Ambassador was Hirut Eshetu, Consul for Diaspora Affairs at the Embassy of Ethiopia.

Source: ug.edu.gh

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Expansion

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana¸ Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo said the establishment of the various city campuses was the university’s aspiration to extend its premium services to students in the other regions across the country.

This, she noted, would enable university authorities to have manageable numbers across the campuses to ensure quality teaching, learning and effective lecturing to nurture the students into citizens who would be responsive to both local and global challenges.

Unfortunately, the university turned down the application of many qualified individuals who wanted to study at the Legon campus because of inadequate facilities and resources to support a large intake.

“We, therefore, encourage prospective students and guardians to seriously consider the programmes we offer at the various city campuses to increase their chances of gaining admission to pursue a programme with the premium university”, she said.

Female Enrolment

The university, according to Prof. Amfo, admitted 11,246 students for the 2023-2024 academic year and out of the number, 56.6 per cent were females and 46.4 per cent were males, an indication of the university policy and commitment to affirmative action for women.

She promised to create a world-class city campus with a full complement of facilities and services to support the realisation of the vision and mission of the university. The vice chancellor applauded the city campus implementation team for their commitment and urged them to ensure the campuses were well-resourced and nurtured into a semi-autonomy state.

The Acting Principal of the Kumasi City Campus, Prof. Edward Nketiah-Amponsah encouraged the newly admitted students to be protective in building a long-standing network that would provide mentorship and job opportunities after their education.

He urged the students to embrace the new beginnings with an open mind and to create an environment where critical thinking and excellence in diversity were celebrated with the needed support to succeed.

Challenges

A representative of the matriculation class, Tracy Afi Agossa, said accommodation was one of the main challenges facing them as most of them had to commute from the house to campus, thus putting financial constraints on them.

She appealed to management to consider putting up a hostel to ease the pressure on students.

Source: Graphic Online, Author: Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor

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A notice signed by the registrar, Emelia Agyei Mensah and dated February 26, 2024, revealed that the University Council and the Academic Board have greenlit a series of crucial updates, with a primary focus on combating plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct.

The revised policy, approved following recommendations by the Business and Executive Committee, reflects the institution’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in academic endeavours.

Renamed the “Policy on Plagiarism and Other Academic Misconduct,” the document delineates clear definitions of academic misconduct while outlining measures aimed at prevention and appropriate sanctions.

A notable addition to the revamped policy is the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic work and research.

Acknowledging the widespread availability of AI and related software/tools for academic assistance, the University underscores the imperative of originality in scholarly pursuits.

As such, any employment of AI or associated technologies that compromises the authenticity of academic output will be deemed unacceptable, in line with the overarching ethos of academic integrity.

The new document, however, is yet to be made public.

This strategic integration of AI into the plagiarism policy signals the University’s proactive stance in addressing contemporary challenges in academic ethics.

By leveraging technological advancements while emphasizing the paramount importance of original thought and independent scholarship, the University of Ghana aims to foster a culture of academic excellence and integrity among its faculty, staff, and students.

The move reflects a forward-looking approach to navigating the evolving landscape of academic research and underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of scholarly pursuits.

With the revised policy now in effect, stakeholders within the University community are poised to embrace these changes as part of a concerted effort to safeguard academic integrity and promote a culture of intellectual honesty.

Source: My Joy Online

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The focal point of this year’s conference is a profound exploration of strategies to foster resilience through the integration of technology and the embracing of humanism. With an overarching goal of contributing to sustainable development, the event will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on the intersection of technology and human values.

A key agenda item is the examination of strategies to harness the potential of the digital economy, emphasizing the need for enhanced digital literacy in response to the rapidly changing technological landscape. By addressing these critical topics, the conference aims to contribute valuable insights to promote sustainable growth and development.

The outcomes of the conference deliberations will be meticulously documented and presented to relevant authorities for potential policy interventions, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge shared during the event translates into actionable initiatives.

The grand opening ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, will be graced by the presence of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Joining him will be esteemed figures such as the Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu Ekuful; and Vice-Rector, Research Tallinn University, Professor Katrin Niglas.

