UEW Holds Capacity-Building Workshop for Maintenance Staff; Honours Retirees
The Division of Human Resources (HR) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) organised a one-day capacity-building training workshop for maintenance staff on Monday, 29th September 2025, at the Students' Centre Seminar Room III, Winneba.
The training, which brought together electricians, masons, carpenters, plumbers and other technical personnel aimed to enhance their professional competence, communication and safety awareness while aligning their daily work with the University’s service standards and institutional vision. It also served as an occasion to honour two retiring maintenance officers for their years of dedicated service to the University.
Opening the workshop, Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo, Registrar of UEW, commended the initiative and underscored the critical role maintenance staff play in realising the University’s mission and vision.
“When we all joined UEW, we agreed to be part of an institution that aspires to become an internationally reputable centre for teacher education and research. Each of us, irrespective of our job description, contributes to achieving that vision,” she said.
Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo urged participants not to underrate their contributions to the University’s growth, emphasising that “whether you fix a door, paint a wall or repair a plumbing fault, you are all helping to build UEW’s reputation.” She therefore encouraged staff to exhibit commitment, professionalism, efficiency and integrity in executing their duties, describing the workshop as an avenue to “further enhance their skills, boost their confidence and refine their professional abilities.”
Engr. Daniel Tetteh, Director of the Directorate of Estate, Sanitation, Grounds and Gardens and Facilities Management, explained that the training forms part of a broader institutional effort to build a technically efficient, safety-conscious and innovation-driven workforce.
“The purpose of this gathering is multifaceted. We are equipping you with essential skills to improve your performance, ensure safety at the workplace and strengthen teamwork. The sessions cover key topics such as effective communication, workplace safety and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in client service delivery,” he stated.
Mr. Tetteh noted that the workshop aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of continuous professional development for all staff. “This will not be a one-off event. We have more training sessions planned because we believe that a well-trained workforce is key to service excellence. UEW is transitioning to a more digital and paperless system, enabling electronic reporting and resolution of issues. Our maintenance staff must therefore be equipped to work effectively in that changing environment,” he added.
Four seasoned facilitators led sessions on various themes critical to enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the participants.
Mr. Asare Okai-Anti, a seasoned communication and staff development expert, facilitated the session on Effective Communication in the Workplace. He highlighted the importance of mastering the four core language skills including listening, speaking, reading and writing as tools for improving productivity and teamwork. “Good communication reduces mistakes, builds better relationships and ensures that work instructions are understood and executed accurately,” he advised.
Mr. Okai-Anti emphasised that staff should cultivate active listening, clarity in speech, careful reading of instructions and precision in writing, adding that “writing well does not mean using big words; it means expressing your thoughts clearly, using the right structure and tone.”
Mr. Raymond Bentum Boison, Head of the Student Records Office (SRO), took participants through a thought-provoking presentation titled Excellence in Client Service with AI: A New Responsibility for the Modern University Artisan. His session demonstrated how artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a “smart helper” for artisans by improving planning accuracy, reducing waste and enhancing client satisfaction.
Mr. Boison illustrated how maintenance personnel can use everyday AI tools such as Google Maps, smartphone cameras or AI-based fault detection apps to make their work more efficient and professional. “AI will not replace your skills; it is like a very smart apprentice who helps you work faster, safer and more efficiently. When you combine your skill, empathy and smart tools, you deliver service excellence that strengthens UEW’s reputation,” he remarked.
Other facilitators, Dr. Richard Samuel Kwadwo Abieraba, lecturer at the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, and Ms. Rebecca Tachie-Menson, Head of Employee Relations, also led insightful sessions on Workplace Safety and Risk Prevention and Teamwork, Welfare and Professional Etiquette, respectively. Their presentations encouraged staff to adopt proactive attitudes towards safety, time management and collaboration as essential pillars of a productive work culture.
The workshop climaxed with a short ceremony in honour of two maintenance staff who retired in 2025. Each retiree received a citation of appreciation recognising their years of loyalty, dedication and contribution to maintaining UEW’s infrastructure and service quality.
The one-day workshop reaffirmed UEW’s commitment to continuous staff development, safety consciousness, and innovation in service delivery. It also highlighted the University’s recognition of artisans and technical staff as vital contributors to institutional excellence and brand reputation.
Through interactive sessions, practical examples, and inspiring presentations, the maintenance staff were not only equipped with new skills but also motivated to uphold the UEW values of service, integrity, and excellence in their daily operations.
