The Institutional Advancement Directorate (InAD) at the University of Ghana has organized the 2025 Deans and Directors Leadership and Advancement Conference, focusing on the theme “Navigating International Relations and Aid Dynamics: Accreditation, Fundraising, and Stressors in Higher Education.”
Held at the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), the conference served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovative solutions to the challenges confronting higher education institutions.
The event featured keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and interactive Q&A discussions, with experts tackling issues related to international relations, academic accreditation, and stress management.
Speaking at the event, Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the School of Law, underscored the necessity of restructuring higher education institutions to align with evolving global trends.
“We must reposition and restructure. Let’s embrace it as a bittersweet transformation.”
He highlighted the implications of reduced financial aid from global institutions, citing the potential loss of 20% of the United Nations’ budget if certain U.S. funding cuts are implemented.
Director of InAD, Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, stressed the critical role of accreditation in maintaining quality standards and securing funding.
“Accreditation ensures institutional quality and enhances access to grants and funding opportunities.”
He also addressed challenges in the accreditation process, such as policy limitations and inadequate stakeholder involvement.
“One key challenge is the narrow scope of policies aimed at reducing congestion risk, with little substantial evidence of broad stakeholder engagement.”
Discussing the impact of stress on faculty and administrators, a Senior Counselor at the Careers and Counselling Directorate, Dr. Gladys Setordzi emphasized the need for self-awareness and effective stress management strategies.
“Stress is the body’s natural response to real or perceived danger. How you handle it is crucial.”
She identified heavy workloads, research pressures, and academic deadlines as major stressors and recommended mindfulness, social support, and time management as effective coping mechanisms.
“Many times, we are unaware of what we are experiencing. Recognizing stress and seeking support is essential.”
Since its establishment in 2017, InAD has played a strategic role in strengthening university operations, supporting various academic units, and advancing institutional interests.
The annual Deans and Directors Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting leadership, innovation, and professional development in higher education.
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Story by: Evelyn Ampah | univers.ug.edu.gh