The conference, designed to address challenges faced by institutions, seeks to underscore the importance of developing resilience, leveraging technology, and promoting human values and dignity. In a nod to the current global landscape, the event will be accessible both in-person and virtually, ensuring widespread participation.

The 75th Annual New Year School and Conference is slated to conclude on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The organizers anticipate that the insights generated during this milestone event will set the stage for transformative advancements in both academia and national development.

Author: Bright Agbelengor

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Dispensation of Innocence: In this pristine era, innocence reigned supreme before the Fall. The mandate was clear—stay away from the forbidden tree, a testament to the simplicity of obedience.

Dispensation of Conscience: Following the fall, the dispensation of conscience emerged, where moral decisions were guided by human conscience. This era spanned from Adam’s sin to the time of Noah’s flood.

Dispensation of Human Government: Post-Flood, human civil government took center stage, marking the period from Noah to the advent of Abraham.

Dispensation of Promise: This era saw the covenant with Abraham and the promise of a chosen nation. It beckoned believers to exercise faith and trust in God’s promises.

Dispensation of Law: The Mosaic Law characterized this period, outlining the commandments for the Israelites on Mount Sinai—a time of obedience and adherence to the divine law.

Dispensation of Grace: With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the dispensation of Grace unfolded, emphasizing salvation through faith. It is an era marked by the gospel of Christ.

Dispensation of the Tribulation/No Grace: A challenging period where the avoidance of the mark of the beast becomes paramount—a time requiring steadfastness and endurance.

Dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom: Envisioning a future 1,000-year reign of Christ on Earth after the Tribulation, this dispensation heralds the triumphant return of Jesus.

Beyond these dispensations lies eternity—a realm where the character of God unfolds gradually, requiring an eternity to fully comprehend.

In our exploration of divine truths, we delve into the profound meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2. A Biblical prophecy that is true of the times that we are in.

As we navigate these dispensations and unravel the mysteries of prophecy, we get to understand the times that we are in the more. One profound knowing is that it takes eternity to unlock the character of God.

Join us at the University of Ghana (Volta Hall Chapel) tomorrow (02/12/2023) for a continuation of the Faith, Hope, & Love Clinic. It’s going to be fun. Dress code: funky and youthful.

Source: Christian Fellow

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Featuring a lineup of exceptionally talented musicians, including Dr Kim, Julius Richardson, Kafui and Aseye Eleblu, the Gramophone Chorus & String Quartet and the LIC Choir.

Come join to celebrate God’s goodness to enjoy compositions from Claude Debussy to J.H. Kwabena Nketia. The harmonies of the past will blend with contemporary rhythms to create a masterpiece of gratitude. Come with a thankful heart.

Attendance is FREE!!!

Source: Christian Fellow

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According to him, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Article IV in April 2022 cautioned the government over its unsustainable debt.

“There were reasonable people in this country who started urging the government to go to the IMF. Now if you check Article IV surveillance that the IMF did running to April 2022, we considered that report to be overly diplomatic.”

“The IMF concluded that our debt was sustainable, but of course at a high risk. It was the same position Ghana attained in 2014”, he pointed out.

He further said that if the Finance Minister has been proactive “and we had traded off pride, and selfish interest for common good, that was the optimal time to have made the call”.

He added “there would have been no need for Ghana to restructure its debt because the IMF per their own assessment concluded that the debt is sustainable, but at a high risk. It was the same status Ghana attained in 2014 when we applied for the 16^th IMF programme that kicked in from April 3, 2016 to April 2019”.

“The reason I’m drawing this comparison is to let you know that we are in this mess simply by not being proactive, but that has very little underlying economic value. Now, if the problem is largely fiscal, that must inform the extent of the solution and where it must come from”, he continued.

Professor Bokpin concluded that Ghana’s debt ratio in present value terms is more than 100%.

