The Deputy Director of Jackson Educational Complex, Mr. Daniel Jackson has called for a change in attitude by civil servants to erase the negative perception about the public service. He said there is the need for initiative, productivity, result oriented and a client-cantered approach to sustain institutions in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. Jackson gave this advice at the opening of this year’s Summer School for Senior Staff. This year’s Summer School was on the theme: ‘Action Towards KNUST’s Mandate at 70 and Beyond’. He was making a presentation on Improving productivity and visibility through the SDGs.
Mr. Jackson said that there should be innovation by institutions to serve and keep diverse customers as society is constantly changing with technology. He was of the view that institutions are there to minimise losses and to maximize profits within the available resources. He therefore called for self-management which helps in managing time and resources effectively. He also reminded staff of the University of competition from other institutions. According to him, the SDGs are all interrelated and cannot be isolated. “Having decent work and economic growth would help to eradicate poverty. Again, people can afford good food to ensure zero hunger, which would also promote good health and well-being, as well as enable people to have quality education”, he said.
In his view workers can negotiate for fair wages when there is productivity and customer satisfaction. He was hopeful that participants will be able to use the SDG framework to improve the operations in the various sections of the University.
Speaking on the theme: “University Operations and the SDGs”, Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. Matthew Amoako said the United Nations (UN) in their bid to transform the world, adopted the SDGs at a UN Summit. Mr. Amoako said that education is one of the most powerful tools in eradicating poverty. He commended KNUST for establishing other campuses outside Kumasi in bringing education to the doorstep of others.
Mr. Amoako said KNUST through its outreach programmes and other income generating activities have provided decent work and economic growth in meeting Goal 8, and Goal 2 of Zero Hunger through some projects undertaken by some colleges.
On Goal 3 of Good Health and Well-Being, Mr. Amoako commended the efforts of the University through the University Health Services as well as community outreach health events undertaken by faculty and students in health-related courses. He advised participants to adhere to the Covid-19 safety protocols in promoting good health.
The University also operates a congenial environment for all taking into consideration persons with special needs in meeting Goal 5 on Gender and Equality and Goal 10. Still on Gender Equality he commended the efforts of the University for appointing Dr. Mrs. Rita Dickson, a female as a Vice-Chancellor. Again, he said over the years, KNUST’s admission of students from less endowed schools as well as providing scholarships especially with the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme also meets Goals 1,4,5, as well as 10.
On Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, he also thanked management for ensuring access to potable water on the whole campus as well as ensuring a clean and green environment. He further commended staff for their contributions in maintaining the environment.
He also mentioned the recent signing of a memorandum of Understanding between the Okyeman and KNUST in building sustainable cities and communities in meeting SDG 11. Mr. Amoako also said the University has zero tolerance for violence and subscribes to the SDG 16 for peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
On the way forward, he called for more partnerships by bringing on board students and equipping them with the requisite skills, knowledge, creating more opportunities for inclusion to contribute to the attainment of the SDGs.
Head of the Quality Assurance and Planning Unit, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, noted that the Summer School brings together staff of KNUST and their affiliate institutions. The summer school aims to enhance their knowledge in implementing the SDGs to improve the quality of their work in promoting quality higher education in Ghana. He added that this year’s event is being organized in collaboration with the Germans and Clean Africa.
