The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has inaugurated an Internationalization Committee at a short ceremony held at Legon.
The Committee has as its Chairman, Professor Chris Gordon, Director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies. Other members are Professor John Ofosu-Anim, Dean of the School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences; Mr. Richard Okyere Boapea, Director of Finance; Mrs. Mercy Haizel Ashia, Director of the Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate; Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Eric Kwasi Ofori, School of Allied Health Sciences; Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Director of Regional Institute of Population Studies and Professor Naa Ayikailey Adamafio, Dean of International Programmes.
In his opening remarks, Professor Ernest Aryeetey who chaired the ceremony expressed the hope that the Committee will develop policies and strategies that will help renew the interest of international students in the University and also help feed the University’s broader goal of achieving higher international students’ participation in its programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor among other things urged the members to deliberate on ways to offer training to individuals on how to manage international affairs, advise University management on becoming relevant in global affairs and organize conferences and workshops which will offer the students an opportunity to network internationally whiles maintaining ongoing relationships with colleagues.
The Chairman of the Committee, Professor Chris Gordon in his response, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the confidence reposed in the members of the Committee. He was optimistic that the Committee will live up to its mandate. He added that they will ensure the University of Ghana always has a competitive advantage over other universities in terms of fees and value for money.
Quoting the recent achievement of the University in terms of web presence globally, Professor Gordon said University’s rankings have improved significantly, from a position of 5700 in 2007 to 1700 in 2012. He was of the view that this will further reduce if funds are churned towards improving the University’s website to fit a world class status.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor John Gyapong advised that as a starter, the Committee looks at the revamping of the University’s website and make it more marketable to attract more International students.
The Dean of International Programmes, Professor Naa Ayikailey Adamafio, said that the Committee must be committed to signing agreements with international universities which will portray the University as an academic hub rather than a hide out for social vices, adding that stricter disciplinary actions must be enforced to curb misconduct of international students on the University campus.
Other members who spoke, urged the Committee to consider the setting up of international alumni networks which will serve as fundraisers, internationalize the various faculties and provide housing facilities to international employees.
The committee had its inaugural meeting afterwards.
Also Present at the inauguration was the Registrar, Mr. J.M. Budu.
