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MMDAs urged to allocate budget for Air Pollution

06 Aug, 2024 By DIS

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been urged to make budgetary allocations for air pollution to safeguard public health and the environment.

The move will spare no effort at monitoring air quality in every electoral area in the MMDAs across the country. The Lead Project of the Ghana Urban Air Quality Project (GHAir), Prof. Adeladza Kofi Amegah made the remarks at a two-day boot camp on air pollution mitigation organised under the Ghana Urban Air Project (GHAir) with support from the US Department of State-funded CLEAN AIR AFRICAN NETWORK Project led by Makerere University, Uganda for Assembly members from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly.

The boot camp was aimed at raising awareness of air pollution among the Assembly members and soliciting their support in influencing and shaping policies at the assemblies to help improve air quality in their respective electoral areas.

He continued, "You all sit in assembly meetings and I am not sure you pass any budget that has air pollution in there. We want to change the narrative. What we are requesting of you is to support the air pollution agenda so that we can get air pollution to feature in the budget of the assemblies."

Prof. Amegah, who is an Associate Professor of Environmental and Nutritional Epidemiology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Cape Coast, highlighted the key sources of air pollution in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) as transportation/vehicular traffic, open waste burning, and burning of firewood and charcoal for cooking, as well as industrial pollution. 

Prof. Amegah (hand raised) taking the participants through a presentation at the boot camp

He said the Project had real-time data on the levels of pollution in GAMA through their over 65 low-cost air sensors which the Assembly members could leverage to make convincing arguments at assembly meetings on the need to incorporate air pollution in the annual budgets of the assemblies.

According to him, the country had laws and regulations on managing air quality, but enforcement was lacking. He pointed out that street hawkers and traffic police officers were exposed to air pollutants emanating from the vehicles. He, therefore, enjoined street hawkers and traffic police officers to wear nose masks to prevent air pollution-related diseases.

Prof. Amegah, however, admitted that hordes of street hawkers were breadwinners of their families and had no better option than to engage in street hawking business.

He, therefore, called for improved nutrition such as the consumption of selenium, vitamin C, E and D-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats to help mitigate air pollution health effects among street hawkers and other groups vulnerable to air pollution exposure.

"While we want to remove the hawkers from the streets, we need to find alternative livelihoods for them. So, we are trying to find nutritional intervention that can reduce the health effects as a result of air pollution exposure," he added.

Prof. Amegah, who is the Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at UCC, also recommended Ghanaians to engage in activities such as walking and cycling which not only are part of efforts to combat air pollution but also have public health co-benefit of improved cardiovascular health.

He announced that plans were afoot for the Project to develop a Mobile App to monitor the air quality in the MMDAs.

For his part, the Assembly member for Madina Zongo, Mohammed Cisse, speaking to the press after the event used the opportunity to thank the GHAir Project for the boot camp and promised that the Assembly members would use their good offices to prevail on their Chief Executives to buy into the idea of including air pollution in the budgets of the assemblies.

He added that the time was ripe for Assembly members to leverage digitisation to fight air pollution in their electoral areas and described the soon-to-be-launched Mobile App by the GHAir Project as timely as it would be a boon to check air quality in their assemblies.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC KG ends term with graduation ceremony

06 Aug, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Kindergarten (KG) has organised a graduation ceremony for KG 2 pupils of the school.

The colourful event was held on the theme: “60+1 Years of Ensuring Quality Early Childhood Education: The Role of Stakeholders”.

The ceremony attracted parents of the graduating class, the clergy and a section of the public who were treated to cultural displays by the school’s cultural troupe and choreography by the Creative Minds Group.

The school's cadet corps also displayed their budding skills and marched to the admiration of the guests who graced the occasion.

As part of the ceremony, the headteacher of UCC KG, Miss. Linda Ayingura took the salute at the parade and commended the pupils for their smart turnout and display.

Some pupils dressed to represent varied professions in a role-play

At the event, selected pupils took turns to role-play different careers, receiving rapturous applause.

Professions such as law, fire service, police, military, engineering, medicine, nursing, and teaching were showcased by the pupils.

