Legon Leadership Academy Launched
UG has set the pace once again, with the launch of the Legon Leadership Academy (LLA). Approved by the University Council in September 2023, the formation of the LLA was announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as part of her vision for the University, during her induction into office.
The LLA is a development initiative that seeks to broaden the leadership capacity of faculty, staff and students in the University to enhance their contributions to UG’s growth.
Chairing the event, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo noted, “During my inaugural speech in October 2021 when I was inducted as the 13th Executive Head of this prestigious University, I announced that, I will translate my passion for leadership development to help groom the next generation of leaders at UG. This objective was to be accomplished through a meritorious programme focused on honing the skills of a cadre of potential leaders by providing structured leadership and management training programmes and actively involving them in university governance and management. This programme was to be delivered through a special-purpose mechanism, the Legon Leadership Academy (LLA).”
She added that the broad aim of the Legon Leadership Academy is to build the capacities of University of Ghana office holders, newly appointed personnel, potential leaders and selected students in tailored programmes relevant to the objectives of the University, to enable them function effectively in their current and future leadership roles.
Prof. Amfo explained that, as a student-centered institution aimed at developing transformational leaders who will drive the development agenda in Ghana and beyond, the LLA which also focuses on nurturing students’ leadership capabilities to complement the numerous systems and structures already in place (including internship and mentorship programmes) to ensure the holistic development of our future leaders. “With the rich blend and diverse array of carefully selected modules to be covered by experienced facilitators, Management anticipates that the face of leadership here, at the University of Ghana, will be exponentially transformed and this will have a ripple effect on other tertiary institutions. Additionally, it will facilitate a smooth transition to strategic roles and succession planning as well”, she emphasised.
Keynote speaker, Ing. Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice-President and Country Director, Asante Gold Corporation & Vice-President, Ghana Chamber of Mines, expressed the belief that the launch of the LLA marked the beginning of a new era in leadership development, not only for the University of Ghana, but indeed the country as a whole.
He emphasised the importance of ethical leadership and developing leaders' character as a foundation for organisational success.
“The truth is, our going and getting there will not only be dependent on visionary leadership, but critically also on ethical leadership. Otherwise, we run the risk of being unable to maintain our position, even after we arrive at our destination”.
Ing. Attakumah was confident that beyond the esteemed boundaries of the University, the LLA will also significantly contribute to the development of transformational, ethical and pragmatic leadership within corporate Ghana. He, therefore, urged all organisations to proactively prioritise leadership development and seize the exceptional opportunity that the LLA presents.
In performing the official launch of the initiative, Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, Member of the University Council and Special Guest of the occasion, stressed that leadership training needs to go beyond academics.
‘‘Leaders today need to be prepared, not just with knowledge and skills, but also with a deep understanding of global and local challenges. They must be equipped to lead with integrity, foresight and a profound sense of duty. Leadership training and the modern age demand a blend of theory and practical application, which is why the LLA will be focused on real-world scenarios, ensuring that our future leaders are prepared for the challenges they will face in the real world,” she elucidated.
Earlier in brief remarks, Prof. Gordon Senanu Kwame Adika, Team Lead of the LLA Implementation Team and Dean, School of Education and Leadership urged all to embrace the motto of the Legon Leadership Academy, “Leading with Integrity, Safeguarding our Future”.
He further gave the overview of modules that the Leadership Academy will offer to help cultivate leadership skills and competencies at different levels of the university community.
“The initiative has ten sample training modules: Financial Leadership, Public Finance Management Act, HE Structure & UG Management Structure, Leaders Role & Growth Structure, Performance Management in Higher Education Settings, Core Leadership Competencies, Strategy Development, Implementation & Leadership, 21st Century Leadership Skills, Public Procurement Act and Integrity & Reputation Management”.
Following the formal launch of the LLA, Mrs. Adounvo Atekpe, the Special Guest for the occasion, assisted by the Vice-Chancellor and members of University Management as well as the Keynote Speaker unveiled a plaque embossed with the logo and motto of the Academy.
The Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, at the beginning of the event declared the purpose of gathering and introduced the Chairperson.
A spoken word performance by the Department of Dance Studies, School of Performing Arts, added colour to the event, while the drummers and dancers from the Ghana Dance Ensemble gave the procession and recession a beautiful cultural touch.
The event was attended by four former Vice-chancellors; Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr; Emeritus Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah; Emeritus Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe and Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey. Also present were some high-ranking public officials including Rear Admiral Moses Kodjo Beick-Baffour, Former Commandant, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC); Brigadier General Timothy Tifucro Ba-Taa-Banah, Director, Ghana Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre and Director of Operations Ministry of National Security and Bishop Eric Kwapong, Eric Kwapong Ministries/Thamani Global.
Also in attendance were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, some Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Representatives of employee associations, staff and students.