My Administration Will Continue to Promote the Welfare of FUSSAG Members-Daniel Arthur Egyir

The re-elected Chairman of the University of Cape Coast Chapter of the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), Mr. Daniel Arthur Egyir, has expressed the commitment of his administration to concentrate on promoting the welfare of members of the union. Mr. Egyir gave the assurance  at the Swearing-in and Hand Over Ceremony for the newly elected FUSSAG executives at  Auditorium 900, College of Education Lecture Theatre Complex. Highlighting some of his achievements during his past tenure as chairman of FUSSAG, Mr. Egyir pointed out that his administration initiated several welfare packages to help members of the Union, adding that “notable among them is the free medical scheme”.  He explained that senior staff could now access free medical care and present the prescription for drugs without paying any fee. He indicated that FUSSAG and the Teachers and Education Workers’ Union (TEWU) would soon introduce a package in the form of subsidy to cushion both senior and junior staff in the payment of their children’s school fees. The Chairman of FUSSAG  called for the support of members of the union to assist him and his executives, to effectively execute the mandate they had willingly assigned him. He said the era where union leaders adopted confrontational approach to address grievances was no more and therefore, they would always engage management and the government to negotiate and re-negotiate for improved conditions of service.  He also encouraged members to upgrade themselves, adding that “I’m happy to note that most of the senior staff are pursuing various higher degree and professional programmes.” The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro, who was the guest speaker for the ceremony, commended FUSSAG for creating a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research in the University. He noted that the University’s inability to recruit additional staff had implication on the workload of all categories of staff.  “We are aware of the situation on the ground and management appreciates your commitment to duty.” he said. Prof. Oduro advised the executives to resort to the right channel of communication when dealing with management and their members on issues that affect their welfare and that of the University. He called for mutual respect for all members of the union, especially the executives, stressing that “together you can make the best out of every situation and give out your ultimate responsibility in whatever capacity you find yourself”. The Director, Directorate of Human Resources, Dr. Kwaku Gyasi Badu, who chaired the ceremony, said FUSSAG represents the middle manpower of the University. He said management and the various unions on campus must work together to promote the vision and mission of the University. He advised the newly elected leaders to exhibit a high sense of professionalism, selflessness and commitment to duty and also encourage their members to be hardworking. Dr. Gyasi Badu later administered the oath of office on the newly-elected leaders of FUSSAG.  Prof. Oduro also swore the elected representatives of the various constituents in the University into office, while Mr. Emmanuel Aidoo, who is a former secretary of FUSSAG and currently Junior Assistant Registrar at the Directorate of Academic Affairs, inducted the members of the Women’s Committee into office. Representatives of other unions that were present at the ceremony also gave solidarity messages. The unions were FUSSAG, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Polytechnic Staff Association-National (POSA) and TEWU, UCC.