The Director of the Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre at UCC, Prof. Samuel Kyei, who chaired the ceremony, congratulated the graduands for their hard work and dedication to their studies and wished them a prosperous future.

He told parents that the best investment was one made in their children’s education. Consequently, He urged parents to keep on sacrificing for their children while they move on to the next level of their education.

Prof. Kyei, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents for their cooperation in ensuring effective teaching and learning in the school.

A former Headteacher of UCC KG, Ms Adwoa Ewur, presenting a certificate to a graduand, Master Judah Godfred Mensah

For her part, Miss. Linda Ayingura, in a remark, congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to uphold the good values they had learnt in the school.

She appealed to the management of the University to assist in re-roofing the school building.

As part of the programme, the University KG bid farewell to two retired staff members. The two retirees, who were presented with citations, were Madam Florence Adjokway and Mrs. Doris Nyarko.

Mrs. Florence Adjokway, on behalf of the duo, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Some pupils in a role play at the event

The graduands were also presented with certificates.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Texas Instruments Education donates 100 calculators to Dept. of Maths and ICT Education

30 Jul, 2024 By DIS

In a remarkable act of generosity, Texas Instruments Education, a German-based company, has presented 100 electronic hand-held TI 84 CE calculators worth GHS 100,000 to the Department of Maths and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Education.

The gesture is to help enhance the teaching and learning of ICT in the Department.

The Director of Texas Instruments Education, Mr. Stephan Griebel, speaking via Zoom, said the donation aligns with the firm’s commitment to advancing ICT education in tertiary institutions.

He pledged to strengthen and foster an even more robust relationship with the Department.

Mr. Griebel noted that such partnerships were crucial for equipping the next generation with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, on receiving the calculators, said the donation from Texas Instrument Education had come at a time when many students need high-powered calculators to aid their learning.

Prof. Davies displaying one of the calculators

He assured the firm that the calculators would be put to optimal use.

"We hope our friendship with Texas Instrument Education will grow even to other areas of learning instruments that will help us to deliver 21st-century skills," he continued.

The Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Education, Prof. Douglas D. Agyei, in a remark, thanked the donor for the gesture and appealed for more assistance.

He announced that the faculty had introduced a programme in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for pre-service teachers in ICT education and the calculators would be of immense help to them.

Prof. Agyei emphasised the importance of equipping students with the essential skills for the fourth industrial revolution.

Head, Department of Maths and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Education, Dr. Foster D. Ntow

The Head of the Department of Maths and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Education, Dr. Foster D. Ntow, during his address, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Department to the Texas Instrument Education.

He pledged to ensure that the calculators were used purposefully.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

UCC staff member selected for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

30 Jul, 2024 By DIS

Mr. David Tweneboah Koduah, a Sports Coach in charge of Para Sports at the University of Cape Coast, has been selected as one of the six (6) international technical officials for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Goalball Competition.

Mr. Koduah is the only Ghanaian penciled among the team of technical officials for the Paralympic archery events scheduled from 28th August to 8th September in France.

 KEY EVENTS

•Participant, 2016, IBSA Goalball Workshop for Referees/ Coaches / Officials, Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire.

•Participant, 2018, IBSA Goalball Workshop for Referees/Coaches/Officials in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

•Referee, 2022 Cape Winelands Goalball tournament in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

•Referee, 2023, International Trakai Goalball Tournament in Trakai, Lithuania.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Faculty of Social Sciences lauds first-class students

30 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The Faculty of Social Sciences has applauded first-class students for their unparalleled academic performance at this year’s Dean’s Awards ceremony.

One hundred and seventy-two (172) students were awarded at the event which was on the theme, “Navigating the transition from Academia to the Professional world”.

The Dean’s Awards ceremony is held annually to celebrate students with a CGPA of 3.6 and above at Levels 200 to 400.

The Director of Business Support and Innovation Commercialisation for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Franklin Owusu-Karikari, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

He challenged tertiary students to widen their scope and learn new skills to contribute to the corporate environment.

Director of Business Support and Innovation Commercialisation, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Mr. Franklin Owusu-Karikari

According to him, students should acquire ICT skills to compete on the global market.

