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Asantehene receives honorary doctorate from UCC

09 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at a special congregation.

The honour was in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship, contribution to education in Ghana, as a purveyor of traditional jurisprudence and advocate of the rule of law. Further, the recognition was hinged on His Royal Majesty’s efforts towards the promotion of peace and stability, and for standing out as a visionary and generational thinker, entrepreneur, guardian of culture and role model.

Enhancing Education

Receiving the honorary doctorate, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed appreciation to the University for recognising and honouring his efforts and promised to work more for the betterment of the country.

"Let me express my profound gratitude to the Chancellor, chairman and members of the Council of this great institution for the honour bestowed on me. It is an honour, which I accept with humility and proudly share with Nananom whose joint efforts have contributed to everything I have achieved," he said.

He reiterated his dedication to promoting peace, education, unity, and development in the country asserting that Cape Coast remained the gateway to Ghana’s education.

In the spirit of ensuring a holistic approach to address the country’s educational challenges, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called for reasonable remuneration for teachers due to the critical services they provide.

The Asantehene also lamented the gaping disconnect between the state and academia which robbed universities of their role in shaping policies and revolutionalising societies through scientific research discoveries. This, he attributed to abrasive political divisions.

He said, “...Unfortunately in our country, there is hardly any evidence of meaningful collaboration that needs to exist between the state and the universities. One reason the role of academia has been downplayed is that we have allowed the abrasive political divisions to permeate our sacred campuses and turn them into battlegrounds for partisan combat, instead of imbibing and dispensing knowledge.”

Contributions of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and the Chancellor of UCC, Dr. (Sir) Sam Esson Jonah in a photo after the conferment

The Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Esson Jonah, described Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a beacon who has played diverse roles in many spheres to bring development and peace in Ghana and beyond.

Dr. Sam Jonah hailed Otumfuo’s prowess in traditional wisdom and modern pragmatism.

“His reign has been a continuous demonstration of navigating complex issues with the blend of traditional wisdom and modern pragmatism. His ability to unite people from all walks of life has earned him profound respect and admiration globally,” he said.

He outlined the contribution of His Majesty in conflict resolution, economic development, education, health and more, affirming that his leadership was a testament to his deep commitment and understanding of traditional governance and his dedication to the welfare of his people.

“Upon ascending the Golden Stool, His Majesty made it his mission to address the many chieftaincy disputes that plagued the Asante state. This bold initiative brought together several areas once marked by division and conflict. One of the most remarkable examples is the pivotal role he played in restoring peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area,” the Chancellor added.

Dr. Sam Jonah added that beyond Otumfuo’s contribution to peace and justice, he has been an unwavering advocate for education and economic development.

The Asantehene being congratulated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Mrs. Rosemond Boohene

The UCC Chancellor added that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s influence extends far beyond the borders of this country with his timely intervention in matters of national and international importance having significant impact.

Further, he said in 2016, former President John Agyekum Kufuor highlighted how His Majesty’s advocacy at the IMF was instrumental in sustaining Ghana’s economy during his tenure,” he added.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong congratulated the Asantehene on his award and described him as an astute leader whose contribution to nation-building and conflict resolution could not be downplayed.

He indicated that with the gains the University had made over the years, he was optimistic that Asantehene’s association with UCC would solidify the relationship between the University and Asanteman.

 

A section of Otumfuo’s entourage at the colourful ceremony

The ceremony was witnessed by Nananom, honourable ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, Justices of the Superior Courts of Ghana, academia and past and current members of UCC Management as well as staff, students and a cross-section of the general public.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Vice-Chancellor of University of Johannesburg Visits UCC

09 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has held discussions with his counterpart at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi.

Prof. Mpedi’s visit was aimed at exploring avenues for academic cooperation between the two universities. 

During the meeting, Prof. Mpedi said, " UJ is now ranked number one in South Africa according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024.

