The Human Resource Development Division of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has held a capacity-building workshop for newly appointed Deans and Heads of Department (HoDs) to enhance their administrative and leadership competencies.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asare-Nkansah, the Professorial Representative on the University Council, congratulated both new and continuing Deans and HoDs for their dedication to service. He underscored the need for academic leaders to be well-versed in the University’s processes and procedures.
“This annual workshop is designed to strengthen your leadership, management, and administrative capacities so you can effectively drive the University’s mandate,” he said.
Professor Asare-Nkansah encouraged participants to go beyond learning from facilitators and engage in peer learning and experience sharing. “Our departments may differ in dynamics, but as we interact and exchange ideas, we can learn from one another and form a united front to address shared challenges,” he added.
Representing the Registrar, Mr. Owusu-Ansah Debrah, Deputy Registrar at the Institute of Distance Learning, presented on The Roles and Responsibilities of Deans and Heads of Department. He noted that the department is the University’s basic administrative unit and that institutional success depends on how well departments are managed.
“As a Head of Department, you serve as the link between management and faculty. Our collective responsibility is to ensure the effective administration of the University’s academic life,” he said.
Mr. Debrah urged participants to familiarize themselves with key governance documents such as the Universities Act, KNUST Statutes, and other policy manuals that guide academic and administrative operations. He further advised regular departmental meetings, mentorship, and succession planning to sustain leadership continuity.
On Budgeting for Faculties and Departments, Mr. Godwin Boakye Antwi, a representative of the Finance Officer, emphasized prudent financial management, adherence to financial policies, and accountability in resource use.
“Budgeting gives direction, it tells you where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there,” he said. “Departments play a critical role in the University’s financial administration and must therefore be fully engaged in budget communication and implementation.”
He encouraged the use of the approved budgeting template and adherence to the KNUST Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual.
Mr. Emmanuel Ebo Ocran, Head of Payroll at the Finance Office, spoke on Validation of Staff for Salaries. He warned against delays or lapses in staff validation that could result in unearned salaries and announced a new system to tighten control.
“To strengthen financial accountability, the University is introducing a Staff Validation Portal, effective November 1, to allow Heads of Department to verify active staff monthly,” he said. “Hands-on training will be provided to ensure smooth implementation, with the goal of achieving 100% monthly validation and zero unearned salaries.”
Mr. Anthony Kuufare, Senior Assistant Registrar at the HRD Division, highlighted key issues Deans and HoDs must consider when assessing applications for appointment and promotion. He urged them to consult the University’s Recorder, which outlines their responsibilities in these processes.
“These roles are critical in the appointments and promotions exercise and must be diligently observed,” he stated.
Professor Daniel Adjei-Boateng, Head of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit, outlined procedures for accreditation and re-accreditation, emphasizing documentation, timely submission, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Participants were also encouraged to collaborate with the KNUST Career Services Centre to strengthen links between academia and industry.
