The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) Chapter, has engaged the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, on issues affecting the welfare and professional development of university administrators while reaffirming its commitment to supporting his vision for the University.
The stakeholder engagement, held following Professor Agyare's assumption of office, also provided an opportunity to discuss staff welfare, institutional management, collaboration and KNUST's strategic direction.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Agyare expressed appreciation for the visit and underscored the critical role of administrative staff in advancing KNUST's vision of becoming a globally eminent university.
He said achieving the University's aspiration of moving "from excellence to eminence" would require the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
"Everybody will have to be on the same page. We will continue to engage broadly as we shape the University's direction over the next four years," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said his administration would remain guided by the University's Strategic Plan while focusing on seven key thematic areas, including prudent financial management, innovation and sustainable resource mobilisation.
He stressed the need for KNUST to adopt a more entrepreneurial approach in response to changing funding realities.
"We must manage the University in line with the current realities. The more we can generate internally, the more we can improve staff welfare and strengthen our systems," Professor Agyare said.
Leading the delegation, the immediate past President of the KNUST Chapter of GAUA, Mr Festus Nyame, congratulated Professor Agyare on his appointment and assured him of the Association's readiness to work with Management to advance the University's development.
He highlighted several concerns affecting members, particularly disparities in market premium and allowances for university administrators.
Mr Nyame said members were dissatisfied with the outcome of negotiations on allowances, noting that administrative staff received lower market premiums than some staff in analogous junior-ranked positions despite occupying comparable grades.
He also commended the University's efforts to clear the backlog of staff promotions but appealed for greater support for committees responsible for reviewing promotion applications.
According to him, providing adequate motivation for committee members would help expedite the promotion process and sustain recent progress in addressing delays.
Responding, Professor Agyare assured the Association that Management would continue engaging the relevant national bodies, including Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG), the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, to seek amicable solutions to issues affecting university administrators.
"We will support you in pursuing your concerns through engagement. The important thing is that we continue to dialogue and work together to maintain a peaceful environment for the University to thrive," he said.
Professor Agyare reiterated his commitment to collaborative leadership, transparency and stakeholder engagement, saying the success of his administration would depend on the collective efforts of the entire University community.
Also present at the meeting were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, and the Registrar, Mr Benjamin Boampong Owusu. The GAUA delegation comprised the President, Mr James Kwasi Oberko; Vice President, Dr Kwabena Ampong; Assistant Secretary, Mrs Ruth Bediako; Treasurer, Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Andoh; Organising Secretary, Mr Kingsley Kusi; and Editor, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah.