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Pro Vice-Chancellor interacts with UESTC Delegation

26 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. (Mrs.) Rosemond Boohene, has reiterated the commitment of UCC to deepen academic ties with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC).

She said UCC had enjoyed longstanding collaboration with UESTC since 2016.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor said this when a high-level delegation, led by the Director of the Centre for West African Studies (CWAS) of UESTC, Prof. Shurong Zhao, visited her on campus.

Prof. Boohene praised UESTC for the win-win collaboration between the two institutions. 

Director of the Centre for West African Studies of UESTC, Prof. Shurong Zhao making a presentation to Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. (Mrs.) Rosemond Boohene.

For her part, Prof. Shurong Zhao said the Chinese government had introduced Digital Marketing Courses and would like faculty members to benefit from them.

She added the Chinese government would continue to promote social and economic development in African countries and hailed the partnership between UESTC and China.

Accompanying Prof. Shurong Zhao to UCC was the Director of School of Information and Communication Engineering, Prof. Xie Mei. Also present were Qu Jianming, Zhao Shurong, Sun Tiantian and Luo Ailing.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Brethren Alumni Group installs solar street lights at UCC

25 Nov, 2024 By DIS

A group of University of Cape Coast (UCC) alumni, known as “Brethren”, has donated and installed 10 solar street lights on the campus of the University.

The lighting system, which has been installed on the Technology Village and Superannuation Hall stretch, will illuminate the area and ensure security.

Presenting the solar street lights on behalf of the members of the group, the President, Mr. Klenam Asem, said the donation was to contribute towards providing a safe and secure environment for the students and teaching staff.

He called on the management of UCC to ensure regular maintenance of the lights.

Speaking on behalf of the Registrar of UCC, Mr. Enoch Gideon Abbeyquaye, the Acting Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Atta Yeboah-Sarpong, expressed the hope that the lighting equipment would make students go about their academic activities safely at night.

The Brethren Alumni Group and some UCC officials cutting a tape to unveil the lights

He commended the group for giving back to their alma mater and called on other alumni groups to emulate their example.

Dr. Yeboah-Sarpong underscored the importance of alumni associations to the growth of every tertiary institution and was hopeful that the group would be remembered anytime humanity and philanthropy were mentioned.

In a remark, the Dean of Students, Prof. Daniel Apaak, thanked the UCC Brethren Group.

He said UCC continues to seek the support of all alumni and well-meaning individuals to advance the University’s cause.

The interim president of the UCC Students’ Representative Council, Vincent Kojo Siabi, for his part, said the donation was timely and would improve security for students and staff of the University.

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC School of Medical Sciences Holds White Coat Ceremony for 169 Medical Students

25 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The School of Medical Sciences (SMS),University of Cape Coast (UCC), has inducted 169 medical students into the clinical phase of their training at its 15th White Coat ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the New Examination Centre, was a rite of passage for students to pass through in obtaining practical learning experience and subsequently becoming medical doctors.

The students also took the medical Students’ Oath which read in part that “they will practise medicine to the highest standards of conduct and seek what is best for their patients and without allowing greed, nor stinginess, nor desire for great reputation to corrupt them”. A former Dean of the School, Prof. Ivy A. E. Ekem, administered the SMS Oath to the students.

Delivering a speech as the guest speaker, the Director of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi, Dr. Joseph Kofi Tambil, congratulated the students on completion of the basic science portion of medicine and advised them to show respect and compassion towards their patients.

He said, as medical students, they should create their future now while in school by upholding the standards and principles in delivering their responsibilities.

Dr. Tambil admonished them to demonstrate a high sense of discipline, comportment and moral high ground, as well as adhering strictly to the ethics of the profession.

A section of the medical students taking the Medical Students’ Oath

He urged them to pursue excellence by committing to lifelong learning and embracing teamwork. The Director further tasked them to be innovative and creative while striving for excellence during their training.

He advised them to be time-conscious in all their endeavours to progress faster in life.

“The first step towards success is self-management. Be time-conscious and do a SWOT analysis of yourselves to be good doctors,” said Dr. Tambil.

He reminded them of four cardinal principles of life, these he said, were beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy at the hospital, which according to him, every medical student should know. 

Dr. Tambil implored the medical students to dress decently to reflect the ethics of the profession.

The Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Martins Ekor, who chaired the function, commended the students for their hard work, dedication and passion for studying medicine.

He urged them to ensure that they adopted the tenets of compassion, care and love in the next phase of their studies.

Director of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region, Dr. Joseph Kofi Tambil

According to him, the white coat the medical students would wear was a symbol of the trust and responsibility that had been placed in them by the society.

He said SMS had seen significant improvement in infrastructure and facilities, and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong for the rapid expansion of the school.

The Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Sebastian Eliason, in his address, described the ceremony as an iconic ritual that had become a symbolic hallmark of the SMS. This, according to him, inspired the zeal in students but more importantly, to remind them of their responsibility to care for humanity.

He advised them to build skills in communication, critical thinking and collaboration in their clinical studies. 

The Founding Dean of the School of Medical Sciences of UCC, Prof. Harold Amonoo-Kuofie, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of UCC, asked the students to adopt the tenets of ethical practice, altruism, humanistic care, compassion, care and love.

"As you embark on this journey, remember that medicine is a calling that requires ethical practice, altruism, and humanistic care," he said.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion with the fresh clinical students in a shot

He advised them to be lifelong learners, curious, technologically savvy and continually update their skills to provide evidence-based care.

