The University of Ghana Alumni Association in Liberia (UGAAL), with over 150 members, officially launched its five-year strategic plan on Saturday, July 19, 2025. This plan aims to strengthen the institutional foundation, foster internal cohesion, and cultivate collaborative partnerships.
The strategic plan will enhance fundraising capacity and financial sustainability while launching impactful initiatives during the five-year period. At the launch event, held at a five-star hotel just outside Monrovia, Daniel Blamoh Nah, the President of UGAAL, reaffirmed his commitment to implementing these strategic goals.
Pillar one of the plan focuses on a robust membership drive designed to engage all graduates of the University of Ghana residing in Liberia. This will improve UGAAL’s viability through an upgraded website and streamlined communication channels, ensuring consistent member engagement.
Pillar two seeks to strengthen collaboration by clearly defining the roles of members both at home and abroad, with specified responsibilities and efficient processes for developing meaningful partnerships. Pillar three involves initiating academic partnerships through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Liberia under the Institutional Development Drive (IDD) program of the University of Ghana. This program will provide faculty training, doctoral mentoring, knowledge sharing, and joint research opportunities.
Under pillar four, UGAAL members will implement regular educational programs, such as workshops and lecture series, alongside a comprehensive welfare policy aimed at supporting the well-being and professional growth of both countries’ graduates.
Finally, pillar five aims to ensure long-term stability by introducing a transparent financial management system and diversifying funding sources. These efforts are intended to promote operational efficiency and build sustainable revenue streams. Blamoh addressed several key issues affecting UGAAL’s operations in Liberia. Serving as the keynote speaker, Prof. Edison D. Pajibo, PhD, discussed “Tragedy and Triumph of History: From Bloody Wars to Knowledge Wars in Building Strong Nations and Institutions.” He praised the University of Ghana for its legacy of resilience, excellence, and leadership, which has shaped generations of changemakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, and visionaries within UGAAL.
Prof. Pajibo highlighted that both countries understand the repercussions of war and conflict. He noted that Liberia has endured the burdens of several bloody civil wars, resulting in the country becoming a failed state plagued by disappointments and lost dreams. The keynote speaker emphasized that the framework of the five-year strategic plan ensures that UGAAL remains relevant, dynamic, and impactful in its mission.
The Director for Institutional Advancement of the University of Ghana reiterated the institution’s commitment to providing partnerships for other universities and students in Liberia through its alumni programs. Since its establishment in 1948, the University of Ghana has been a leader in education and development in Africa. The program was well attended by UGAAL members and guests, culminating in successful fundraising activities that exceeded targets.
