The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has expressed concern over the worsening conditions of service in Ghana's public universities, which are driving away professionals who previously found the sector attractive. According to General Secretary of GAUA, Charles Kwadwo Aidoo, the association is struggling to attract and retain professionals across various fields, with some positions now going unfilled despite repeated recruitment efforts. This has significant implications for the effective administration and delivery of services in Ghana's public universities.
The GAUA membership comprises a diverse range of professionals, including medical doctors, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, lawyers, chartered accountants, finance directors, architects, surveyors, human resource professionals, registrars, and other managerial and professional staff. However, Aidoo stated that deteriorating conditions of service are making university appointments less appealing to these professionals. As a result, highly skilled professionals are now declining appointments, which was not the case in the past.
The university sector was previously an attractive destination for professionals, but this situation is changing. Aidoo noted that doctors, in particular, are now hesitant to accept appointments. The challenge is also evident in the recruitment of senior and top-level managerial personnel, where universities sometimes advertise vacancies but struggle to attract suitable candidates. This has raised concerns about the long-term implications for the sector.
Aidoo emphasized that the inability to attract and retain professionals could have serious implications for the effective administration and delivery of services in Ghana's public universities. The concerns raised by GAUA form part of the broader issues that have been repeatedly raised with the government. These concerns have contributed to the association's decision to resort to industrial action.
The GAUA has been vocal about the challenges facing the sector and has taken steps to address these issues. Aidoo's comments on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem highlight the severity of the situation. The association's struggles to attract and retain professionals are a clear indication of the need for urgent attention to the conditions of service in Ghana's public universities.
The situation in Ghana's public universities is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the government and other stakeholders. The GAUA's concerns are not limited to the recruitment of professionals but also the retention of existing staff. The association's efforts to address these challenges are crucial to ensuring the effective administration and delivery of services in the sector.
The GAUA's call for improved conditions of service is a critical step towards addressing the brain drain of professionals in Ghana's public universities. The association's efforts to engage with the government and other stakeholders are essential to finding a solution to this challenge. Ultimately, the fate of Ghana's public universities depends on the ability to attract and retain professionals who can drive excellence in education and research.
Key points
- GAUA cites worsening conditions of service as reason for brain drain of professionals in Ghana's public universities.
- The association is struggling to attract and retain professionals across various fields, including medical doctors, pharmacists, and lawyers.
- The situation has significant implications for the effective administration and delivery of services in Ghana's public universities.
