The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA)–KNUST has celebrated its members who are retiring in the 2024/2025 academic year. The ceremony, held during the association’s general meeting, was filled with tributes, reflections, and tokens of appreciation.

The GAUA-KNUST President Mr Festus Nyame explained that the event was not only to conclude the year’s activities but also to specially acknowledge the contributions of long-serving members.

“This year, we had the largest number of retirees, Sixteen in all. Some have served for over 19, 25 years and even close to 40 years. As part of our tradition, we honour all retiring members with a party, cake cutting, and a token of appreciation. This year’s celebration was extra special because of the numbers,” he said.

He further urged members of the association to continue working together for the advancement of the university.

“GAUA plays a central role in the administrative life of KNUST. We play a key role in the implementation of decisions and policies of management and council, and our members are key to the smooth running of the university. I encourage all members to give their best for the realization of the university’s vision,” he added.

Some of the retirees also shared reflections on their career journeys and offered words of encouragement to colleagues still in active service.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Dominic Nti Buabeng, a Senior Assistant Registrar who joined KNUST in 1997 and served in several departments including Finance, Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Development Office, and Directorate of Student Affairs, reflected on his long career.

“Every department is unique with its own culture, and working at KNUST has been a great opportunity to learn, grow, and serve. I enjoyed every bit of my journey, from organising inter-university games to serving bereaved families through the Student Affairs Office. I believe I gave my best in every role,” he noted.

Another retiree, Mr. Augustine Aning-Kyeremeh, a Junior Assistant Registrar at the KNUST Obuasi Campus, described the honour as memorable.

“I did not expect today’s recognition, and it is such an exciting moment. On behalf of all the retirees, I wish to thank GAUA-KNUST members sincerely for this honour.

We advice colleagues still in active service to give their very best because, at the end of the day, there will be a day of reckoning,” he said.

Other retirees include Dr Joseph Abu-Sakyi; Dr Kofi Appiah-Koranteng; Dr Charles Kwabena Boadu; Mr Maxwell Agyemang-Yeboah; Mr Simon Yaw Boribah; Mr Matthew Kwabena Okrah; Mr Eric Oti-Attah; Mr Yaw Owusu-Asamoah; Mr George Sarfo; Mr Richard Yankyerah; Mrs Ayisha Issah Braimah; Mrs Gifty Opoku-Amankwa; Mrs Juliana Opoku Nyarko and Mr Kennedy Obiri-Yeboah.

The celebration was marked by the cutting of a cake in honour of the retirees and the presentation of envelopes as tokens of appreciation.

Members recognised on recent promotion

The Association has recognised members who have recently earned promotions to higher administrative ranks in the university.

The recognition held part of the association’s agenda during its General Meeting, highlighted the achievements of members who had advanced to positions including Deputy Registrar, Senior Registrar, Assistant Registrar, and Senior Accountant.

The gesture, according to the President of GAUA-KNUST Festus Nyame, was to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of members whose professional growth continues to strengthen the administrative arm of the university. “As an association, we take pride in the progress of our members. Promotions are not only personal achievements but also reflect the quality and diligence of administrators at KNUST. We celebrate you today as role models and encourage others to keep striving for higher heights,” he said.

Promoted members in the Registrar's Offices include Mrs. Oluwakemi Abisola Titiloye - Deputy Registrar; Dr. Joseph Asamoah-Gyawu - Deputy Registrar; Mrs. Mavis Osei-Boateng - Senior Assistant Registrar; Mr. Abraham Adusei - Senior Assistant Registrar; and Mr. Anthony Kuufare - Senior Assistant Registrar

Members from the Finance Office also included Mrs. Catherine Acquah - Deputy Finance Officer; Mrs. Ruby Owusu-Ansah - Deputy Finance Officer; Mr. Abdulai Suglo - Deputy Finance Office; Mr. Nashiru Karimu - Senior Accountant; Mr. Evans Owusu Apau - Senior Accountant; Mr. Stephen Osei Bobie - Senior Accountant; Mr. Ibrahim Jamil Badu - Senior Accountant; Mr. Eric Kaning Koduah - Senior Accountant; Mrs. Ellen Awotwi - Senior Accountant; Dr Kwabena Ampong, Senior Accountant

Additionally, Miss Lesley Asmah - Senior Assistant Estate Officer at the Estate Organisation.

Beneficiaries of the recognition expressed appreciation to the association for the honour and pledged their continued contribution to the effective development of the university.

The General Meeting also provided a platform to discuss key matters affecting members and the future direction of the association.