"Your predecessors have set a high standard for you to emulate and improve upon. I challenge you to embrace this legacy, push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to the medical community, " he added.

UCC SMS was established in 2008 to augment the training of medical professionals to help close the patient-doctor ratio gap. Since then, it has produced high-quality doctors for Ghana and the world through a first-class curriculum.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

Registrar unveils sculpture design at Science Shuttle Station

22 Nov, 2024 By DIS

A sculpture depicting a person weighed down by a heavy load while  embarking on an academic  journey has been unveiled  the Science Shuttle  Station at North Campus.

The monument was made by a sculptor, Ms. Christabel Ama Asmah, a national service person at the Department  of  Vocational and Technical  Education (VoTEC).

It is made of resin, sack, rope, paint, metal and cement.

Ms. Christabel Ama Asmah explaining the sculpture to the gathering

Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Asmah said learners carry a lot of load, some of which she noted were peer pressure, side hustle, financial  constraints, and broken homes. According to her, it was common for students to suffer from mental overload and imbalances.

"These loads may lead to depression, and other behavioural or mental disorders. This imagery offers an invaluable opportunity to engage the academic community in meaningful thought and discussion about mental health," she added.

Ms. Asmah indicated that the sculpture would contribute to  a culture of understanding, empathy and support  for a well balanced life between academics and other extracurricular activities.

The Registrar Mr. Gideon  Enoch Abbeyquaye cutting the tape to inaugurate the sculpture

The Registrar of the University  of Cape Coast (UCC), Mr. Gideon  Enoch Abbeyquaye, who led the unveiling ceremony, said the monument was  significant because it reminded students about the importance  of mental health.

He commended Ms. Asmah for the monument and encouraged students to embrace opportunities offered them to study hard in order to  build  a better future for themselves.

In attendance were some university  officials, lecturers and students.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

StuFSO Holds Scholars’ Forum for 2024/2025 UCC Scholarship Recipients

20 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Students’ Financial Support Office (StuFSO), under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, has offered scholarships to brilliant but needy students pursuing postgraduate and undergraduate programmes at different levels for the 2024/2025 academic year.

This scheme is dedicated to supporting students financially to provide them with the sound environment needed to pursue their respective programmes.

StuFSO, at the end of every scholarship process, organizes a Scholars’ Forum to orient the awarded students.

Addressing the students, the Chairperson for the forum who is also the Dean of the School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, congratulated the recipients for their hard work and perseverance, encouraging them to remain focused on their studies.

He charged them to conduct themselves well while on campus and exhibit the values the University was inculcating in them. While reminding the students that education was a lifelong journey and did not end with schooling, he also urged them to seek knowledge beyond the classroom.

Dean of the School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi

Prof. Gatsi further advised them not to forget the University after their studies and urged them to contribute to the scheme for the benefit of future students.

The Head of StuFSO, Ms. Grace Mensah, in her remarks, advised the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously to justify their inclusion in the programme since many more people were waiting to be supported by the University.

She entreated the students to avoid social vices that could hinder their academic progress and urged them to uphold the trust reposed in them by the University.

In addition to the financial support given to the students, StuFSO also provides academic advice, mentorship, and some internship opportunities for scholarship recipients.

Some dignitaries who graced the occasion

For their part, the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to UCC for granting them the opportunity to be part of its scholarship programme aimed at shaping their future positively.

The event was graced by some senior officials of the University.

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC Marks International Men’s Day

20 Nov, 2024 By DIS

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has marked the International Men’s Day.

The celebration, themed “Men’s Health Champions,” was in line with the global observance of International Men’s Day, established in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago.

The event which was the first to be marked on campus aims to spotlight positive male role models, raise awareness of issues affecting men, and promote inclusivity and community among men.

Delivering the keynote address, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. George K. T. Oduro underscored the critical importance of addressing men’s health issues and lauded CEGRAD for its thoughtful theme selection.

He extensively highlighted the harmful effects of societal pressures tied to toxic masculinity on men’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being indicating that “toxic masculinity expectations from society, like men not crying, often compelled men to engage in risky activities that affect their health.”

Former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. George K. T. Oduro

Prof. Oduro emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders—men, women, and society—to prioritize men’s health concerns and urged men to lead the advocacy for their well-being by acknowledging their vulnerabilities.

He said, “It is time for men to recognize their vulnerability to diseases and become more sensitive to their health issues.”

He also encouraged wives to foster supportive environments for their husbands to share their stresses openly.

The event featured a panel discussion on the topic, “Men’s Health Issues: The Role of Various Stakeholders,” moderated by Dr. Eric Koka from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

The panel included Prof. Stephen Doh Fia, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Prof. Jerry Paul Kukye-Ayiri Ninnoni, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mr. Mohammed Najimudeen Abdulai, Head of Student Records Section, Directorate of Academic Affairs and Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wilson, a Counsellor at the Regional Police Headquarters, Cape Coast.

Members of the panel with other dignitaries at the event

The panelists encouraged men to seek counselling, undergo regular medical check-ups, and reduce the stigma around mental health by raising awareness.

In his remarks, the Chairman for the celebration, Prof. James Atta Peprah, who represented the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng reiterated the value of prioritizing health.

“Health is wealth and should therefore not be taken for granted,” he noted.

The celebration marks a significant step in fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of men’s health and its impact on society.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

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

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