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Project to Revive Taro Production in Ghana launched at UCC

19 Nov, 2024 By DIS

A research project has been launched to revitalise taro production in Ghana.

Taro, locally known as ‘brobe, or ‘kooko’, is a traditionally underutilised but highly promising crop widely cultivated in Ghana. In 2022, its annual production was more than 1.7 million tons.

A Project, spearheaded by scientists from the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has been launched to revive taro production and enhance the crop’s commercial value. This will ultimately contribute to addressing Ghana’s food security challenges and enhance agricultural sustainability. The team from UCC includes Prof. Paul A. Asare, Dr. Emmanuel Afutu, and Dr. Kwadwo K. Amoah - all from the Department of Crop Science.

The Project came to light after UCC and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed a letter of Agreement (LOA). The Project aligns with the FAO’s international treaty goals of conserving and sustainably utilising plant genetic resources while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.

It is a collaborative effort of several key partners, including the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PGRRI-CSIR), which would play a pivotal role in germplasm conservation and distribution and the Crops Research Institute (CRI-CSIR).

The Project lead, Prof. Michael O. Adu, speaking at the inception meeting to launch the Project, emphasised the need for innovative agricultural solutions in the face of rising food insecurity, as well as untold poverty exacerbated by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The declining agrobiodiversity of staple food crops in Ghana has necessitated a shift towards more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. With its zero-waste potential and adaptability to various growing conditions, taro presents a viable solution,” stated Prof. Adu, an ecophysiologist and crop improvement scientist at UCC. 

Head of the Department of Crop Science-UCC and the Project lead, Prof. Michael O. Adu, speaking at the inception meeting to launch the Project

According to him, the Project would focus on capturing, preserving, and evaluating taro's genetic variation through mutagenesis to develop novel, high-yielding germplasm.

“This includes enhancing tolerance to taro leaf blight disease and drought, thereby improving yields. Additionally, bespoke food processing technologies will add value to taro corms, benefiting small-scale farmers and processors,” he continued.

Prof. Adu indicated that the project would also leverage the expertise of hordes of faculty members from other Departments within the School of Agriculture.

He pointed out that representatives from the PGRRI-CSIR, including the Director, Dr. Daniel Ashie Kotey, and Ms Fuleratu Adams, would play key roles in germplasm conservation and distribution.

Prof. Adu added that Dr. Ernest Baafi of the CRI-CSIR would facilitate molecular studies and the determination of specific genetic traits.

“The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (BNARI-GAEC) will contribute expertise in mutation breeding and leveraging their Gamma Irradiation Facility. Drs Godwin Amenorpe and Nusrat Tsemah will assist from the BNARI-GAEC,” he told the gathering.

According to him, engagement with farmers and processors was a sine qua non for the Project's success.

 

He explained that: “On-farm trials, field demonstrations, and participatory research activities will ensure that the new taro varieties and products meet the needs of local communities. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the FAO will assist in disseminating information and promoting the Project’s outcomes locally and internationally.”

 

 Group photo of participants after the interactions

He observed that the Central Regional Director of Agriculture, Dr. Peter Omega, was fully committed to the success of the Project.

Prof. Adu indicated that the Project aligned with Ghana’s national plans and policies on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).

By improving taro productivity and resilience, the project will support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending hunger (SDG 2), taking climate action (SDG 13), and fostering sustainable agriculture.

“We are committed to making a tangible impact on the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Ghana,” Prof. Adu remarked.

He noted: “Through this project, we aim to provide affordable, nutritious staples, reduce poverty, and enhance environmental sustainability.”

The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, welcomed the project partners, stating: “We are delighted to host such a revered group of experts and collaborators here at UCC. This Project embodies the spirit of innovation and cooperation that defines our School of Agriculture. We look forward to working together to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Ghana.”

He noted that this ambitious initiative would position UCC and its partners to contribute significantly to Ghana’s food security, agricultural sustainability, and rural livelihoods, setting a precedent for future agricultural innovations across the continent.

