In this week's Departmental Seminar, Professor Isaac R. Amuah and Mr. Kwadwo Adum-Attah, are going to discuss the state of music education in Ghana. Both speakers a lecturers in the Department of Music and Dance.
A team from the Department of Optometry has conducted eye screening exercise for teachers and pupils of the Salvation Army School for the deaf at Swedru in the Central Region, as part of their outreach programme.
The team also presented spectacles to those whose eyes were examined during the exercise. The team which was led by Head of Department, Prof. (Mrs.) Nathalie G. Mensah included Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, Dr. Samuel Kyei and Dr. Samuel Abokyi as well as some final year Optometry students.
Speaking at the programme, Prof. Mensah said the department was not only committed to training students to become competent Optometrists but also inculcating in them compassion for the vulnerable in society. She said the department identified the school for the screening exercise due to the special needs of the pupils.
Prof. Mensah thanked the Optical Foundation for donating spectacles for the exercise. She noted that the Department of Optometry has received various forms of assistance from the Foundation through capacity building as well as donation of spectacles and other equipment. She also expressed gratitude to the School of Agriculture for providing a bus to convey the team to Swedru.
The headteacher of the School, Mrs. Favour Aflakpui, was full of praise for the team for traveling from Cape Coast to assist them adding that “We are really touched by what you have done for this school and it is my hope that this exercise will be continued every year.” She indicated that apart from the deaf pupils, there were other pupils with multiple disability and therefore appealed to other institutions to emulate the good example of the University of Cape Coast.
The Junior Common Room Council (JCRC) in collaboration with the Management of the Kwame Nkrumah Hall has inaugurated a new fitness centre for all affiliates and non-affiliates of the University of Cape Coast. The occasion was graced by the presence of the first hall master (Prof. Atta Britwum), hall tutors, former JCRC executives, executives from sister halls and members of the hall as well.
Inaugurating the centre after some aerobics, Mr. John P.K. Adotey, a hall tutor and president of the Hall’s Alumni Association said that exercising the body was very important hence, the adage “A sound mind stays in a healthy body.” He added that “Kwame Nkrumah Hall as pacesetter has introduced another innovation in UCC.”
He explained that the centre would contribute to healthy lifestyle of members and affiliates of the hall and therefore encouraged students and staff of the University to make good use of the centre to help them stay fit and healthy. The new center boasts of state-of-the-art fitness machines, and other traditional weightlifting equipment.
According to the instructors of the centre, it would be opened to members of the University Community from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30am – 7:00am. In order to maintain the facility, interested affiliates of the Hall and non- affiliates/Staff would pay Ghȼ20.00 and Ghȼ 30.00 per semester respectively to the Hall Bursar as a registration fee.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. D. D. Kuupole has called for the abolition of the Power ministry and advocated the setting up of a technical committee to solve the recurring energy crisis in the country. “If we do away with the Ministry of Power and rely on the technical people, we can solve the problem”. These sentiments were expressed when the Vice-Chancellor chaired the 2nd Expert Forum organized by the UCC branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). The forum is held to provide a platform for a non-partisan and multidisplinary discussion of relevant global, national and local issues that will influence policy at those levels. The 2016 edition of the Expert Forum was on the theme “Sustainable and Integrative Approach to Solving the Perennial Energy Crisis: Issues of Production and Alternative Sources, Distribution and Consumption”. Prof. Kuupole said Ghanaians must be told the actual situation on the ground regarding the country’s energy requirements as to what is available and how much was needed. “We need to know the mismatch currently, I mean someone should tell us the truth”, he emphasized. He commended UTAG, UCC for organizing the forum and encouraged them to hold more of such fora “since universities are set up to generate ideas and proffer solutions to problems”. Delivering the first presentation on the topic Re-Engineering Sustainable Energy Production for National Development, former Chief Executive Officer, Volta River Authority, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby, asked that professionals should be allowed to come up with solutions to the numerous energy problems in the country and politicians must also see to the implementation of the solutions. “Those who have the knowledge about the subject must be allowed to work for the solutions, all the politicians have to do is to listen and commit themselves to the implementation”. Dr. Wereko-Brobby indicated that there was no one solution to all energy problems adding, “we cannot use today’s solution for tomorrow’s problems”. He said, rather it was the mix of technology that matters since consumers want a technology that will deliver at the least cost. Speaking on the topic “Effective and Efficient Energy Distribution”, an Energy Expert from the African Centre for Energy Policy, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, called for the reduction of losses since each year an amount of $100 million is lost through distribution by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Dr. Ackah also indicated that there were a lot of losses that come as a result of street lighting system. “Until the inefficiencies by E. C. G are addressed it becomes extremely difficult to tell people to pay more tariffs.” The Energy Expert recommended that government must take immediate steps to pay up debts owed E. C. G, to enable the company also clear its indebtedness to power producers. Dr. Ackah called for the Northern Electricity Development Company and ECG to be merged for investment through listing on the stock exchange. Again, he said, E. C. G staff who connived with customers to steal power should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