The delegations from both universities interacting at the meeting

Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi added that UJ is best known for its great impact on the community and the world at large. Given this, he considered this collaboration with UCC not just a privilege but a learning ground for mutual benefit.

He seized the chance to invite the management of UCC to the   University of Johannesburg's 20th anniversary scheduled for 2025.

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in a remark, said UCC would collaborate with UJ for the forward match of the two universities.

As a gesture of goodwill, Prof. Boampong presented the UJ delegation with branded UCC souvenirs.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

CEGRAD sensitises teenage girls on child marriage consequences

09 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a symposium to equip girls with the requisite knowledge to fight for their rights.

The symposium was on the theme: “Child Marriage and Adolescent Rights.”

 The Director of CEGRAD-UCC, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, who addressed participants on the topic, “Child Marriage in Ghana: Evidence, Consequences and Rights,” highlighted the importance of empowering young girls on their rights and the need to avoid early marriage. This, she noted, would enable them to pursue their education and aspirations.

Prof. Amissah identified poverty, societal expectations, and gender inequality as key factors driving child marriage. She stressed the fact that education is crucial for girls to avoid this fate and associated health risks, such as fistula disease.

Director of CEGRAD-UCC, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah addressing participants

She encouraged adolescents to stay in school and share their aspirations with their parents to avoid the trap of early marriage.

"Society expects girls to get married rather than pursue a career. This belief should no longer be the norm. When your age says you are ready for marriage, that implies readiness for childbirth, but your body might not be prepared, leading to complications like delayed labour," she said.

To combat these challenges, the Director encouraged adolescents to share their goals with their parents, dream big, be entrepreneurially minded and stay in school to avoid child marriage.

"You can't dream and be walking about. Your dream will be shattered if you don't stay in school," she stressed.

Prof. Amissah pointed out that education was a powerful tool that provided the knowledge and confidence needed to make the right decisions for the future.

She called on stakeholders to promote the prevention of early child marriages among other harmful cultural practices against women and girls.

Central Regional Director of Gender, Mrs Richlove Amamoo

Speaking on the topic, “Rights of Adolescent Girls and Gender Equality,” the Central Regional Director of Gender, Mrs. Richlove Amamoo, stated that child marriage was a violation of human rights, and no tradition could justify such exploitation and harm inflicted on young girls.

She emphasized the legal rights of adolescent girls, citing the 1992 Constitution and the Children’s Act 560-1998. She reiterated that no girl should be deprived of her rights and abusers of the laws would face consequences.

Mrs. Amamoo urged young girls to stay informed, seek support, and focus on their education to build a future full of possibilities.

The Central Region Representative of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), Mr. David Allan Paintsil, in a remark, warned against teenage pregnancy and the exploitation of young girls.

He urged girls to prioritize their education to secure their future. 

A section of participants in the symposium with one posing a question

Mr. Paintsil stressed that child marriage should not be tolerated due to its far-reaching consequences on girls, parents, and society at large.

"Your parents may force you to live with the man who impregnated you, and your in-laws may not welcome that decision. Go to school, get a better life, drive your own cars, and become somebody in future," he advised the participants.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Vice-Chancellor confers with Renmin University of China delegation

03 Sep, 2024 By DIS

A delegation from the Renmin University of China has held discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

Led by the Director of the Centre for European Studies, Prof. Dr. Yang Huilin, the delegation was in UCC to explore areas of academic cooperation.

Prof. Huilin said his university would like to seek academic partnerships in economics and religious studies, among others.

The visit was used by the delegation to brief the Vice-Chancellor on the activities of the Centre at Renmin University of China.

Director of the Centre for European Studies, Prof. Dr. Yang Huilin (L) in an interaction with the VC-UCC, Prof. Boampong (middle). With them is the Ag. Registrar-UCC, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey

Responding, Prof. Boampong indicated that UCC was ready to partner with Renmin University of China.

