The Department of Classics and Philosophy of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised an academic engagement on the theme “AI Collective: Knowledge and Innovation”.
It brought together faculty, scholars, and students to examine the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education.
Prof. Kwabena Safo Safo-Kantanka
Delivering the opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Kwabena Safo Safo-Kantanka, stressed the relevance of the dialogue in the contemporary academic landscape.
“It is a timely discussion because this is one of the crucial issues of our time. The lessons that you will draw out of this discussion will be a great one,” he stated.
He underscored the need for academic institutions to welcome and embrace AI and other emerging technologies.
Prof. Safo-Kantanka indicated that the Faculty would continue to work with all the relevant stakeholders including the university management to reap the full benefits of AI and to drive the country’s progress.
Prof. Husein Inusah
The Head of Department (HOD) of Classics and Philosophy, Prof. Husein Inusah, stressed the need for sustained scholarly engagement on AI across disciplines.
He remarked, “We have various colleagues working on AI and it is important that we have this discussion.”
Prof. Inusah noted, “This conference is significant because of the various issues surrounding AI.”
In his address, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, announced that UCC had initiated steps to craft a university-wide AI policy.
A participant in the workshop asking a question at the workshop
Prof. Agyapong commented, “I strongly disagree that AI makes students lazy. We need to change our attitudes towards AI.”
He continued: “Lecturers who think students should not use AI should have a change of mind “Let us be open to unlearn and re-learn to know new things.”
The programme focused on these thematic areas AI and Academic Integrity, AI, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving and AI Ethics, Governance and Policy.
Panelists for the plenary session included Prof. Peter K. T. Grant, Prof. Eric Debrah Otchere, and Dr. Isaac Nuokyaa-Ire Mwinlaaru
The University of Cape Coast, UCC, through the Students' Financial Support Office (STuFSO), has awarded full tuition scholarships to 220 students pursuing various courses for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Beneficiaries were selected from all five colleges of the university and the School of Graduate Studies.
The theme for the awards ceremony was, “The Power of Generosity: Celebrating the Impact of Institutional Interventions in Promoting Equity and Access to Quality Education”. It was attended by some high-level university officials, including the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto.
Prof. Denis Aheto.
Presenting the awards, Prof. Denis Aheto noted that the scholarship awards had opened opportunities for the recipients to pursue knowledge, develop relevant skills and carve a career path for their future.
Prof. Aheto advised the beneficiaries to show gratitude to their benefactor by studying hard to make the scholarships worthwhile.
“To the scholarship recipients, today is a reminder that your journey carries purpose. You are beneficiaries of institutional generosity, but you are also its future ambassadors. Use this opportunity well. Excel academically, serve your communities, uphold integrity, and remember that the best way to honour generosity is to replicate it in your own way when the time comes,” he continued.
Prof. Aheto stressed that the initiative supports Ghana’s efforts toward inclusive and equitable education, in line with SDG 4.
A beneficiary student
“UCC Scholarship initiative strengthened the broader national agenda for inclusive education that aligned with Ghana’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all,” he said.
He urged others who did not benefit this year to apply next academic year.
He commended donors and partners, stressing: “ your generosity is changing lives in ways you may never fully see. Every engineer, teacher, nurse, innovator, or entrepreneur emerging from this initiative carries a part of your legacy. May your noble example inspire others—alumni, corporate bodies, NGOs, philanthropists—to join this mission of transforming lives through education.”
The Chairperson of the Scholarship Selection Sub-Committee of StuFSO, Prof. Samuel Kwesi Nkansah, encouraged the beneficiaries to study hard to prove that they truly merit the scholarship granted to them.
Prof. Samuel Kwesi Nkansah
In addition to financial support, he disclosed that the STUFSO would provide mentorship to scholarship recipients to guide and inspire them throughout their academic journey.
Prof. Nkansah noted that the scholarship selection process was thorough, transparent, and merit-based.
“We are confident that these scholarships will significantly impact the academic journeys of these deserving students,” he added.
The Chairperson noted that the committee expresses its sincere gratitude to all members who dedicated their time and expertise to the process, while thanking the university management for its unwavering support.
