The Management of Komenda College of Education acknowledges the advantages of following and maintaining professional standards for staff in line with the 21st Century expectation of workers. In pursuant to the above, Management planned and organized a 2-day workshop for Non-Teaching Staff on the theme: “Building Administrative Capacities for the Growing Demand of Skilled Workforce” from Monday 1st – Tuesday 2nd March, 2021 at the Coconut Groove Beach Resort – Elmina.
This 2-day training was particularly aimed at increasing the skill level of Administrative Staff as a way of meeting up to the growing demands of the College and improving outcomes. Thirty-six (36) non-teaching Staff benefitted from the 2-day training. Seven (7) resource persons took the participants through various topics. These resource persons were:
- Dr. C Y Akwaa-Mensah, Former Registrar – UEW & President African University College.
- Very Rev. Kwesi Nkum Wilson (Ph.D.), Principal – Komenda College of Education.
- Mr. Francis Obeng, Finance Officer – UEW.
- Lawyer John Oppong, Estate Officer – UEW.
- Mr. Steve Van Kamassah, Deputy Registrar – ITECPD -UEW.
- Ms. Leona Essien, Internal Auditor – Komenda College of Education.
- Ms. Constance Afriyie, College Secretary – Komenda College of Education.
The Principal, Very Rev. Kwesi Nkum Wilson (Ph.D.) in his introductory remarks, welcomed all present and expressed how Management recognizes the value of each staff’s contributions towards the ultimate realization of the College’s vision. He thanked the facilitators for accepting the invitation to share their experiences and entreated participants to make good use of the opportunity to unite efforts to achieve a more proactive and productive administrative workforce.
The Council Chairman, Rt. Rev. Richardson Aboagye Andam admonished the participants with Romans 8:12-14, to avail themselves to be led of the Holy Spirit in all their dealings to strengthen their relationship with God. He also emphasized on the essence of the synergic system in the now University College, challenging all participants to focus and function as effective and efficient individuals with the Komenda College team.
The workshop was characterized by useful presentations that were based on research and best practices:
Delivering on Human Resource Issues, Dr. C. Y. Akwaa-Mensah encouraged participants to appreciate human resource management as a concerted responsibility of all staff in the College. In his presentation on Committee Business, Dr. Akwaa-Mensah again outlined the mandate of Committees, their terms of reference and how to properly serve on these Committees.
Lawyer John Oppong on Managing Komenco Facilities emphasized that the strength of an institution is not only the quality of its staff but the beauty of buildings and its environs. He further entreated all staff on their individual volition keep the College clean at all times.
The Principal, Very Rev. Kwesi Nkum Wilson (Ph.D.) presenting on Making Our Retirement Provisions, whilst in Active Service stated that there’s time for everything as stipulated by Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. He implored participants to channel their resources to profitable investments. He also indicated that, consequently appointment letters issued to newly appointed staff shall bear the date of birth and retirement date of the employee.
Ms. Leona Essien gave a practical view of the works of the Internal Auditor as she spoke on the topic Internal Controls. She urged all present to adhere to the policies and laws of the state governing requests and procurement to ensure adequate compliance.
Mr. Steve Van Kamassah throwing light on the topic: Client Relationship revealed that client relation management is the focal point to acquire, retain and extend interactions with customers (clients). According to him, following these protocols solidifies service provider-client relationship towards the overall achievement of the College’s goal.
Mr. Francis Obeng then took participants through Finance for Non-Finance Managers. In his presentation, he indicated that public funds are managed by Council in accordance with the rules and systems approved by government. He therefore cautioned participants to remain accountable and retire all funds allocated to them, backed with the acceptable documents (proforma invoices and receipts) to avoid audit queries.
Ms. Constance Afriyie introduced participants to the approved templates for memos, report and minutes writing when she presented on Internal Correspondence.
In wrapping up, the lead facilitator Dr. C. Y. Akwaa-Mensah summarized the key directions from the various speakers and with optimism stated that the insights acquired through the workshop should improve upon the competencies needed by the 21st Century worker. He further stated that through targeted and continued best practices Komenda College of Education will not only set the pace for Teacher Education in Ghana but be the best College that ever executed its core mandates with much professionalism.
Report by: Ms. Constance Afriyie (College Secretary) and Ms. Genevieve Esinam Akuamoah (Assistant College Secretary)