Prof. Huilin and Prof. Boampong exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

Accompanying Prof. Huilin at the meeting included the Executive Director of the Centre for European Studies, Prof. Dr. Yan Jin; the Vice Director of the Centre for European Studies, Prof.Dr. Huang Yanfen and the International Programmes Manager of the Centre for European Studies, Prof.  Dr. Guan Kongwen.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

SGS-UCC holds research grant awards ceremony for postgraduate students

03 Sep, 2024 By DIS

Thirty-seven (37) students, including nineteen (19) females and eighteen (18) males, have received grants to aid them produce timely and quality research works.

Sponsored by Samuel and Emelia Brew-Butler and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), the grant is specifically aimed at supporting research students publish their scholarly articles in recognised local and international journals, as well as attend research conferences.

The awards ceremony was themed, “Postgraduate Education, Barriers and Freedom for Development.”

The keynote speaker, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, who spoke on the topic said postgraduate education offers a unique opportunity for students to freely develop themselves in ways that support the overall development of a country.

“This freedom is necessary for promoting critical thinking, and intellectual freedom; encouraging innovation and creativity among others,” he noted.

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah addressing participants

Prof. Anamuah-Mensah was, however, quick to add that postgraduate education tends to disempower students to the extent that when they complete their studies, they do not have the confidence to create and innovate.

“They settle down comfortably with the PhD or MPhil certificate and may not publish or carry on with further research to produce new knowledge or translate the research into practical applications, innovations and startups to help bring about development,” he added.

He insisted that disempowering graduate students exclude them from quality learning and research which had the power to grant them their freedom.

Among the common barriers disempowering postgraduate students from experiencing the freedom that results in development, Prof. Anamuah-Mensah mentioned dealing with self-doubt, coping with uncertainties about post-graduation career prospects, and managing the pressure to present results and publish.

Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa (L) presenting one of the awardees with her grant

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, in a short remark, observed that the school would continue to mentor and monitor the students until the final research output.

On behalf of the awardees, an MPhil student with the Department of Animal Science, Mr. Mwantor Adams expressed gratitude to contributors of the fund and pledged to do ethical research work.

The Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, chaired the ceremony.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC Matriculates 1, 944 Fresh Sandwich Students

03 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has matriculated one thousand, nine hundred and forty-four (1,944) fresh sandwich students who are pursuing various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2024/25 academic year.

The number is made up of four hundred and eighty (480) undergraduates and one thousand, four hundred and sixty-four (1,464) postgraduates. 

After matriculating the students and admitting them to the rights and privileges of junior members of the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, congratulated them on their admission.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong addressing the matriculants

In his address, he encouraged the students to tolerate one another and live peacefully among themselves, Prof. Boampong further tasked the students to read the Students' Handbook to be abreast of the code of conduct.

"I wish to emphasize that these rules and regulations are not to punish you. They are meant to bring order and harmony in the University and make your life and stay here enjoyable," he added.

The Vice-Chancellor advised the students to desist from anti-social behaviours such as occultism, hooliganism, prostitution and the use of narcotic drugs. He appealed to them to observe road traffic regulations on campus. Also, he urged them to be security conscious while discharging their academic responsibilities and also entreated them to take their studies seriously.

 

About Matriculation

A section of the matriculants singing the UCC anthem

Matriculation ceremonies are statutory processes that confer membership of a university on fresh students after they have fulfilled the academic requirements for admission by taking the matriculation oath.

The oath binds the fresh students to abide by all the rules and regulations of the University as enshrined in the Students’ Handbook and other authorized documents of the University and requires them to be of good behaviour while pursuing their studies.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Vice-Chancellor receives CEO of HCOWA

03 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has received the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), Anna Jiang, at his office.

During the meeting, Prof. Boampong welcomed Anna Jiang, wishing her good health and a successful visit to the University of Cape Coast, in particular, and Ghana at large.

Speaking through an interpreter, the CEO of HCOWA said her association had set “ambitious long-term goals” to bring together hospitals, medical professors from China and manufacturers of medical equipment to harness their respective expertise.