The project will train PhD and MPhil students, while offering capacity-building opportunities for extension agents, scientists, farmers and Agro-processors.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC Supports Student-Entrepreneurs

19 Nov, 2024 By DIS

Ten student entrepreneurial groups have been honoured at a Business Ideas Competition awards ceremony organised by the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub (D-HUB) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The winning teams included Tuber Flakes, The 3R’s, Moland Technology, Just Pop, Feli’s Pop Food and FDM FDM Green Innovations. The others were Biowax Ghana, Amazol Innovations, AgricFlex Mechanics and Agricband Solutions.

Each of the teams received a cheque for GH₵ 2,500 to support their business ideas.

In a speech read on behalf of the Registrar, Mr.Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye by the Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah- Bentum (rtd.), said the awards scheme reflected the vision of the University to nurture entrepreneurial excellence and innovation among students.

According to the Registrar, the awardees were a proof of the transformative potential of aligning academic knowledge with real-world challenges to arrive at impactful solutions.

Director of Public Affairs at UCC, Major Kofi Baah- Bentum (rtd) presenting a cheque to one of the winning teams

“It is exciting that students are ready to push boundaries to turn ideas into viable businesses to reflect the entrepreneurial spirit we aim to cultivate,” he said.

Mr. Abbeyquaye said there was no doubt that huge successes would usually start from humble beginnings. He noted that businesses where new ideas had to go through a testing and experimentation process to validate assumptions, minimise risks and increase the chances of success.

“Therefore, the provision of funds for minimum viable product development is a step in the right direction,” he added.

Mr. Abbeyquaye charged them to maximise the funds entrusted to them to build prototypes to be developed into viable business ventures.

He, therefore, encouraged the awardees to preserve, innovate, and ensure that their ideas grew into sustainable ventures that create value for society.

He used the occasion to express gratitude to the leadership of D-Hub and the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS) for collaborating to make the initiative a success.

Director of D-Hub, Dr. (Mrs.) Keren Naa Abeka Arthur speaking at the event

For her part, the Director of D-Hub, Dr. (Mrs.) Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, urged participants to persevere and further develop their ideas into workable pursuits.

She called on the students not to despise their humble beginnings as they served as their foundation and roots since that determined how far they go as entrepreneurs.

Dr. Arthur called on Ghanaian entrepreneurs to cultivate networking and partnerships for the success and growth of their businesses.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Engages Department of Peace Studies on Collaborative Research

19 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The United Nations (UN) Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee has paid a working visit to the Department of Peace Studies, School of Development Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC). This formed part of the committee’s mission in Ghana to assess national preparedness in counter-terrorism efforts.

The initiative aligned with the committee’s broader programme to review counter-terrorism readiness in UN member states and support academic institutions worldwide to advance research on security issues.

The delegation, led by the Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Ms. Natalia Gherman, engaged with faculty members and discussed potential partnerships to strengthen counter-terrorism research within the University.

Ms. Gherman encouraged the Department to leverage data provided by the UN Counter-Terrorism Directorate in its research agenda.

She also indicated that the collaboration could significantly enrich UCC’s research in combating terrorism through more data-driven approaches.

The Head of the Department of Peace Studies, Dr. Kaderi Noagah Bukari, expressed his appreciation for the Committee’s visit, highlighting the importance of such international collaborations in expanding the Department's research capacity.

Dr. Kaderi Noagah Bukari presenting Ms. Natalia Gherman with some publications from his department

Dr. Bukari shared insights from faculty and student-led research initiatives that examined critical areas, including how terrorism in some African regions was financed through activities like gold mining and cattle rearing.

As a gesture of goodwill, he presented Ms. Gherman and her team with two publications that contained findings on regional security and financing mechanisms of terrorist groups.

Accompanying the UN delegation was Mr. Daniel Osei Bonsu, Director of Ghana’s National Counter-Terrorism Fusion Centre at the Ministry of National Security.

Mr. Bonsu commended UCC’s contributions to national security research and encouraged the Department to engage openly with national security agencies for support.

He emphasized the importance of demystifying perceptions around national security and the need to build an atmosphere of collaboration between academia and state security.

