The College of Science, KNUST, has organised a capacity building workshop for Deans and Heads of Department (HoDs) to strengthen leadership, governance and administrative effectiveness within the university.
The workshop brought together senior academic administrators to discuss their statutory responsibilities, financial management, procurement procedures, promotion processes and internal auditing practices in the administration of the university.
Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Charles Ansah, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor, outlined the statutory responsibilities of Deans and HoDs within the university’s governance structure.
He explained that Deans and HoDs are central to ensuring effective teaching, research, staff development and discipline while working in accordance with university statutes and policies.
Prof. Ansah emphasized the importance of fairness, transparency and collegiality in leadership, urging Deans and HoDs to encourage teamwork, support younger lecturers and maintain professionalism in their engagements.
Prof. Osei Akoto, of the Department of Physics, also spoke on promotion criteria for senior members and the role of Heads of Department in staff advancement. He noted that promotions at KNUST are guided by institutional statutes and established procedures aimed at ensuring fairness, professionalism and quality assurance within the university system.
Prof. Akoto explained that HoDs play a critical role in assessing staff performance, mentoring lecturers and recommending qualified staff for promotion.
According to him, an effective promotion system contributes significantly to staff motivation, institutional productivity and the advancement of academic excellence within the university.
On financial administration, Mr. Marcus H. Amosah, an Accoountant, led discussions on departmental budgeting processes and the vote accounting system.
He also highlighted some of the implementation challenges associated with the vote accounting system but maintained that the framework remains essential in ensuring that public funds are utilized strictly according to approved regulations.
On internal auditing, Mr. Benjamin Kweku Abeku Arhin,a Senior Assistant Internal Auditor discussed the responsibilities of the Internal Audit Unit and some recurrent financial and administrative infractions identified within institutions.
He cautioned against payments in foreign currencies, explaining that the Foreign Exchange Act prohibits the pricing and payment for goods and services in foreign currency in Ghana.
Mr. Arhin further stressed the importance of proper documentation and adherence to approved financial procedures, including the use of payment vouchers, invoices and contract documents.
Mr. Kwame Adu-Gyamfi, a Procurement Officer, spoke on procurement processes and procedures within the university. His presentation focused on procurement structures, tender evaluation processes, procurement thresholds and the responsibilities of various units involved in the procurement chain.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi advised Deans and HoDs to clearly define procurement requirements to minimize ambiguity, reduce risks and ensure value for money.
He also underscored the need for compliance with procurement regulations, warning that breaches in procurement procedures could result in institutional and administrative infractions.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Philip Agyei, Provost of the College, commended the Deans and Heads of Department for their dedication and tireless contributions toward the growth and development of the College and the university at large
He urged them to translate the knowledge acquired during the workshop into meaningful change within their respective departments and faculties.