CEO of HCOW, Ms. Anna Jiang during her interaction with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (seated opposite Ms. Jiang)

That, she said, would help to promote health care, foster academic and research collaboration and build advocacy for effective policy implementation, as well as bridge the gaps in medical equipment and resources.

She said she visited the Confucius Institute in Ghana and seized the chance to visit the Vice-Chancellor while exploring opportunities for strategic partnership between HCOWA and UCC across various fields.

The two leaders exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene in a handshake with Ms. Anna Jiang

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyarko Boampong in his concluding remarks expressed gratitude to Anna Jiang for the visit and gave assurance that the UCC would like to collaborate with HCOWA.

Source: Documentation and Information Section – UCC

 

 

GRASAG UCC Executives Take Office

02 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The executives of the Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been inducted into office to steer the affairs of the association for one academic year.

The eight-member executives are Robert Ipiin Gnankob - President, ⁠Felicia Adams; Vice President; Nina Grant, Secretary; Samuel Kwame Otoo, Financial Secretary; Maxwell Adu Yeboah, Organising Secretary; Augustina Tambile, Women's Commissioner; Emmanuel Akwasi Agyei, Treasurer and Reuben Kwadzo Gblonyah, Public Relations Officer.

Mr. Robert Ipiin Gnankob, in his inaugural address, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his fellow students. He pledged that the team would work hard to ensure that the concerns of graduate students were addressed.

GRASAG President, Robert Ipiin Gnankob, holding high the sword of authority

He pledged the association's cooperation with the management of the University towards the common good of UCC. He also promised to represent the student body with integrity, dedication and transparency.

The immediate past president of GRASAG-UCC, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong, speaking at the ceremony, said there was a need for unity of purpose and understanding to advance the cause of the Association.

He pledged the support of the past executives to the success of the new administration and entreated all graduate students to provide the new officers with the maximum support.

The Vice-Chancellor, in a brief speech, commended the new executives on their election.

He urged the newly-inducted executives to create a cordial atmosphere between them and management.

Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Nyarko Boampong (front row middle) with some UCC officials in a group photo with the new executives

Prof. Boampong encouraged students to continue to take their academics seriously and never lose sight of their primary aim of coming to the university.

The Acting Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey administered the oath of office to the new executives.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC swears in interim SRC Executive Body

02 Sep, 2024 By DIS

A five-member interim executive of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been sworn in to carry out the administration of the Council until elections are held.

The move comes on the back of an order of a High Court in Cape Coast restraining UCC from conducting SRC elections until the final determination of a suit brought by an aggrieved student who is challenging one of the rules set for the polls.

The appointment is in line with Article 75a of the SRC Constitution, which states, “In respect of the SRC-UCC, in the event where the elections are not conducted in accordance with the constitution, the Executive Council shall constitute a 5-member Interim Committee, with a member appointed as the Chairperson to steer the affairs of the UCC-SRC."

The stopgap executive is chaired by Vincent Kojo Siabi, with Elizabeth Dimah, Evans Hayford, Elijah Lamambe and Emmanuel Asante-Gyimah as members.

The Ag. Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey, swearing in the interim executives

The Acting Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey administered the oath of office to the new executives. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in a brief address, congratulated the newly sworn-in five-member committee for offering themselves for the herculean task. 

He urged them to show leadership and tasked them to maintain a peaceful student front.

"It is your duty to maintain a peaceful student front so that nobody will be adversely affected. I urge you to work closely with us," he said.

He reiterated the fact that there must always be warmth and unity to foster a great relationship between the student leaders and management.

Speaking after the swearing into office, the newly sworn-in committee chairman, Vicent Kojo Siabi, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to serve.

Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Nyarko Boampong (front row middle) with some UCC officials in a group photo with the executives

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of students and called for the support of every student.

Mr. Siabi vowed that the five-member committee would work in tandem with the management of the University for a good cause.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

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