UG’s First Reflective Leadership Features the Leadership Journey of Outgoing Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah

The first edition of the University of Ghana Reflective Leadership Series has opened the way for senior administrative and professional leaders of the University to share their leadership experiences, institutional knowledge and lessons from years of service before exiting office. 

The initiative, which forms part of the University’s deliberate efforts to promote experience sharing, mentorship and institutional learning in line with Strategic Priority 3 of the University of Ghana Strategic Plan (2024-2029) on Commitment to Faculty and Staff, is expected to strengthen leadership development, preserve institutional memory and engender a culture of continuous learning across the University’s administrative and professional community.

Featuring the outgoing Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, in its inaugural session, the event brought together senior University officials, administrative and professional staff from the Colleges and Central Administration, students and representatives from sister universities for an engaging reflection on leadership, institutional governance, mentorship and public service. 

The session was jointly moderated by Mrs. Joanna K. Omaboe, Senior Assistant Registrar at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Coordinator, Special Projects and Programmes and Mr. Ransford Yeboah-Badu, Senior Assistant Registrar and Administrator at the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs). 

Opening the programme held at the R.S. Amegashie Auditorium, UG Business School, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, described the Reflective Leadership Series as an important addition to the University’s institutional traditions, explaining that it seeks to preserve the wisdom and experiences of distinguished administrative and professional leaders while they remain fresh and relevant.

She noted that institutions often wait until accomplished leaders have left office before reflecting on the lessons from their service. The new series, she said, creates a platform for retiring administrative and professional leaders to document and share the experiences, values and leadership principles that shaped their careers for the benefit of future generations.

Prof. Amfo revealed that the initiative stemmed from a proposal by Ms. Joanna K. Omaboe, who conceived the idea while serving as an Assistant Registrar. She commended Ms. Omaboe for identifying the need for a platform comparable to inaugural lectures, through which administrative and professional leaders could reflect on their journeys and contribute to preserving the University’s institutional memory.

She expressed the hope that the Reflective Leadership Series would become a cherished University tradition that complements the institution’s commitment to developing its people while strengthening institutional continuity. 

During the sit-down session, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah reflected on her professional journey, describing her 27 years of service to the University as both rewarding and transformative. She acknowledged that although her career presented numerous challenges, remaining focused on her goals and learning from every experience enabled her to navigate both successes and setbacks.

She paid tribute to former Registrars Mr. Alfred Teddy Konu, Mr. Joseph Maafo Budu and Mrs. Haizel Ashia, describing them as mentors who guided, challenged and encouraged her throughout the formative years of her career. Their support and confidence, she noted, laid the foundation for the administrator she eventually became. 

Mrs. Agyei-Mensah recounted that her transfer from the former University Relations Office to the Academic Affairs Directorate marked a defining moment in her career, exposing her to the University's governance structures and decision-making processes.

She explained that serving as Recorder to the Academic Board and later as College Secretary of the College of Education provided invaluable insight into University administration and governance, preparing her for the responsibilities she would later assume as Registrar. She described the position of College Secretary as one that offered broad administrative exposure across academic affairs, human resource management, finance and general administration, making it excellent preparation for senior leadership roles within the University. 

Responding to questions on leadership, Mrs. Agyei-Mensah emphasised that effective administration extends beyond technical competence. She encouraged administrative and professional staff to cultivate empathy, fairness, patience and the willingness to listen, observing that although every challenge may not have an immediate solution, people appreciate leaders who communicate with honesty, clarity and respect.

She further encouraged staff to embrace continuous learning, explaining that universities are constantly evolving and that administrators must remain adaptable, open to change and committed to developing new knowledge and skills throughout their careers. 

Mrs. Agyei-Mensah underscored the importance of mentorship in leadership development and expressed satisfaction with the introduction of the University's structured mentorship programme for administrative and professional staff during her tenure.

She urged younger administrators not to shy away from challenging assignments but to embrace opportunities that stretch their capabilities and prepare them for greater responsibilities.

Encouraging participants to “make yourself available,” she noted that many of the responsibilities that shaped her own career initially appeared daunting but ultimately equipped her for higher leadership positions. 

Looking back on her career, Mrs. Agyei-Mensah said her greatest legacy lies in the people she mentored, the friendships she built and the dedicated teams she had the privilege of working with throughout the University.

She acknowledged colleagues from the erstwhile University Relations Office now Public Affairs Directorate, the Academic Affairs Directorate, the College of Education and the Office of the Registrar, stressing that none of her achievements would have been possible without teamwork, trust and the unwavering support of colleagues.

She also reflected on key institutional initiatives undertaken during her tenure, including work on the University’s consolidated Code of Conduct, Promotion Guidelines for Administrative and Professional Staff and the Customer Service Policy and encouraged members of the University community to continue strengthening the University’s administrative systems while investing in the next generation of leaders.

Delivering the closing remarks, Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, congratulated the retiring Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, acknowledging her distinguished service and mentorship. She noted that having worked closely with Mrs. Agyei-Mensah since joining the University, she had experienced firsthand her professionalism, support and commitment to developing others.

She described the engagement as enriching and inspiring, highlighting the importance of leadership, sound governance and mentorship in building resilient institutions. Dr. Ameyaw-Buronyah urged participants to apply the lessons from the engagement in their offices and daily work, noting that excellence in university administration is sustained by collaboration, innovation and institutional values.

As a flagship institutional initiative, the Reflective Leadership Series is expected to provide a lasting repository of leadership experiences and institutional wisdom, ensuring that the knowledge, values and lessons accumulated through years of dedicated service continue to guide future generations of administrative and professional leaders at the University of Ghana.