The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has held a special orientation for staff set to retire in 2025, as part of planned activities to prepare them for life after years of active service.
The event, held on May 20, 2025, focused on financial literacy, healthy living, and managing expectations after retirement, thus, underscoring AAMUSTED’s growing commitment to the welfare of its retiring staff.
In a welcome address, the Registrar, Mr. Augustus Kwaw Brew, was happy that the University had institutionalised the pre-retirement orientation to equip retirees with knowledge to avoid potential pitfalls like financial distress, mental health issues, and social detachment. He was hopeful that the initiative will positively transform the retirement experience of staff of AAMUSTED.
The Registrar, Mr. Augustus Kwaw Brew delivering the welcome address and outlining the purpose of the orientation
“We want to change the trend and offer each of you a depth of experience and knowledge to navigate the next phase of your lives, making you shining examples for future retirees,” he stated.
The Registrar acknowledged the hard work of the nine (9) staff, who are due for retirement in September 2025, and paid glowing tributes to them for their invaluable contributions to the development of AAMUSTED.
Addressing the group on prudent management of their finances, the Director of Finance, Dr. Jeff Danquah Boakye, urged retirees to plan realistic budgets that align with their retirement incomes. He, especially, encouraged them to prioritise their basic needs, set up emergency funds, and opt for low-risk government bonds and bills.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. George Wireko Brobbey Bonsu, addressing the participants
Dr. Boakye, however, asked them to be watchful against tempting investment schemes with unresonably high returns, so they do not fall prey to fraudsters and jeopardise their finances and retirement plans.
He suggested entrepreneurial activities like gardening, fish farming, poultry, and hospitality services, as viable sources for maintaining their income streams and staying active, especially coming from an institution like AAMUSTED where TVET and Entrepreneurial Development is a core mandate.
The Director of Human Resource, Mrs. Goddana Mensima Darko
Speaking on the topic, “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after retirement,” the University’s Director of Medical Services, Dr. George Wireko Brobby Bonsu, advised participants to maintain a moderate exercise regimen like walking, jogging, regular drinking of water, and adequate rest, to maintain their physical health. He listed reading, fun games, and social interactions as activities that could help keep their minds active and boost their mental wellness.
Dr. Bonsu urged them to take advantage of the University’s free medical care arrangements for retirees, to regularly do medical check-ups.
On his part, Prof. Joseph Mbawuni drew the attention of participants to the existing social expectations that may arose from family, friends, and society. He also emphasised the need for them to take their emotional and spiritual lives seriously.
Rev. Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, Retiree, sharing his experiences with the Retirement Candidates
He, however, appealed to the government to consider a reduction of taxes on lump sum retirement benefits since the current regime dwindled retirees benefits and deprive them of living meaningfully after decades of sacrifices and hard work for the country.
The soon-to-retire staff expressed deep appreciation to the Directorate of Human Resource and the University Management for the education. One of them, Mr. George Obeng Takyi, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business Education, described the orientation as timely and eye-opening, and thanked the University leadership for its thoughtfulness.
The event, held on May 20, 2025, focused on financial literacy, healthy living, and managing expectations after retirement, thus, underscoring AAMUSTED’s growing commitment to the welfare of its retiring staff.
In a welcome address, the Registrar, Mr. Augustus Kwaw Brew, was happy that the University had institutionalised the pre-retirement orientation to equip retirees with knowledge to avoid potential pitfalls like financial distress, mental health issues, and social detachment. He was hopeful that the initiative will positively transform the retirement experience of staff of AAMUSTED.
The Registrar, Mr. Augustus Kwaw Brew delivering the welcome address and outlining the purpose of the orientation
“We want to change the trend and offer each of you a depth of experience and knowledge to navigate the next phase of your lives, making you shining examples for future retirees,” he stated.
The Registrar acknowledged the hard work of the nine (9) staff, who are due for retirement in September 2025, and paid glowing tributes to them for their invaluable contributions to the development of AAMUSTED.
Addressing the group on prudent management of their finances, the Director of Finance, Dr. Jeff Danquah Boakye, urged retirees to plan realistic budgets that align with their retirement incomes. He, especially, encouraged them to prioritise their basic needs, set up emergency funds, and opt for low-risk government bonds and bills.
The Director of Health Services, Dr. George Wireko Brobbey Bonsu, addressing the participants
Dr. Boakye, however, asked them to be watchful against tempting investment schemes with unresonably high returns, so they do not fall prey to fraudsters and jeopardise their finances and retirement plans.
He suggested entrepreneurial activities like gardening, fish farming, poultry, and hospitality services, as viable sources for maintaining their income streams and staying active, especially coming from an institution like AAMUSTED where TVET and Entrepreneurial Development is a core mandate.
The Director of Human Resource, Mrs. Goddana Mensima Darko
Speaking on the topic, “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after retirement,” the University’s Director of Medical Services, Dr. George Wireko Brobby Bonsu, advised participants to maintain a moderate exercise regimen like walking, jogging, regular drinking of water, and adequate rest, to maintain their physical health. He listed reading, fun games, and social interactions as activities that could help keep their minds active and boost their mental wellness.
Dr. Bonsu urged them to take advantage of the University’s free medical care arrangements for retirees, to regularly do medical check-ups.
On his part, Prof. Joseph Mbawuni drew the attention of participants to the existing social expectations that may arose from family, friends, and society. He also emphasised the need for them to take their emotional and spiritual lives seriously.
Rev. Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, Retiree, sharing his experiences with the Retirement Candidates
He, however, appealed to the government to consider a reduction of taxes on lump sum retirement benefits since the current regime dwindled retirees benefits and deprive them of living meaningfully after decades of sacrifices and hard work for the country.
The soon-to-retire staff expressed deep appreciation to the Directorate of Human Resource and the University Management for the education. One of them, Mr. George Obeng Takyi, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business Education, described the orientation as timely and eye-opening, and thanked the University leadership for its thoughtfulness.