 “If you look at the debt sustainability, our debt ratio in present value terms is more than 100%. We are looking at around 110% of Gross Domestic Product in present value terms.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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To this end, the centre will be undertaking additional services in areas such as medicine, general surgery, cardiology, urology, emergency medicine, gastroenterology and dermatology.

Others are imaging and radiology, medical laboratory, pharmacy and ophthalmology.

When the facility was opened in July 2018, it started with medical and pharmaceutical services in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, family medicine and pharmacy on a limited scale.

650-bed facility

The 650-bed facility which is the first phase, when fully operational, will perform three main functions — healthcare delivery, training and research.

Parliament has approved $50million loan for the completion of the second phase expected to be ready and fully operational in December next year.

When completed, the facility will be equipped with a VIP maternity and a private floor, cardiovascular and open-heart surgery unit and a neurosurgery unit.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, who was the keynote speaker at a simulation exercise for the new staff in Accra yesterday, called on the staff to ensure that they maintained world-class standards in their dealings with their patients.

He said although the facility was adorned with beautiful structures, the attitude of the staff within it would show how ‘beautiful’ the place was.

The vice chancellor called on them to exhibit the highest sense of commitment and dedication to their work, saying that was what would make the facility a success.

Prof. Owusu expressed the hope that the centre would work at helping to change the mindset and perception of people about healthcare delivery in the country.

Be selfless

As health personnel, he called on them to be extremely selfless and that “even if you do not have a pesewa in your pocket, it is a professional requirement to smile.”

Prof. Owusu also called on the staff to eschew extortion from their patients and other vices that would put the name of the centre into disrepute.

The Chairman of the UGMC Interim Management Committee, Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, also admonished the staff not only to be knowledgeable about their work, but also be compassionate and respectful at all times.

He said the average Ghanaian had a lot of expectations from the centre and, therefore, it was their duty to ensure that all the expectations of the public about the facility were met.

Dr Asamoa-Baah also said people were genuinely impatient about how soon the facility would be operational as a lot of money had been sunk into it, and therefore called on the management and staff to ensure that they delivered on point.

Medical protocols

The interim Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr Darius Osei, said medical protocols had been put in place to ensure that the facility operated at its expected capacity.

In the near future, he said, the facility was looking at attracting medical professionals from outside the country as part of its service provision.

He said the management was hopeful that the facility would attract patients from other African countries and other parts of the world.

Source: graphic.com.gh

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In their petition, the Junior Common Room (JCR) leadership of the exclusive male hall said “we are members of Commonwealth Hall…and are ready to follow this petition to the latter.”

The students have asked the recipients of their petition to respond within five days, lest they take further action.

Proffering solutions to the crisis, the petition asked the government to build more Halls of residence for students as more than 60% have to deal with their own housing issues.

They also want the management of the university to build more Halls and also green-light the building of annexes by existing Halls of residence.

Meanwhile, reports say the University plans on implementing a ‘freshmen first’ policy at the beginning of next academic year.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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The event, which took place on the Sarbah field of the University of Ghana, Legon, was attended by over 20,000 youths from various churches. It was organised by the youth leaders of Christ Embassy, Airport City, Accra.

Prior to Sinach mounting the stage, the crowds were treated to spirit filled music from a host of music ministers, including the Amen Choir of Christ Embassy.

The moment everybody was waiting for finally arrived when Sinach mounted the stage at approximately 8:45pm. The entire gathering burst into loud shouts, excited to see her. She led the crowds to sing some of her well known songs including “I know who I am”, “Waymaker” and “Great are You, Lord”.

The much celebrated music minister encouraged the youth to trust God. Using herself as an example, she spoke of God’s ability to accomplish mighty things in the lives of those who trust in Him, irrespective of where they come from. She then led the crowds to prophesy into their future.

Many responded to the call to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour when Sinach made an Altar call during the programme.

The event was very successful, with the music minister herself testifying “(it) was beyond our imagination as we saw thousands of young people come out to join us in worship! The presence and power of God was so strong as many lives were changed and we were left in tears at the glorious wonder of the love of Jesus”.

Author: Anne Renner Credit: Chrife.com

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