The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has urged its newly recruited employees to embrace collaboration, problem-solving, and a strong sense of purpose as the institution continues to strengthen its structures and pursue its strategic vision.
The call was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, during the university’s orientation programme for new employees on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the university auditorium.
A total of forty-six (46) new employees made up of twenty-five (25) Teaching Senior Members, nine (9) Non-Teaching/Professional Senior Members, one (1) Senior Staff, three (3) Administrative Assistants, two (2) Drivers and six (6) Security Guards have joined the UniMAC Community.
Welcoming the employees, Prof. Mensah described UniMAC as an “old but new institution”, noting that while it has an established history, it is still developing systems and structures to support its growth and long-term ambitions.
He encouraged staff to look beyond their monthly salaries and recognise the wider purpose of their work. “Why do we come to work? Is it for salary?” he asked, urging employees to make meaningful contributions towards the university’s strategic vision.
Prof. Mensah challenged the new employees to leave a lasting mark on the institution—one they could look back on with pride and say they had helped build during their time at UniMAC. He said the challenges that come with developing a growing university should be viewed as opportunities to contribute to its progress and shape its future.
He also encouraged employees to build productive working relationships with teaching and non-teaching staff, learn about their colleagues’ research interests and areas of expertise, and identify opportunities for collaboration. He urged them to exercise sound judgement in workplace relationships and make use of available institutional support for professional development.
Orientation covers institutional history, policies and professional conduct.
The Orientation programme, organised by the Training and Development Unit of the Directorate of Human Resources, was designed to seep the new employees in UniMAC’s history, governance, administrative structures, human resource procedures and expectations for professional conduct.
Following Prof. Opoku Mensah’s welcome address, Prof. Modestus Fosu, Director of the Quality Assurance and Academic Planning Directorate, presented on the university’s history, the UniMAC Act, its statutes and organisational structure.
Mrs. Harriet Akua Karikari, the Internal Auditor at the Institute of Film and Television, facilitated a session on work ethics and the staff code of conduct, highlighting professionalism and accountability.
Dr. Mrs. Eleanor Araba Antwi, Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Augustine Opoku Agyemang, Head of Welfare and Compensation, followed with a presentation on human resource processes and procedures at UniMAC.
Mrs. Eleanor Araba Antwi, Director of HR (left) and Mr. Augustine Opoku Agyemang (right), Head of Welfare and Compensation Making their Presentations
Ms. Nana Efua Rockson, Director of Public Affairs, spoke on UniMAC’s branding and communication, stressing the need for all staff to be good ambassadors of UniMAC and help build a reputable brand for individual and collective pride.
Mrs. Lydia Nyantaky-Baah, the University Librarian, led a session on the university’s Anti Sexual Harassment Policy. The sessions introduced employees to tenets of policy and the professional conduct and standard expected from each staff member.
The afternoon programme featured sessions tailored to different staff categories. Prof. Christiana Hammond, Rector of UniMAC-IJ, engaged the new senior academic members on a topic dubbed, “Teaching in Higher Education, Research and Community Service”. She highlighted the policies and standards available to guide their smooth transition into UniMAC’s faculty and how their contributions would to the attainment of the university’s mission.
For senior administrative and professional members, Dr. Obaapanin Adu Oforiwaa, Acting Registrar, discussed the topic, “The Responsibilities of an Administrator”. She highlighted the important role of administrators in the operational functioning of the University and guided the new members through the essentials of ‘before, during and after meetings’, as well as, the university’s administrative structure and communication channels.
Dr. Isaac Tandoh, the Dean of Student Affairs, facilitated a session for senior and junior staff on “Customer Service and Role Boundaries”. The discussion focused on effective service delivery and the importance of understanding professional responsibilities towards the attainment of their respective units’/departments/ faculty/directorates’ operational successes.
Union representatives also addressed conditions of service and appointment and promotion criteria relevant to different staff categories. The presentation covered the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), the Senior Staff Association of the University of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU). It gave participants an opportunity to better understand the employment conditions and professional progression frameworks applicable to them.
Ms. Rachael Efua Aidoo, a Junior Assistant Registrar at the Directorate of General Administration and Consular Services (GACS) moderated the entire orientation programme. She facilitated an open forum after all the presentations and allowed participants to raise questions and discuss issues arising from the sessions. Senior Members present at the session provided the needed clarifications and answers to questions.
The programme ended with high hopes and a sense of commitment to support the vision and strategic plans of UniMAC. Delivering the closing remarks, the Acting Registrar, Dr. Obaapanin Oforiwaa Adu urged the new staff to be examples of professionalism. She urged them to live the UniMAC brand and leave a lasting legacy. On their growth trajectory, she advised them to “publish or perish” and collaborate with all – teaching and non-teaching/professional – for fruitful teamwork and success.
Building UniMAC for the future
The orientation brought together sessions on institutional governance, professional ethics, human resource administration, communication, workplace conduct, academic responsibilities, customer service and conditions of service. Collectively, the sessions helped new employees understand their roles, navigate the university’s systems and how to contribute effectively to its operations.
Prof. Mensah’s message underscored the responsibility employees share in shaping an institution whose structures and future continue to develop. As UniMAC works towards its strategic objectives, staff are the valuable resource expected to deliver on key objectives. They are not only to fulfil their day-to-day duties but also to take initiative, collaborate across departments and help address the challenges of institutional growth.
The university’s expectation is that the contributions of its employees will strengthen its foundations and help build an institution whose achievements and legacy endure for generations.
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Drafted By: Betty Gillian Anang
Level 300 Student, UniMAC-IJ