Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has concluded a transformative two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at advancing women in leadership and promoting work–life balance for female staff. The workshop, held on 13th and 14th November at the SRC Conference Room, brought together teaching and non-teaching staff for mentorship, career development sessions, and practical training.
Opening the programme, KsTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Gabriel Dwomoh urged women to prepare themselves for leadership roles across academia and administration. “Meaningful representation requires intentional learning, confidence, and readiness,” he said, stressing that women play a vital role in shaping the future of tertiary education.
The Registrar, Mr Ebenezer Boakye, described the initiative as crucial for institutional growth, noting that empowering women enhances both national progress and the effectiveness of the University. “We encourage participants to apply what they learn to increase their visibility and contributions within KsTU,” he added.
The workshop featured distinguished academics from KNUST, including Professor Ibok Oduro and Professor Mercy Badu, who reinforced the commitment of Ghanaian tertiary institutions to gender inclusivity, mentorship, and professional advancement.
A highlight of Day One was the keynote address by Ing. Professor Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah, who stressed that leadership opportunities require preparation. “The provisions of the Affirmative Action Bill become meaningless if qualified women are not available to fill reserved positions,” she noted, urging staff to pursue higher qualifications, increase research output, and set clear career targets.
Participants also engaged in sessions on work–life balance, identity, motivation, and networking, with Professors Oduro and Badu emphasising collaboration, advocacy, and the importance of building strong professional networks.
Day Two expanded on practical career skills, including a session by Deputy Registrar Dr. Jenkins on Policy Literacy, highlighting how understanding institutional policies and promotion criteria can enhance career advancement. Professor Oduro also addressed challenges women face in balancing work ambitions with family life, encouraging open communication, negotiation, and self-awareness.
A panel discussion provided participants with interactive guidance on navigating leadership while maintaining family and work balance, followed by a presentation on Personal and Institutional Action Planning by Mrs. Ama Kyerewaa Boakye-Nti, offering strategies to align personal goals with institutional expectations.
Participants described the workshop as empowering and immediately applicable, noting that it deepened their understanding of leadership and provided practical skills for professional growth.
Through the programme, KsTU has reaffirmed its commitment to building a gender-responsive academic community and plans to sustain similar initiatives to support women in leadership across the University.