The Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, on Tuesday, 28th November 2023 organised a forum with faculty members to discuss issues related to working together to make the School more vibrant, inclusive and visible. Mrs. Emelia Nartey, the School Administrator, delivered the opening prayer and welcome message, after which she introduced the team from the Office of the Dean. In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, lauded the Dean, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke for championing this initiative. He noted that the programme quite appropriately touched on all the key elements necessary for running the school successfully. The Provost then touched on key areas of faculty promotion and development, teaching and learning and student experience. Prof. Ofori implored faculty who apply for promotion to take time to fully complete their forms for assessment by their Heads of Department (HODs). He also entreated HODs to take time to get to know their members and their body of work to enable them to give a fair assessment. The Provost further encouraged Associate Professors to aim to complete the cycle and not rest on their oars. Additionally, he raised the issue of the late release of student results and beseeched faculty to try as much as possible to release results within the University's stipulated period. In his conclusion, Prof. Ofori appealed to the faculty to get some much-needed rest. This would prevent them from acquiring stress-related diseases, which would have a negative impact on their health and productivity.

Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities giving his remarks.

In her presentation, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences shared her vision and mission for the School with faculty. She also touched on a number of issues that are pivotal to the growth and advancement of the School, including how to enhance teaching and learning excellence in order to attract and admit more students, obtain internship opportunities to train and mentor students to prepare them for the world of work, recruit more faculty members and manage the financial resources of the School effectively and efficiently. She then concluded by imploring all faculty members to get themselves and their students involved in activities of the School, in order to enhance its vibrancy, inclusiveness and visibility. 

Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Dean, School of Social Sciences.

Presentations were then made by heads of units within the School on key topics relevant to faculty and the overall advancement of the School. They included Prof. William Baah-Boateng, Head, Department of Economics who presented on 'Promotions (Successes, Challenges, and the Metrics System)' and 'Leveraging on Alternative Income Streams: Sourcing Funds to Support Infrastructure, Scholarships, and other Activities in the School of Social Sciences'; Prof. Adote Anum, Head, Department of Psychology, presented on the 'Grading of Examination Scripts and Uploading of Results'; Dr. Augustina Naami, Head,  Department of Social Work, presented on 'Students' Advising and Students' Evaluation of Lecturers' and Dr. Sulemana Anamzoya, Head, Department of Sociology, presented on 'Thesis Supervision and Uploading of Results: The Role of Supervisors and Examiners'. While Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, Head, Department of Geography and Resource Development and Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, Head, Department of Political Science presented on, 'Inter-Disciplinary Collaborations (Grants, Research, Publications, Mentorship, and other Activities)' and 'Raising Funds and Connecting with Our Alumni to Support Academic Awards / Prizes and other Student-Centred Activities' , respectively. 

Speakers seated at the event, from left to right: Dr. Augustina Naami, Head, Department of Social Work; Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities; Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences; Prof. William Baah-Boateng, Head, Department of Economics; Prof. Adote Anum, Head, Department of Psychology and Dr. Sulemana Anamzoya, Head, Department of Sociology.

Speakers seated at the event, from left to right: Dr. Augustina Naami, Head, Department of Social Work; Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities; Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences; Prof. William Baah-Boateng, Head, Department of Economics; Prof. Adote Anum, Head, Department of Psychology and Dr. Sulemana Anamzoya, Head, Department of Sociology.

Presentations were also made by Prof. Kwaku Oppong Asante, Department of Psychology and Dr. Austin Ablo, Department of Geography and Resource Development (Editors of the School of Social Sciences Journal), Prof. Edward Nketia-Amponsah (Conference Chair, Department of Economics), as well as Dr. Rosina Foli, Department of Political Science and Mr. Samuel Ashirifi, School ICT Officer. This was followed by a session for contributions, questions and answers from participants, which yielded very impactful insights. Present at the forum were faculty members from the six Departments within the School of Social Sciences, staff from the office of the Dean of the School of Social Sciences and some staff from the Office of the Provost. The forum took place at the Kofi-Drah Conference Room, Department of Political Science, University of Ghana. 

A cross-section of participants at the event.