The visit was seen as a significant milestone for the Department, which has been working towards positioning itself as a key institution in counter-terrorism research within Ghana and West Africa.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC receives UNICEF delegation

19 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Provost of the College of Education Studies of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has received a delegation from UNICEF.

The delegation, led by the UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Mr.  Osama Makkawi Khogali,  discussed ways UNICEF could collaborate with the University to safeguard the rights of children. That, according to Mr. Khogali, would ensure that children enjoyed their rights and had fair opportunities in life.

He noted that UNICEF had partnered with UCC on research and educational planning and was excited about the University’s achievement on the Times Higher Education Rankings.

UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Mr.  Osama Makkawi Khogali (middle) in a photo with the Registrar, Mr. Gideon E. Abbeyquaye (L) and the Provost of CES, Prof. Ernest Davis (R)

For his part, Prof. Davis said that the Department of Population and Health at UCC had conducted extensive research on maternal health and child-related issues, stressing that UCC was ready to partner with UNICEF to protect children's rights.

He pointed out that UCC was providing employable skills to students to enable them to create jobs after school.

The meeting was also attended by the Registrar, Mr. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye and other office holders of the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section- UCC

 

 

Prof. William Kodom Gyasi Donates 10 High-Quality Projectors to Department of Communication Studies

19 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Department of Communication Studies has received a donation of 10 high-quality Epson projectors valued at GHC 65,000 from its Head of Department (HOD), Prof. William Kodom Gyasi.

According to the donor, the gesture was to facilitate teaching and learning.

Prof. Gyasi explained that his decision to donate was driven by a desire to redefine leadership by taking an active role in supporting the Department.

“I thought of redefining what it means to be a leader because I believe as a leader you have to spend on those you lead,” he stated.

Acknowledging the Department’s challenges with teaching equipment, he expressed the hope that his gesture would ease the burden on lecturers.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantankah (L) receiving the donation from Prof. William Kodom Gyasi (R). Looking on is Dr. Edem Adzovie, a lecturer at the Dept. of Communication Studies

Speaking at the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantankah, expressed  profound gratitude for what he described as an unprecedented act of generosity by Prof.  Gyasi.

“Such good gestures are worth appreciating and emulating,” he said.

The Dean commended Prof. Gyasi for personally funding the projectors, emphasising the importance of individual contributions to institutional growth.

“I must say that using money from your coffers to buy these projectors is commendable and must be praised,” he remarked.

Prof. Sarfo-Kantankah, while applauding Prof. Gyasi for demonstrating that small personal efforts could make a significant impact, also encouraged other faculty members to follow the HOD's example.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Registrar’s Department Senior Members Welfare Association Holds Handover Ceremony

15 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Registrar's Department Senior Members Welfare Association has held a handover ceremony to welcome new executives into office.

The newly appointed leaders are Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu as Chairman; Ms. Rose Austin as Vice-Chairperson; Mrs. Rebecca Asiedu Owusu as Treasurer; Mrs. Esther Bema Nimo as Secretary; and Mr. Joseph Obeng as Organiser.

 Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu

At the event, the outgoing Chairman, Rev. Isaac Baafi Saabeng, expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation received from association members during his tenure. Having retired from the university, Rev. Baafi encouraged the new executives to prioritise the welfare of the association's members, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in fostering unity.

The new Chairman, Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, commended Rev. Baafi for his significant contributions to the association since its inception. He assured that the new leadership would seek guidance and advice from him and other past leaders. "We greatly appreciate your sacrifices and dedication to ensuring the welfare of members, including your efforts to visit retired staff of the Registrar’s Department," he remarked.

 

Mr. Antwi-Konadu affirmed that the new executive team is committed to serving the association’s members and called for their support to further the association's goals.

The Welfare Association and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), UCC Chapter, presented plaques and gifts to the outgoing executives and retired members.  The retirees who were honoured were former Registrar Mr. Jeff Teye Emmanuel Onyame, immediate past Director of Human Resource, Rev. Isaac Baafi Saabeng, and a former Senior Assistant Registrar, Mrs. Esther Rhoda Ababio.

