UG Leadership Pays Courtesy Visits to Former Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has led a University delegation on a series of courtesy visits to former key officials of the University as part of efforts to maintain ties with past leaders and draw from their wealth of experience.
The visits, which formed part of a broader engagement initiative by the University, provided an opportunity for Management to interact with former leaders in a relaxed setting, learn from their experiences and receive valuable feedback on the progress and direction of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor also formally introduced the incoming Registrar, Mr. Michael Opare Atuah, to the former officials ahead of his assumption of office on August 1, 2026.
The first round of visits saw the delegation call on former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, as well as former Registrars, Mr. Alfred Teddy Konu, Mrs. Haizel Ashia and Mr. Joseph Maafo Budu.
The second round of visits included former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah and Professor Akilagpa Sawyer, as well as the Chancellor, Mary Chinery-Hesse.
During the interactions, the former officials commended current Management for sustaining the growth and reputation of the University and shared reflections and insights from their years of service.
Mrs. Haizel Ashia highlighted the importance of succession planning for the Registrar’s office, noting that deliberate efforts must always be made to prepare future leaders for the role.
Outgoing Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, acknowledged that the establishment of the collegiate system and the appointment of College Registrars had contributed significantly to grooming administrators for higher responsibilities within the University.
Mr. Alfred Teddy Konu also praised Prof. Amfo for her recent lecture at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, describing the presentation as excellent and expressing pride in her leadership and accomplishments as Vice-Chancellor, particularly her efforts in ensuring peace and calm on campus.
Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe encouraged Management to continue engaging former officials and drawing on their institutional memory and expertise. He further commended the University’s continued progress and expressed confidence in the direction of the institution under the current administration.
The visits also unearthed rich stories of leadership and the rebuilding eras of UG, alongside thoughtful insights into life in retirement and continued service.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey shared that his transition into retirement had been smooth due to his ongoing engagement with the African Research Universities Alliance, as well as his work on an autobiography and participation on boards and committees.
Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah noted that he remains actively involved in national development efforts, particularly through supporting the development of protocols for the establishment of new universities. He encouraged the team not to allow retirement to limit productivity, stressing the importance of staying mentally active through meaningful engagements.
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyer reflected on the rebuilding phase of the University between 1983 and 1990 and encouraged current leaders and students to continue working hard to advance the institution. He also expressed excitement about the increasing number of female students and women in leadership positions across the University.
At the Chancellor’s residence, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse expressed appreciation to Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah for her dedicated service to the University, particularly in her role as Secretary to Council. She also commended Prof. Amfo and the Management team for sustaining the University’s reputation and ensuring the smooth running of its operations.
Welcoming the incoming Registrar, the Chancellor congratulated Mr. Michael Opare Atuah on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to support the efficient administration of the University. Mr. Opare Atuah, in response, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his commitment to supporting Management in the effective administration of the University.
The visits strengthened bonds across generations of leadership and celebrated the enduring legacy and continued support of both past and present leadership of the University of Ghana.
The visiting delegation comprised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; the current Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah; the incoming Registrar, Mr. Michael Opare Atuah; the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah; and Assistant Registrar in charge of Protocol, Ms. Victoria Anim.