The newly constituted Governing Council of the Valley View University (VVU) has been tasked to uphold the University’s mission, safeguard its financial sustainability, and maintain a clear distinction between policy oversight and operational management.
Dr Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Director of Education of the General Conference, the apex body of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church worldwide, gave the charge at an orientation workshop for the newly appointed Council, chaired by Pastor Jonathan Owusu, with Pastor Adeefe Kwakye as Vice Chairman.
The members include Dr Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chair of the Public Services Commission, Dr Stephen Ameyaw, Mr Kobina Holman, Dr Patricia Asamoah Gustafson, Mr Ebenezer Owusu Amo, Lawyer Daniel Ameley, and Mr Augustine Acheampong.
The others are Professor Daniel Ganu, Vice-Chancellor of VVU, Mr Godfred Mawutor, Mr Samuel Yaw Boateng, Mrs Clara Taylor, Mr Justice Laryea, the President of the Students’ Representative Council, and Mr Courage Amedzorneku.
A statement from the University, copied to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday said the orientation workshop provided intensive training on the responsibilities of Council members as stewards of one of Ghana’s pioneering private universities.
Dr Beardsley-Hardy noted that such orientation programmes, conducted at the beginning of each five-year Council term, were indispensable for aligning members with international best practices in higher education governance.
She underscored the centrality of student welfare in all Council deliberations, stressing that governance must ultimately enhance the learning experience.
She said Council members served as custodians of the institutional mission, with oversight responsibilities spanning financial management, academic quality, and policy coherence to ensure regulatory compliance and the overall well-being of students.
In outlining the ethical and professional foundations of Council service, Dr Beardsley-Hardy highlighted the principles of duty of loyalty and duty of care.
She urged members to approach their roles with a fiduciary mindset, akin to guardians of the institution, committed to fostering an enabling environment in which students could thrive.
She cautioned against conflicts of interest, stressing the need to prioritise institutional interests above personal considerations.
Dr Beardsley-Hardy commended VVU for its leadership in sustainability initiatives, describing the University as a trailblazer among Adventist institutions worldwide.
Prof, Daniel Ganu, the Vice-Chancellor, VVU, said the Council comprised a diverse mix of professionals from academia and industry.
“The membership reflects expertise across human resource management, public administration, law, academia, entrepreneurship, public relations, engineering, finance, and the clergy,” he said.
Professor Ganu explained that a key objective of the training was to clearly delineate the roles of the Governing Council and University Management.
He noted that the Council’s mandate included the approval of institutional policies, academic programmes, and senior members’ appointments, rather than the day-to-day administration of the University.
He emphasised the importance of confidentiality, noting that decisions must be guided exclusively by the best interests of the University.
He reiterated that the University’s mission was grounded in holistic education – encompassing academic, social, physical, and spiritual development – aimed at producing well-rounded graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the workforce and society.