In response, Mrs. Ababio expressed gratitude on behalf of the retired members and urged the association to work in unity to promote the interest and welfare of the association.

Documentation and Information Section

 

Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi appointed Chairman of the NIOP network

15 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Dean of the Office of International Relations at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Network for International Office Practitioners Group (NIOP).

At the launch of NIOP, Prof. Boadi-Kusi said the network would advocate for the establishment of international offices in institutions that do not yet have them.He explained that the objective of setting u NIOP was to connect international office practitioners in Africa to learn best practices and build capacity .

That, according to him, would be done by engaging with university leaders, policymakers, students and stakeholders in internationalisation.

Network for International Office Practitioners Group (NIOP).

NIOP is a network for international office practitioners that serve as a platform to bring together those working in international education under one umbrella.

The network connects stakeholders from across Africa with each other to share best practices and coordinate higher education internationalisation and activities in universities in various countries and regions of Africa.The network emerged from a Special Interest Group of the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE). The new group, the Network for International Office Practitioners Group (NIOP) was launched in Accra, Ghana, during the 14th annual conference of ANIE held from 9-11 October.

 

UCC School of Business, Customs Launch Masters Programme

11 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast School of Business in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched a Masters programme in Customs Administration at a ceremony in Accra.

The tailor-made programme, which begins from January 2025, seeks to equip customs officers and stakeholders in Ghana and the West African sub-region with the requisite tools to enhance customs administration.

Launching the programme, the Commissioner of Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, noted that the programme was designed with inputs from stakeholders specifically to provide in-depth understanding of customs laws, policies and procedures, while addressing the unique challenges within the region.  

Brigadier General Ayorrogo addressing the launch

"This programme is tailored to equip participants with the expertise required to effectively navigate and manage customs-related issues within the context of our modern and interconnected global trade environment," he explained.

Brigadier General Ayorrogo indicated that the Custom Division had undergone extensive transformations, adapting to meet the ever-evolving demands of international trade and customs administration.  

He also mentioned that global trends, technological advances, and updated customs regulations had made it essential for custom officers, stakeholders, and partners to remain up to date with the latest customs procedures, laws and policies. 

"With this in mind, we recognised the need for specialised education to foster excellence and professionalism in our customs operations," he added.

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, said the partnership with the GRA would create opportunities for staff of the Customs Division of GRA and stakeholders to enhance revenue collection and promote efficient trade practices in Ghana and within the sub-region.

Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng

Prof. Kwarteng noted that UCC had carved a niche as a reputable institution in Ghana and beyond, adding that “UCC’s status as the highest ranked university in Ghana. We will ensure that students who enroll on the programme are well trained to contribute meaningfully to the development of custom services in Ghana and beyond.

He indicated that with UCC’s strong academic reputation and GRA’s regulatory expertise, both institutions were confident that the programme would elevate standards in customs administration and enhance Ghana’s standing in global trade.

The Dean of the School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, said the new programme was developed with extensive relevant stakeholder consultations to be fit for purpose.

Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi

“The programme went through a series of quality assurances for fine-tuning and was later sent to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission for final approval from the board,” he said.

Prof. Gatsi said the programme would be delivered through transactional and transformational modules to meet 21st century learning skills.

 

In a speech read on behalf of Ms. Julie Essiam, the Commissioner General, GRA, underscored the importance of continuous learning, saying “a learning organisation is an advancing organisation.”

She said the Authority was committed to creating opportunities for staff to grow and prosper, urging the staff to take advantage of the programme to upgrade their knowledge.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

DHR-UCC Hosts Seminar to Enhance Staff Communication and Development Skills

11 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Directorate of Human Resource (DHR) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a seminar to equip its staff with essential skills for effective communication.

This initiative forms part of the University's commitment to improve workplace efficiency and foster a culture of continuous professional growth.

In his opening remarks, the Director of DHR, Mr. Isaac Adom-Konadu, emphasized the importance of the seminar towards enhancing staff productivity.

