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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

 

Department of Peace Studies unveils Political Vigilante Book

02 Sep, 2024 By DIS

Ahead of Ghana's December Presidential and Parliamentary elections, some faculty members of the Department of Peace Studies of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have authored a book titled, “Political Vigilante Groups” in Ghana.

The faculty members include Dr. Kaderi Noagah Bukari (UCC), Dr. Sabina Appiah-Boateng (UCC), Dr. Patrick Osei-Kufuor (UCC), Aneliese Bernard (Elva), Aaron Atimpe (Elva), Prof. Stephen Bugu Kendie (UCC), Prof. Francis Enu-Kwesi (UCC), Mr. Richard Ametefe (UCC) and Mr. Prince Amfo Wiafe (UCC)

With support from @Elva, the project was funded by USAID’s OTI Littorals and Regional Initiative (LRI). 

The findings reaffirm that despite efforts to downplay their role, vigilante groups still have a significant and potentially violent impact on Ghanaian political discourse, especially ahead of potentially contentious elections.

For full report:

 Visit:

https://elva.org/wp-content/uploads/Rebranded-But-Business-As-Usual-Ghanas-Political-Party-Vigilante-Groups.pdf

 

CIUCC Welcomes Delegation from Hunan Provincial Association for the Promotion of China -Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, HCOWA and Sichuan Medical Association

02 Sep, 2024 By DIS

The Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) has welcomed Mr. Xu Xiangping, the President of the Hunan Provincial Association for the Promotion of China - Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation (CATP) to the University.

 Part of the entourage during the visit included Zhou Yonggang, Deputy Secretary General of the Sichuan (China) Medical Association; Yan Liquan, Vice-President of the Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and Honorary Professor of CIUCC. They were accompanied by various principal officers, heads of medical departments, and doctors from the Sichuan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and the West China Second Hospital (Sichuan University). Representatives of Chinese enterprises in Ghana, including Chen Junhao, founder of the Builders’ Alliance, Li Yuzhen, the Director of Y&W Corporation, Zhou Feng, Founder of Xianhua Ingenuity, Liu Rui, Chairman of Big Fish Enterprise Management Co. Ltd. and Lin Hai, General manager of Tuhai International Trade and Manufacturing Co. Ltd. also attended the event.

The team paid a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and also visited several hospitals in Cape Coast. After the visitation, CIUCC organized a welcome ceremony for the delegation at the Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Auditorium. They enjoyed dazzling martial arts and other Chinese cultural performances by CIUCC students.

Ghana Director of CIUCC, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori (left) receiving documents for sixty computers presented to CIUCC from CATP. On the right is the China Director of CIUCC, Prof. Ou Yamei

In his welcome remarks, the Ghana Director of CIUCC, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori emphasized the important role Chinese enterprises have played in the growth of the Institute. Mr. Xu Xianping, President of CATP, in his speech, praised the brilliance of CIUCC students upon witnessing the performances and praised the laurels achieved by the Institute.

President Xu donated 50 computers to the Institute, and Mr. Chen Junhao, Founder of the Builders Alliance also made donations to students of the University Practice Senior High School. The Alliance also discussed providing a better lighting system for the Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Auditorium.  CIUCC Directors, in return, presented the delegation with UCC at 60 paraphernalia and Citations.

The visit highlights the importance of CIUCC to UCC and Ghana. Since its inception eight years ago, CIUCC has seen tremendous growth and success stories. Besides serving as a bridge for China -Africa friendship, the Institute has been instrumental in academia, bringing the Chinese cultural experience to Ghanaians, linking students to internship, national service, and job opportunities, championing Chinese language education in Ghana, promoting exchanges between UCC and Chinese entities such as HCOWA, CATP, the Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Universities and diplomatic missions.

Mr. Xu Xiangping (front row in suit) in a group photo with his entourage and some staff members of CIUCC

Recently, CIUCC won the Excellent Test Center Award, one of 69 out of over 1000 Confucius Institutes worldwide. The Institute was also the 17th Chinese Bridge for high schools and the 23rd Chinese Bridge for universities category. For these and more success stories, CIUCC has received delegations from the UN Security Advisory, the People’s Daily (official mouthpiece of the Chinese Government), Hunan Provincial Education, the Ambassador and staff of the Embassy of the P.R. China in Ghana, and numerous Chinese enterprises in Ghana.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

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