Ag. Director of the Institutional Advancement Directorate (InAD), Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, has described as strategic, the collaborative meeting with Ms Christine Gaulis of the Board of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (Direction Générale de l’Enseignement Supérieur – DGES), Canton of Vaud in Switzerland.
The meeting, hosted by InAD, in partnership with the International Programmes Office (IPO), on Thursday, 31st October 2025, convened various Deans and Directors from across the University to explore opportunities for international collaboration and global engagement in higher education and research, which are core components of InAD’s mandate.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, Acting Director of InAD, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that enhance academic excellence and institutional advancement. “We at InAD are excited about this meeting, as it strategically aligns with our unique mandate to become the University's engine for institutional visibility, agility, and global engagement,” he stated.
Professor Nicholas Dzifa Dayie, Acting Dean of the International Programmes Office, highlighted the University’s longstanding tradition of international collaborations that yield mutual benefits. He emphasised IPO’s role in promoting study abroad programmes, facilitating faculty, staff, and student mobility, and ensuring that foreign students experience Ghanaian culture during their time at the University.
Ms Gaulis shared insights into the mandates, history, and recent achievements of Swiss universities, noting their alignment with the University of Ghana’s strategic goals. She emphasised the potential for future partnerships that reflect the priorities of both institutions.
The meeting featured strategic presentations from representatives of various academic units, including the UG Medical School, Ghana Dental School, School of Nursing, School of Agriculture, School of Engineering, Department of Mathematics, and the University of Ghana Hospital. Each unit showcased its academic programmes, research priorities, and potential areas for collaboration with institutions in Switzerland.
Ms Gaulis described the relationship between Ghana and Switzerland as unique and complementary, noting Ghana’s youthful population and strong emphasis on community and family values. “I see huge potential for all the universities in Switzerland. I will do my best to transmit your presentations to the right people. I look forward to a great working relationship, and I believe this meeting is the first of many to come,” she said.
The meeting concluded with a guided tour of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), where Dr Christian Owoo, Director of the Medical Training & Simulation Centre, briefed Ms Gaulis on the Centre’s capabilities and opportunities for collaboration.
This engagement marks a significant step in strengthening the University’s international partnerships and advancing its global engagement agenda through strategic collaboration with higher education institutions in Switzerland.