A level 200 Computer Science student, Christabel Benewaah, expressed her appreciation for the scholarship, noting that the support would motivate her to excel academically.
A beneficiary, Sampson Osei, highlighted the timeliness of the financial assistance, stressing that it had come at a critical moment in his academic journey.
Another new beneficiary, Fauzia Ibrahim, expressed her gratitude, saying she was overwhelmed with joy and that the scholarship reduced the burden on her parents.
The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), University of Cape Coast (UCC) has commemorated International Men’s Day on the theme: “SUPPORTING MEN AND BOYS.”
The event brought together academics, students, and gender advocates to discuss the often-overlooked struggles of men and explore ways of fostering a society where both men and women can thrive.
International Men’s Day is celebrated worldwide and focuses on the positive values men bring to the world, their families, and their communities.
The Day is observed on November 19 in about 80 countries around the world.
Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole
A former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole, who was the keynote speaker, explained that society often values men only by their ability to provide materially, leading to widespread stigma toward men who struggle financially.
He noted that “a struggling man is looked down upon,” and men’s efforts are frequently dismissed in favour of their results.
Many men, he said, suffer silently because they were socialised from childhood to believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, a belief often captured in the phrase “Barima nsu,” meaning a man does not cry.
Across the world, he added, men suffer from depression, drug abuse, suicide, and frustration, and sometimes resort to violence because they lack safe spaces to express their emotions.
Prof. Kuupole emphasized that men and boys must be given the tools to become emotionally and spiritually grounded.
“A holistic man becomes a rock of tranquility in the home and an agent of change in the community,” he said.
The keynote speaker called for a collective action, stating that supporting men and boys “cannot be achieved in isolation.”
Some partipants in the event
He urged the development of networks in schools, communities, and religious institutions that affirm men and help dismantle harmful stigmas.
Prof. Kuupole encouraged men to lead with compassion rather than domination, emphasizing that leadership is an act of stewardship.
True strength, he said, “is not the denial of pain but the willingness to feel, seek support, and move forward with resilience.” No individual, he reminded the audience, can bear the full weight of life alone.
Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, highlighted the significance of dedicating a day to explore issues that uniquely affect men.
She explained that the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on what men are going through and to acknowledge the realities that shape their daily experiences.
The Director stressed that gender stereotypes against men—especially societal expectations that discourage vulnerability—need to be critically examined.
She clarified that CEGRAD’s work is not biased toward any gender but is rooted in promoting fairness and creating supportive environments where all genders can flourish.
“Our aim is to provide support that allows everyone to thrive in society,” she noted.
Prof. Daniel Agyapong
The Provost of the College of Humanities and Allied Sciences, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, who chaired the event enumerated the pressing challenges that men face today.
Among these, he said, were mental health struggles and the intense societal pressure placed on men to suppress their emotions.
He noted that men were often expected to “mask their emotions,” which leads many to fear seeking help.
Prof. Agyapong added that the event’s theme aligns strongly with the University’s core values and urged young people to take meaningful daily action in their homes and communities to create a more supportive society.
The Head of the Department of Animal Science at the School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Julius K. Hagan, has been elected President of the Ghana Society of Animal Production (GSAP).
The Society is an association of professionals made up of animal scientists in universities, research institutes, industry, the private sector, ministry, etc. It was established in 1987 to promote and champion the livestock and poultry industry in Ghana and beyond. It has membership in Ghana and other West African countries.
Professor Julius Hagan was elected the president of the Society to serve a two-year term (2025-2027) at the 3rd Joint GSAP/GASA Biennial Conference held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. The theme for the Conference was “The Role of Animal Agriculture in National Development in an Era of Artificial Intelligence.”
Other elected executives include: Dr Felix Sarkwa (Vice President, University of Ghana); Dr. Juliana Bawah (General Secretary, University for Development Studies); Dr. Bernard Ato Hagan (Assistant Secretary, University Energy and Natural Resources); Dr. Frank Idan, Financial Secretary, KNUST) and Dr. Antoinette Simpah Anim Jnr, (Treasurer, KNUST).
