It’s Official: Legon Leadership Academy Has Been Launched

The University of Ghana has launched the Legon Leadership Academy (LLA), which was approved by the University Council back in September 2023. The formation of the LLA was announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as part of her vision for the University, during her induction into office.

The LLA is a development initiative that seeks to broaden the leadership capacity of faculty, staff and students in the University to enhance their contributions to UG’s growth.

Chairing the event, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo said,

“During my inaugural speech in October 2021 when I was inducted as the 13th Executive Head of this prestigious University, I announced that, I will translate my passion for leadership development to help groom the next generation of leaders at UG.

“This objective was to be accomplished through a meritorious programme focused on honing the skills of a cadre of potential leaders by providing structured leadership and management training programmes and actively involving them in university governance and management. This programme was to be delivered through a special-purpose mechanism, the Legon Leadership Academy (LLA).”

The Vice-Chancellor, also added that, the broad aim of the Legon Leadership Academy is to build the capacities of University of Ghana office holders, newly appointed personnel, potential leaders and selected students in tailored programmes relevant to the objectives of the University, to enable them function effectively in their current and future leadership roles.

Prof. Amfo explained that, as a student-centered institution aimed at developing transformational leaders who will drive the development agenda in Ghana and beyond, the LLA which also focuses on nurturing students’ leadership capabilities to complement the numerous systems and structures already in place (including internship and mentorship programmes) to ensure the holistic development of our future leaders.

“With the rich blend and diverse array of carefully selected modules to be covered by experienced facilitators, Management anticipates that the face of leadership here, at the University of Ghana, will be exponentially transformed and this will have a ripple effect on other tertiary institutions. Additionally, it will facilitate a smooth transition to strategic roles and succession planning as well”, she emphasised.

Ing. Frederick Attakumah- the Executive Vice-President and Country Director, Asante Gold Corporation & Vice-President of Ghana Chamber of Mines, also expressed the belief that the launch of the LLA marked the beginning of a new era in leadership development, not only for the University of Ghana, but indeed the country as a whole.

He spoke about the importance of ethical leadership and developing leaders’ character as a foundation for organisational success.

“The truth is, our going and getting there will not only be dependent on visionary leadership, but critically also on ethical leadership. Otherwise, we run the risk of being unable to maintain our position, even after we arrive at our destination” he said.

Ing. Attakumah was confident that beyond the esteemed boundaries of the University, the LLA will also significantly contribute to the development of transformational, ethical and pragmatic leadership within corporate Ghana. He, therefore, urged all organisations to proactively prioritise leadership development and seize the exceptional opportunity that the LLA presents.

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In performing the official launch of the initiative, Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, Member of the University Council and Special Guest of the occasion, stressed that leadership training needs to go beyond academics.

During her speech at the event, Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, Member of the University Council also added her voice:

‘‘Leaders today need to be prepared, not just with knowledge and skills, but also with a deep understanding of global and local challenges. They must be equipped to lead with integrity, foresight and a profound sense of duty. Leadership training and the modern age demand a blend of theory and practical application, which is why the LLA will be focused on real-world scenarios, ensuring that our future leaders are prepared for the challenges they will face in the real world,” she elucidated.

In a brief remarks, Prof. Gordon Senanu Kwame Adika, Team Lead of the LLA Implementation Team and Dean, School of Education and Leadership also urged all to embrace the motto of the Legon Leadership Academy, “Leading with Integrity, Safeguarding our Future”.

He further gave the overview of modules that the Leadership Academy will offer to help cultivate leadership skills and competencies at different levels of the university community.

“The initiative has ten sample training modules: Financial Leadership, Public Finance Management Act, HE Structure & UG Management Structure, Leaders Role & Growth Structure, Performance Management in Higher Education Settings, Core Leadership Competencies, Strategy Development, Implementation & Leadership, 21st Century Leadership Skills, Public Procurement Act and Integrity & Reputation Management”.

The event was attended by four former Vice-chancellors; Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr; Emeritus Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah; Emeritus Professor Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe and Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey.

Also present were some high-ranking public officials including Rear Admiral Moses Kodjo Beick-Baffour, Former Commandant, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC); Brigadier General Timothy Tifucro Ba-Taa-Banah, Director, Ghana Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre and Director of Operations Ministry of National Security and Bishop Eric Kwapong, Eric Kwapong Ministries/Thamani Global.

Also in attendance were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, some Provosts, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Representatives of employee associations, staff and students.

Credit: UG News