Aburi: Professor Vera Fiador at the University of Ghana Business School has been elected as the new National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at its 22nd Biennial Congress in Aburi. Other executives elected include Reverend Dr Ebenezer T. Amanor-Lartey as the vice president, Prof Gladys A.A. Nabieu as the treasurer, Dr Samuel Segla as the secretary, and Dr Rosemary Anderson Akolaa as the women’s commissioner. The new executive will serve a two-year term as outlined in their constitution.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Congress focused on the theme: ‘Rethinking Higher Education Pedagogy and Funding in the Age of AI: Ethics, Equity and Development Impact’. In her speech, Prof Fiador expressed gratitude to the members for their confidence in her leadership and committed to working with stakeholders to improve their conditions of service. She emphasized the association’s commitment to producing students who contribute to national development.

Prof Fiador highlighted the importance of data-driven research for policy decisions, stating that research must be applied for effective outcomes. She expressed the intention to collaborate with stakeholders to transform research into impactful results. Prof Fiador urged for a national approach to sustainable development, free from political influence, and called for consistent funding for universities to fulfill their roles effectively.

She also pledged to enhance collaboration between academia and industry to address industry needs and promote socio-economic development. Acknowledging the issue of illegal mining, Prof Fiador assured the public of the association’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns. She concluded by emphasizing the need for collective action to improve the association’s impact and contribute solutions to societal challenges.