"...I tell young graduates that before you finish your national service, become an advanced expert in Microsoft Office, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excell. These are needed in the corporate environment. If you master these five areas you are a complete human being in the corporate environment", he observed.

Mr. Owusu-Karikari advised students to take advantage of mentoring opportunities on campus to receive the requisite grooming that would spur them on to success.

He advised them to be time-conscious in all endeavours since bad time management impeded the progress of many people worldwide, with Ghanaians, not an exception.  

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof.  Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme presenting an awardee with a certificate of honour

“Many opportunities exist on the job market”, he added, but one could only take advantage of them through punctuality, upgrading of professional skills, and rebranding.”

Mr. Owusu-Karikari, therefore, encouraged students to have an entrepreneurial mindset to avoid unemployment and build linkages that could push them ahead of others in projects they undertake. 

He further advised students to leverage forums, seminars and conferences organised on campus and improve upon their capabilities. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof.  Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme, commended the students for making their lecturers and themselves proud and urged them not to rest on their oars but continue to study hard to realise their vision of becoming what they wanted to be in future.

He said their progress would be monitored as they climbed the ladder of academic excellence.

MP for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Mintah-Nyarku

 In a remark, the honourable MP for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Mintah-Nyarku, charged students to access driver’s licenses and passports while on campus. 

"Minimise the intake of pizza and get a passport and driver's license. You should not leave the shores of UCC without a driver's license or passport. You need these two things as you get to the field of work," he counselled.

The MP praised the awardees for their sterling performance and advised them not to relent in their efforts but to keep on burning the midnight candle to enable them to complete their education with distinction.

At the event, various speakers used the occasion to hail the awardees and commiserated with others who were unable to be on the Dean’s List.

Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng presenting an awardee with a certificate

The ceremony was chaired by the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC Debate Society wins CEGRAD Debate

29 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast Debate Society (UCC)has won the Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD)-UCC inter-tertiary debate competition with 79.2 points.  The University of Education, Winneba and Takoradi Technical University placed second and third with 76.8 and 70.8 points respectively.

The contest, which was on the motion, “Gender quotas should be mandated in politics” had two students from the participating schools arguing for and against the motion after which the panel of judges awarded marks.

The debaters exhibited a high level of knowledge for or against the motion. Still, the UCC Debate Society representatives, who spoke for the motion, exhibited an exceptional performance, intermittently receiving thunderous applause from the audience.

The contest provided a platform for the students to exhibit their talent and boost their confidence in communication and research skills, which would go a long way to enhance their careers as they advance in life. 

Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah presenting a certificate of participation to the winners of the debate, UCC Debate Society

For winning, the contestants of UCC Debate Society received GH¢1,000 while each of the contestants was given a certificate.  UEW debaters received GH¢800 and certificates, while contestants from TTU got GH¢ 500 and certificates.

In her remarks, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, congratulated the participants for their display of knowledge.

She encouraged students not to shy away from such competitions as they provided platforms that helped to strengthen their academic performance and widen their scope of understanding of issues of national interest.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong elected Chairperson of Vice Chancellors Ghana

26 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has been elected the new chairperson of the Vice Chancellors Ghana (VCG).

Professor Boampong succeeds Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

He would steer the affairs of the organisation for one year.

Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson handing over VCG document to Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong. With them are the Registrar of UCC, Mr. Jeff Onyame (L) and the Registrar of KNUST, Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng.

 

About Vice Chancellors Ghana

It is registered as a non-profit organisation in Ghana, whose objectives are to promote scholarship, research and innovation and maintain common standards for academic progression.

It also advocates better conditions of service for staff members and asserts professional authority on higher educational matters in Ghana among others.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

“Speed up passage of Affirmative Action Bill " – Gender Advocate to Parliament

26 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The Convener of the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo, has justified the reason for Parliament to fast-track the passage of the long-awaited Affirmative Action Bill, to facilitate gender equality in governance and private life.

According to her, the bill would see an increase in the number of women in leadership.

“The bill will address issues such as marginalising women in public and economic life in Ghana. Again, the bill seeks to ensure that Ghana’s obligations under international human rights instruments to which it is a state party are complied with”, she said.