The Faculty of Social Sciences has unveiled a new coaster bus valued at GH¢ 357, 000 to assist faculty and students carry out field work at a ceremony on campus. Giving a brief statement at the tape cutting ceremony, the Acting Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Stephen B. Kendie, noted that students of the Faculty of Social Sciences took the decision to purchase a bus in 2013 when he was then the Dean. He explained that the decision was taken due to the challenges students faced whenever they wanted to embark on field trips. He noted that each student contributed GH¢ 40 for three continuous years before the bus could be purchased. Prof. Kendie commended the students for initiating this laudable idea and also playing an significant role to facilitate academic work in the faculty. He entreated them to cooperate with management and staff to project and enhance quality academic work particularly in the Faculty and the University in general. Present at the ceremony were the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Francis Amuquandoh; Vice-Dean, Prof. Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme, some Heads of Department, lecturers and students.
The University of Cape Coast has entered into official relationship with Christ The Teacher College of Education (CTTCoE), Kumasi through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). With the signing of the MoU, UCC becomes a mentor institution to CTTCoE, a private College of Education. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. D. D. Kuupole, said it was an honour on the part of UCC to be working with CTTCoE as a mentee institution. “We need to step back and relook at how things can be done right since we cannot live in the past”, he noted. Prof. Kuupole stated that CTTCoE was the first College of Education to have signed an MoU with UCC, adding, “the MoU forms part of affiliation requirement of the National Accreditation Board (NAB)”. He assured CTTCoE that UCC would nurture them to become an enviable academic institution in the country. Responding, the Principal of CTTCoE, Rev. Louis Tuffour expressed delight that their relationship with UCC has been formalised. He asked for continuous support from UCC for the growth of their young college.
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUND
PURPOSE OF THE FUND
The Fund is established to provide a solid financial base to enable the School deliver on its mandate. The Fund shall be used for the following: 1. The School's infrastructural project (Buildings and other Facilities); 2. Student Support;
- Bursaries / Grants to needy students for academic purpose
- Exchange /study abroad programmes
- Prizes and awards
- Teaching and Research Activities
3. Acquisition of teaching and learning materials
- Research projects
- Staff development programmes
SOURCES OF FUND
Funds will be mobilized from:
- Alumni of School of Business
- Students of School of Business
- Corporate bodies/organizations
- Individuals other than alumni
- A percentage of annual surplus from the School's Internally Generated Fund (IGF)
- Investment income
- Any other sources that may be determined from time to time by the Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Fund shall be managed by a Board of Trustees made up of:
- Chairman - appointed by the Vice Chancellor
- Dean, School of Business
- Director of Finance
- A Representative of Academic Staff of School of Business
- A Representative of University of Cape Coast School of Business Alumni Association
- A Representative of the School of Business Advisory Board
- A Representative of the Students of the School of Business
- An alumnus from the Financial Services Industry
- Secretary - The Faculty Officer of the School of Business
FOUNDING TRUSTEES Mr. Henry Baye - Chairman Prof. Edward Marfo-Yiadom - Member Mrs. Elizabeth Obese - Member Mr. Samuel Kwaku Agyei - Member Mrs. Pamela Des Bordes - Member Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I - Member Mr. Nicholas Kwame Adjei – Member Mr. Christopher Charles Oppon - Member Mrs. Georgina Asi Owusu - Secretary HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE? Donations can be made by standing order, cheque or cash to: Account Name: School of Business Development Fund Account Number: 6011408370 Name of Bank: Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited Bank Branch: Cape Coast Swift Code: ZEBLGHAC LAUNCHING OF THE FUND The Fund will be officially launched on Thursday, 19th May, 2016 at the La Palm Hotel, Accra at 06:30 pm FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Dean's Office, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Tel: +233 55 585 0855 / +233 33 21 37869 Email: business@ucc.edu.gh
