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UPSA hosts International Women’s Day Convention
Black women in academia continue to navigate a complex landscape marked by invisible rules, shifting expectations and systemic inequities, speakers at the International Women’s Day Convention hosted by the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), have said.
The event organised in collaboration with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Department of Business Administration and the Women’s Executive Office of UTAG, brought together professors and scholars from various institutions who highlighted the experiences of black female academics.
They shed light on both the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to thrive.
Speakers at the day’s event which was organised under the theme: ‘navigating the academic academy as black woman,’ were Prof. Krish Marsh, Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland, USA; Dr Natalie Williams, Associate Professor of Speech Communication; Prof. Cadace Moore, Professor of Clinical Psychology; and Prof. Helen Arkorful, Former Dean of Evening School, UPSA.
One of the key issues raised was the existence of ‘unwritten rules’ within academic institutions.
According to Prof. Marsh, these informal expectations often differ from person to person and are rarely communicated clearly, leaving Black women at a disadvantage.
“There is no clear guideline, the expectations keep shifting it’s a moving target. What is acceptable today may not be acceptable tomorrow, and that uncertainty can be exhausting,” she explained.
At the event, Professor Marsh also highlighted how performance expectations are interpreted differently depending on race and gender.
She recounted being labelled ‘arrogant’ and ‘unapproachable’ for meeting publication targets, standards that were typically praised when achieved by their white male counterparts.
Prof. Moore noted that academia, historically structured without women and particularly Black women in mind, often imposes disproportionate scrutiny on their work and behaviour.
She said while women were frequently called upon to represent diversity and excellence, they are simultaneously overlooked for opportunities such as promotions, grants and recognition.
“You are asked to show up and showcase your achievements so the institution can celebrate diversity,” another participant said. “But when it comes to decision-making, funding or advancement, you are often overlooked.”
Prof. Moore underscored the importance of self-care and maintaining a sense of identity beyond academia.
“There is no award for being the most burnt-out woman; you have to protect your peace,” she added.
Prof. Akorful stressed the need to intentionally support and uplift other Black women, particularly students, by sharing knowledge and experiences.
“I make it a point to pass on everything I’ve learned; if I can prepare the next Black woman so she doesn’t have to struggle the way I did, then that’s part of my responsibility,” Prof. Arkorful said.
Prof. William stated that networking beyond one’s department was also critical, adding that building relationships across institutions and disciplines can open doors to opportunities and provide support systems when challenges arise.
She called a clear understanding of institutional policies, warning that informal practices are often misrepresented as official rules.
“Prof. Williams said it was important to know the written policies, stating that sometimes what people call ‘policy’ is simply tradition.
“When you understand the actual rules, you can challenge unfair practices.” she said.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, has praised engineers and technical teams working to restore electricity after a fire at the Akosombo Substation disrupted power supply.
He said this after visiting the facility on Monday night to assess ongoing repair works following the incident, which affected the control room and caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts of power to the national grid.
During the visit, he interacted with engineers and technicians who have been working continuously under difficult conditions to restore operations.
He said he was impressed by their dedication, courage, and professionalism despite the challenges.
The minister commended the teams for their resilience and sacrifice, noting that their efforts reflect a strong sense of duty and commitment to national service.
He assured them of the government’s full support as they continue with the restoration work.
He also assured the public that authorities are doing everything possible to restore stable electricity supply as soon as possible.
By: Jacob Aggrey