“The seminar aims to enhance HR communication skills and strategies, improve discipline and conflict resolution capabilities of staff,” he stated.

He encouraged participants to utilize the seminar as an opportunity for self-assessment and personal growth, as well as identify areas that need improvement.

A section of participants in the workshop

Dr. Ellen Blessing Sobeng led the first session on, "The Benefits of Effective HR Communication". 

She explored the impact of clear and structured communication on workplace relations and efficiency.

The second session, facilitated by the Director of the DHR, Mr. Isaac Adom-Konadu, focused on, "Maintaining Discipline at the Workplace" with a discussion on strategies for fostering a disciplined work environment.

The Head of Training and Development at the DHR, Dr. P.K. Mensah facilitated the final session on, "Understanding Training and Development Policy Issues in UCC: The Role of DHR." He offered insights into the University's policy framework for training and development and DHR's role in executing these policies effectively.

In his final remarks, the Director of DHR, Mr. Adom-Konadu indicated that, over time, such training initiatives would have a positive impact on the personnel of the DHR. This, he said, would build confidence and strengthen the entire team’s effectiveness.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

UCC launches inaugural Research and Innovation Week

11 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC)of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched its maiden Research and Innovation Week.

The week-long event, themed: “Funding Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development: The Role of State and Non-state Actors,” is aimed at celebrating research activities that are closely aligned with the thematic areas in the UCC Research Agenda and research interests across the University.

Widely known for its research-driven agenda, UCC has been at the top spot in Ghana and West Africa and among the top universities in Africa for four consecutive years in the Times Higher (THE) World University Rankings (WUR).

In 2024, the reputable U.S News and World Report Global Universities Rankings ranked UCC as the best (No.1) University in Ghana, and among the best universities in Africa and globally.

The Research Week includes various events such as a research exhibition, panel discussions, public lecture, presentations on cutting-edge research from Colleges of the University as well as other units, and the 9th Research Awards and Grants ceremony.

Launching the inaugural Research and Innovation Week, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, said the event offered the platform to appreciate the research and innovative works conducted by faculty members across the various Colleges and other units of the University.

“The event also allows us to reflect on what else can be re-engineered from our research endeavours to serve as catalytic avenues in providing sustainable solutions to the ever-changing world,” he added.

Prof. Boampong expressed optimism that the event would provide academia, industry, and other stakeholders the opportunity to collaborate and collectively design approaches that address current challenges confronting the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor admitted that research played a critical role in socio-economic development and charged Colleges in the University to continuously embark upon interdisciplinary research geared towards addressing issues across all the sectors of the economy in order to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals.

VC-UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (middle) visiting one of the stands at an exhibition mounted as part of the Research and Innovation Week celebration

He called on participants to dispassionately dialogue on innovative and sustainable ways of securing or generating funds specifically towards advancing cutting-edge research and innovative solutions to current and emerging challenges.

Prof Boampong continued: “Irrespective of the difficulty in providing adequate funding for cutting-edge research activities, our faculty have demonstrated commitment, ingenuity, creativity and tenacity in pushing the frontiers of academic research endeavours.”

He stressed that faculty had also expanded partnerships with industries and organisations both locally and internationally to overcome resource constraints while ensuring that our research was not only groundbreaking but also responsive to real-world needs.

“This has had a positive rippling effect on our performance on the research quality pillar in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as the topmost in the sub-region,” he said.

As an institution,” the Vice-Chancellor pointed out, “we are striving to promote a conducive environment that supports cutting-edge research.”

From January 2023 to July 2024, he said the University had supported 120 faculty members with over 1.8 million cedis to attend conferences and workshops abroad.

He noted that the University would continually support faculty members to pursue external grants to fund their research projects, expressing the hope these efforts would culminate into the quality research supportive environment that UCC seeks to establish.”

He advised participants to establish networks for collaborations for more impactful research and innovation.

For his part, the Director of DRIC, Prof. David Teye Doku, indicated that funding was the lifeline of impactful research and admitted that it was one of the greatest obstacles confronting universities.

He urged participants to brainstorm on ways to generate funding to help the socio-economic development of the country.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

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