Three members of staff from the University of Bordeaux, France have called on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. D. D. Kuupole at his residence. The team was at the University to find possible means of collaboration with some faculty and departments of the University. The team was led by Ana-Marie included Beatrice Boyer, and Jean Christophe Lapouble. Ana-Marie said they had fruitful and far-reaching discussions with the Department of French, UCC to set the ball rolling for an effective relationship between the two institutions. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor stated that, he was particularly happy that a team from Bordeaux had come to seek international partnership with the University for both student and faculty exchange as well as research. He indicated that research was the bedrock upon which any university can thrive. “A university that does not engage in research can not survive, meaning no research no university”. Present at the meeting were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro; Registrar, Mr. John Kofi Nyan and Head, Department of French, Dr. Edem Bakah
The Chancellor, Sir (Dr.) Sam Esson Jonah has undertaken a tour of some on-going construction projects at the University. As part of his schedule, he also held separate meetings with Provosts, Deans and Directors and leadership of all unionized groups on campus. The project sites visited were the Water Production Unit, Gymnasium, newly constructed Goil Filling Station, UCC Broadcasting Centre, University Catering Services (124) and Superannuation Student Hostel.The rest were Child Relaxation Centre at College of Distance Education (CoDE), Language Centre, Tennis Court for Club House and SRC Bus Shuttle station. Speaking after the inspection tour, Dr. Jonah said he was very impressed with the progress of work at the various sites visited. He commended both management and students for initiating numerous projects and also ensuring that they were executed to the best of their abilities in spite of the obvious financial constraints. The Chancellor was full of commendation for the Student Representative Council (SRC) and entire student populace for their foresight and selflessness in undertaking projects that will make life on campus better. “Its heartwarming to see students shifting from confrontation to one of cooperation with management”, he stressed. At his meeting with Provosts, Deans and Directors, the Chancellor said he was elated at the efforts being made towards income generation by various sectors of the University. “I am leaving here as your Chancellor with the reputation of the best university still intact, it is something that will linger for a long time to come”, he declared. Sir Jonah concluded his day’s duty tour by meeting the leadership of University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana, (FUSSAG) and Teacher Education Workers Union (TEWU). Dr. Jonah praised the unions for their display of maturity in cooperating with management in handling industrial matters with respect, cordiality and above all civility. He told them that times were not going to get any easier and must therefore stand together saying “I expect that you all have grievances but you have to look at the larger picture and ask yourselves how you are going to solve them collectively. Whatever your grievances are, focus on the larger picture”, he admonished. He reminded them that visions remain dreams if they were not actualized, and also urged them to work hard to make the University the preferred choice.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. D. Kuupole has stated that the University of Cape Coast will continue to chart innovative paths in responding to national needs through effective teaching, research and community engagement. “We have continued to significantly transform our knowledge base, the curricula, mode of delivery and academic support for graduate studies”, he stated. Prof. Kuupole said this during the 5th Session of the 48th Congregation of the University where 1915 graduands were awarded various Postgraduate degrees. Prof. Kuupole indicated, “We have tried to improve our ambience for promotion of academic and social life to be able to attract and train more graduate students for nation building”. The Vice-Chancellor announced that the Academic Board has given approval for the introduction of 11 new postgraduate programmes, which are currently receiving attention of both the National Council for Tertiary Education and National Accreditation Board. The new programmes include MPhil/PhD in Drug Discovery and Toxicology, MPhil/PhD in African Studies, MPhil/PhD in International Studies, MPhil/PhD in Home Economics and MPhil in Infection and Immunity. He again announced that the GETFund has accepted to fund the construction of a permanent office building for the School of Graduate Studies. Advising the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor said, “I challenge you to demonstrate at all time and at all places that you are worth the qualification you hold. Be enviable ambassadors of this great institution”. The Chancellor Sir. (Dr.) Sam Esson Jonah commended management of the University on the entrepreneurial spirit being exhibited by the University to generate income internally. Turning to the graduands, Dr. Jonah said though it might not be easy for them to get jobs, with self –determination and team balance they can succeed. “Your training here is more than the inscription on your certificate, rather they are the attributes the world will require of you”. Three of the graduands were given citations and unspecified cash rewards for their outstanding research work. They are Mr. Isaac Okyere, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Agbevanu, College of Education and Mr. Derek Anamaale Touyire. Two members of staff of the school were also given recognition for their hard work and dedication to work. They are Mr. David Twene, a messenger cleaner and Ms. Abigail Osafo, a senior administrative assistant.