Mrs. Minkah-Premo made the justification at a public lecture on the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill organised by the Department of Integrated Development Studies at the School of Development Studies for the University of Cape Coast.

The Coalition seeks to broaden the scope of engagement and understanding among different generations of women and men on how to speed up the process of passing the Affirmative Action Bill into law.

The lecture aimed at seeking students' and faculties support and commitment for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, and to court their interest in supporting the bill’s passage.

Speaking further, Mrs. Minkah-Premo indicated that countries such as South Africa and Rwanda were already in the lead with respect to gender equality in governance through affirmative action laws.

Sheila Minkah-Premo, Esq in a group photo with participants in the public lecture

The gender advocate continued, “There is an increase in the number of women in Parliament in these countries. Ghana, which sets the pace on many critical issues, has been left behind and we need the law in place before the close of 2024 to redeem our place in the comity of nations”, she said.

Mrs. Minkah-Premo said statistics of women in governance and leadership revealed that women had been marginalised in the 21st century. 

“In Ghana now, our Parliament has a membership of 275 members, but only 40 are women. This represents about 14.5 percent. This is not good enough.” 

The Convener added that the bill, which consists of 34 clauses and 6 schedules, seeks a 50/50 percent representation and participation of both women and men in governance, public positions of power, and all decision-making processes of the state. 

"It also requires all sectors to reserve a percentage of their employment for women. Political parties are also to be encouraged to adopt voluntary party quotas to promote women’s participation in party politics. The bill mandates all public institutions to adopt gender policies, including recruitment policies, aimed at achieving a balanced structuring of those institutions in terms of gender", she observed.

Mrs. Minka-Premo stressed that the bill, which has undergone several revisions, was withdrawn from Parliament on June 14, 2024, and an updated version had since been laid, gone through the first reading, and was currently before the Gender Committee in Parliament.

She emphasised the need for collective action to ensure the passage of the bill, which had been delayed due to various challenges.

The Convener added that research had proven that it made economic sense to ensure gender equality, as the economy has better opportunities to grow and become more resilient to crises if women and men have equal rights.

Director of the Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation-UCC, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah (left) with some participants

However, Mrs. Minka-Premo, who is a legal practitioner and advocate of the bill, expressed optimism that the current Parliament would prioritise its passage.

The gender advocate called on Ghanaians to join the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition and work together towards the common goal of achieving gender equality and social justice in Ghana.

At the event, the participants agreed on the need for the Affirmative Action Bill to be passed into law.

What is the Affirmative Action Bill?

The Affirmative Action Bill seeks to encourage efforts towards addressing socio-cultural, political, economic, and educational gender imbalances in private and public sectors, per Clause 4 of Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution.

Its objective is to promote the progressive increase and active participation of women in public and active life from a minimum of 30 percent by 2030, under the requirements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Professor of Organic Chemistry makes case for research, applications and commercialisation of nanocellulose

26 Jul, 2024 By DIS

A Professor of organic chemistry and co-chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York, USA, Dr. Rajesh Sunasee, has made a case for Nanocellulose research, applications and commercialization prospects.

Nanocellulose refers to a family of cellulosic materials that have at least one of their dimensions in the nanoscale.

According to him, Nanocellulose could have potential applications in various fields such as biomedical products, electronics, adhesives, and making cement stronger and of better quality among several other advantages.

Dr. Sunasee, who is currently a Carnegie African Diaspora Programme (CADP) Fellow indicated that nanocellulose had potential application in the design of biosensors in crime detection and forensic analysis. 

Dr. Sunasee addressing participants during the lecture

He made the remarks while delivering a lecture at a seminar organised by the Department of Forensic Sciences of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at the University of Cape Coast.

The seminar was on the topic: “Nanocellulose: A tiny material with a big future.”

Continuing, he remarked that students could embark on research in the biomedical field, chemistry and engineering among others.

Dr. Sunasee called for the support of governments and private entities to assist students and faculty members interested in the area of nanocellulose.

In a remark, the Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christian Kweku Adokoh, lauded Dr. Rajesh Sunasee and emphasised the importance of nanocellulose and nanotechnology in the forward match of every country and urged students to be motivated by the lecture and pursue research in nanotechnology.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

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