The University of Ghana has approved three major institutional policy revisions aimed at strengthening campus safety, modernising academic governance, and regulating the use of emerging technologies in teaching and learning.
The decision was taken by the University Council following recommendations from the Academic Board and the Business and Executive Committee.
A memorandum from the Office of the Registrar noted that the approved policies include a revised Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy, a new policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and an updated Teaching and Learning Policy.
Stronger anti-sexual harassment framework
The revised Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy, originally developed in 2010 and previously reviewed in 2015, has been further updated to “sharpen definitions, strengthen enforcement, and foster a safer, healthier environment for the University of Ghana community.”
According to the memorandum, the amendments include “an expanded definition of sexual misconduct and consent; strengthening of reporting systems; extended jurisdiction to cover former members of the University community and streamlined cooperation with relevant external authorities.”
The policy also grants the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee enhanced authority. It states that changes include “the strengthening of prosecutorial powers of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee to investigate complaints, make determinations, and award sanctions in appropriate cases.”
Additionally, the committee’s membership has been adjusted to include the Director of the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA) and two lawyers from other units, while removing the Director of the Legal Affairs Directorate.
The committee is also now empowered to “recommend sanctions directly to the Vice-Chancellor, and establishing interim protective measures for victims.”
New Artificial Intelligence governance policy
The University has also introduced a new Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), aimed at regulating the ethical use of AI across teaching, learning, research, and administration.
The policy seeks to provide “a vision for AI at the University,” including “actionable guidance for diverse, equal, and inclusive access; promotion of ethical and accountable use of AI; support for teaching and learning excellence; and data security and privacy compliance.”
Updated teaching and learning framework
The third policy, the University of Ghana Teaching and Learning Policy, is designed to strengthen academic delivery and institutional support systems.
It aims to “provide a framework to create inclusivity and equitable access to relevant resources for faculty, staff and students in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning.”
It further seeks to promote “continuous professional development for enhancement of faculty members’ teaching expertise and strengthening support systems (library and ICT) that provide resources to faculty and students for effective teaching and learning.”
The policy also outlines key governance areas including teaching and learning processes, online education, assessment of students, evaluation of teaching, and the use of ICT in academic delivery.
The University says the reforms are part of broader efforts to modernise academic administration while ensuring a safer and more technologically responsive learning environment.