In his inaugural speech, Prof Hagan opined that "animal agriculture practice in Ghana is mostly done in the traditional way, where some farmers still allow their animals to roam to fend for themselves. Feeding, housing, selection and management of breeding stock, health management, and processing are done mostly manually with little or no use of technology".
He continued that "even though we are living in an era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital transformation, farmers are yet to tap into these technologies to enhance production. These emerging technologies are reshaping every sector of society, and agriculture, including animal agriculture, is no exception.”
Further, he indicated that "The critical question we must ask is: How can we harness AI to enhance animal agriculture for Ghana’s national development?"
Professor Julius Hagan concluded, noting that "the future of animal agriculture is not a choice between tradition and technology. It is a future where our rich heritage of farming merges with the power of artificial intelligence to build a Ghana that is food-secure, economically strong, and globally competitive".
He also urged participants in the conference to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that the livestock sector does not just adapt to the era of AI, but thrives in it, thereby unlocking the full potential of animal agriculture as a cornerstone of national development.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for West African Studies at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (CWAS-UESTC) and Chengdu GOLDISC Health Data Technology Co. Ltd. to deepen academic and research collaboration.
The agreement provides a framework for student and staff exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, joint education and research projects, and the sharing of scholarly materials and information.
The signing ceremony, held at the Council Chamber of UCC, was attended by high-level officials from the three institutions.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, signed on behalf of the University, while Prof. Zhao Shurong, Director of CWAS-UESTC, and Mr. Xianbo Liu, Manager of GOLDISC, initialled for their respective organisations.
Prof. Zhao Shurong exchanging the MoU with Prof. Denis Aheto
Prior to the signing, Prof. Zhao expressed her satisfaction with the partnership, noting that the collaboration would promote cooperative research in Medical Digital Imaging.
She explained that its applications extend beyond medical imaging to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, CT scanning software, and histopathology, among others.
Prof. Zhao emphasised that securing research funding for both academic and hospital-based projects would be a shared responsibility between GOLDISC and UCC.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Aheto underscored the importance of the collaboration in advancing public health and fostering innovation.
He assured that UCC would uphold the terms of the MoU and leverage the partnership to empower students and staff to develop impactful solutions for national development.
Prof. Aheto also revealed that the agreement would pave the way for certification programmes and professional training workshops, benefiting both staff and students.
“We are proud to partner with CWAS of UESTC and GOLDISC. This collaboration has the potential to transform ideas into solutions that will impact Ghana's health sector and beyond,” he stated.
The Chaplaincy Committee of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a five-day retreat to review its activities and develop strategies for implementing its Strategic Action Plan.
The retreat, held from November 17–21, 2025, at Ed Hotel on campus, provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and challenges, assess the present, and chart a new course for the future.
It served as a platform for comprehensive discussions, thoughtful reflections, and growth, aimed at ensuring the successful rollout of the Strategic Action Plan.
Prof. Aaron Tettey Asare
During the retreat, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Aaron Tettey Asare, described the event as a refreshing opportunity to correct past shortcomings and reshape plans for progress.
He emphasised the vital role of the Chaplaincy Committee within the University and noted that the retreat would produce a forward-thinking roadmap to guide its activities.
Some participants in the retreat
The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, who served as the resource person, led participants through discussions on income-generating opportunities for churches on campus, among other topics.
There were presentations delivered by representatives from various Christian denominations and Islamic groups.
The government has been urged to support local innovations, including the manufacturing of rudimentary farm technologies to help address the country’s dependence on imported technologies and agricultural machinery.
Many believe that Ghana has the requisite human resources and technical know-how to produce agricultural tools, innovations, and machinery to consolidate gains in the sector when given the necessary backing.
The Ghana Lead of the Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural Innovations (DIVAGRI) Project, Dr. Francis Kumi, who made the call, implored researchers and policymakers to deepen collaboration to ensure that local innovations translate into national development.
He was speaking at a policy dissemination workshop held at the Science Annex Conference Room of the University of Cape Coast.
