University of Ghana inaugurates committees to raise standards

Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - Prof. Clifford Nii B. Tagoe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, on Monday inaugurated two committees, the Visitation Report Implementation Committee (VRIC) and the Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) to improve upon the general service delivery and academic standards of the University. The VRIC is chaired by Prof. Kwesi Yankah, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, with members being Prof. J.N. Ayertey, Prof. J R.A. Aryee, Prof. Samual Sefa-Dede, Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, Prof. Simon Naaeder and Mr Kofi Siabi-Mensah.

Prof. Tagoe said the terms of reference of the committee included monitoring achievement of set targets, informing the university community about the work of the VRIC and soliciting cooperation, stipulating time lines for policy implementation. He said the committee was set up based on an investigation of academic malpractices in the 2004/2005 academic year which revealed some weaknesses in the administration of the university.

Prof. Tagoe said as a result of this and in response to the perceived deterioration in the university academic standard and general service delivery as well as the fact that the University was last scrutinized in 1961, the University Council requested a visitation by an international panel. The panel was to review the academic programmes at the University of Ghana to determine their currency, quality and relevance to the mission of creating world-class human resources and capabilities to meet national development needs. They were also to review the infrastructure and resources currently in place and advice on additional resources required to enable the University to adequately discharge its mandate to an internationally accepted standard.

The ARIC, is chaired by Prof. Walter Alhassan, former Director General of Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research. Members are the Chief Executive, one line Director other than the head of Finance or Internal Audit, two external representatives with a minimum of eight years experience in accounting or auditing, one each nominated by the Internal Audit Agency and the Institute of Internal Auditors of Ghana. Prof. Tagoe said the work of the ARIC was to annually prepare a statement showing the status of implementation of recommendations made in all reports as well as the Auditor-General's report which have been accepted by Parliament and any other related directives of Parliament. In another development, Prof F. T. Sai, Presidential Adviser on HIV/AIDS, donated US$20,000 to the University to establish an award of scholarship for women in the basic sciences to encourage females in the under-represented fields of science.

The sum is the prize money he won from the Prince Mihidol Award for International Leadership and Advocacy of gender Equity, Reproductive Health, Planning and Population. He said there were five categories of the award for best Level 200 female student in Biological Science, Mathematical Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Agricultural science. Prof. Sai added that each award winner would receive a scholarship of GH¢600 in two instalments over a two-year period, at Levels 300 and 400 respectively.