Some participants in the workshop
It was attended by a coalition of voices from civil society, including researchers, policymakers, students, and media practitioners to brainstorm ways to boost innovation and sustainability in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Continuing, he said the time was ripe for the country to “build its own technologies, not just borrow or depend on those developed by others”, adding that developing locally made farming tools and equipment could help create jobs, empower rural communities, and strengthen agricultural productivity.
Dr. Kumi said local machinists and artisans were adequately equipped with the skills to design tools that meet the requirements of smallholder farmers. With the needed push in terms of proper allocation of resources for continuous professional development and retooling of workshops with modern facilities, they should be able to meet expectations.
“When we invest in our innovators, we keep value within our economy. The challenge is not a lack of talent, but a lack of trust in our own systems,” he said.
Dr. Francis Kumi
He challenged institutions such as UCC and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to continue building partnerships with farmers and industry players, adding that innovation should be linked to policy and practice.
Dr. Kumi highlighted that the government spends a lot of money to import farm machinery, to the disadvantage of smallholder farmers who lack the purchasing power to acquire them.
He stated that the panacea was for the government to support local machinists and innovators to design affordable machinery like planters, weeders, fertilizer applicators, and threshers that meet the needs of small-scale farmers.
“If the government supports our local machinists, farmers will no longer struggle to buy the equipment they need. We can even produce machines that extract oil from plants such as moringa right here in Ghana,” he stated.
He announced that during their research engagements, hundreds of farmers vent their utter frustration about the rising cost of imported machinery, indicating that homegrown manufactured machines would be affordable and more accessible.
Dr. Kumi also urged Ghanaians to see agriculture beyond food production, insisting that agriculture and tourism could be blended to create new income opportunities.
“A farmer could run a farm as both a workplace and a tourist destination, where visitors can learn about agriculture, relax, or even conduct research. This would attract tourists and promote agri-tourism in Ghana,” he added.
A Farming Systems Specialist at CSIR, Dr. Eric Owusu-Danquah, presented findings from their study on intercropping and desalination greenhouse technology.
According to him, intercropping maize with pigeon pea boosts soil fertility and productivity while cutting down fertilizer use.
“Instead of using two bags of fertilizer, farmers can use one and still harvest the same yield,” he noted, calling for stronger policy support to scale up such practices.
For his part, a Deputy Director of DRIC-UCC, Dr. Bervell Brandford, lauded DIVAGRI for promoting practical research and innovation that directly benefit farmers and students.
He said the project had empowered many participants through the University’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) and urged continued support for such initiatives.
Dr. Peter Omega
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Food and Agriculture, by the Central Regional Director for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Peter Omega, hailed the UCC team and its partners for their leadership in promoting circular agricultural innovations through the DIVAGRI Project.
"The initiative aligns with the government's “Feed Ghana Programme” (2025–2028), which seeks to increase productivity, strengthen food security, create jobs, and enhance value addition across the agricultural sector, " he added.
He underscored that the circular bioeconomy approach promoted by DIVAGRI was vital for achieving national agricultural goals, as it converted waste into value and ensured sustainable production.
“Ghana spends over two billion dollars annually on food imports. If we embrace circular agricultural innovations, we can feed ourselves, process what we grow, and even export quality produce,” he said.
In addition, Mr Faiza Mukaila, representative form the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Accra, urged researchers to involve people working directly on the fields whenever such studies were being conducted.
Mr Faiza Mukaila
He explained that farmers and field practitioners possessed valuable hands-on knowledge that often escapes academic research, and their inclusion could help close the gap between theory and practice.
“Those of us on the field know the realities, the challenges, and even the simple techniques that can make farming more efficient. If researchers include our voices, the solutions will be more practical and sustainable,” he said.
DIVAGRI project is a consortium project that aims to increase the productivity, income and economic opportunities of subsistence and small holder farmers by implementing innovative bio-based solutions that would improve agricultural production, enable diversification of crops and increase value addition, create environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and generate new local economic opportunities.
The project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Programme under grant agreement to provide farmers with tools to sustainably improve farm productivity, profitability, and resilience through improved management of farming resources, output diversification and creation of high-value circular bioproducts.