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Administrators urged to embrace Stakeholder Engagement

31 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Members of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) have been challenged to include stakeholder engagement in their day-to-day administrative activities.

 The Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors' Ghana (VCG), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku, who issued the challenge, stated that administrators should adopt stakeholder engagement as a culture through information sharing, consultation, collaboration, and empowerment among university stakeholders.

Dr. Kpeglo-Freiku, a former Registrar of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, made the remarks at the GAUA Continuous Professional Development Seminar held at UCC.

The seminar was themed: “Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement in Higher Education Management: The Role of the University Administrator.”

Dr. Kpeglo-Freiku urged administrators to develop innovative technological solutions to remain competitive in the current digital era.

“The modern administrator must be technologically savvy, socially sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and a strategic thinker,” she emphasised.

She highlighted the crucial role stakeholder engagement played in enhancing institutional reputation and credibility, as well as fostering student and staff satisfaction.

Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors' Ghana (VCG), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku (R), receiving a citation of honour from Registrar of UCC, Mr. Gideon Abbeyquaye

“In fact, stakeholder engagement promotes transparency and accountability, supports resource mobilization and partnerships, among others,” she added.

She acknowledged challenges in stakeholder engagement, including: weak communication channels, over-centralization of decision-making, poor feedback mechanisms, conflicting stakeholder interests, and a lack of clear engagement frameworks.

Stressing a call to action, she urged university administrators to “move from being gatekeepers to bridge builders.”

A Lecturer at the Department of Information Communication Technology, Ms. Linda Otoo, who presented on the topic "Artificial Intelligence (AI)", urged university administrators to embrace AI or risk falling behind global administrative standards.

Ms. Otoo emphasized that AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality.

She warned that institutions unwilling to adopt AI-driven changes risk becoming irrelevant in the evolving educational landscape.

She further noted that by leveraging AI as a tool for enhancement, university administrators could secure their operations for the future and unlock new opportunities for growth in their roles.

An elated section of the audience. In shot: Deputy Director of University Health Services, UCC, Pharm (Dr.) Joseph A. Kizzie-Hayford; Senior Assistant Accountant, IEPA-UCC, Dr. Philomena Araba Sam (both in GAUA cloth), and an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Information Communication Technology, Ms. Linda Otoo (in blue)

Highlighting the transformative potential of AI in higher education, Miss. Otoo stated that it could enhance teaching, research, and institutional management.

“AI can help analyse data, automate administrative work, and assist in personalized learning for students. It’s a tool, not a threat,” she explained.

The Deputy Director of University Health Services, UCC, Pharm (Dr.) Joseph A. Kizzie-Hayford, who spoke on "Administrators’ Health and Stakeholder Engagement", advised administrators to manage work-related stress to improve productivity and service quality.

Dr. Kizzie-Hayford emphasized the importance of adequate rest in managing stress and regaining full strength.

He advocated for walk meetings instead of traditional sit-down meetings as a strategy for healthy living.

The Deputy Director  stressed that walking is not just an activity but a lifestyle that strengthens the body.

Dr. Kizzie-Hayford expressed concern that many people have developed a preference for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, which are detrimental to their health.

He encouraged administrators to adopt healthy lifestyles to remain productive.

President of GAUA-UCC, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku

The Head of Legal Office at UCC, Mr. Solomon Gyasi, speaking on “Illegalities in Administrative Work”, admonished administrators to be very circumspect when dealing with third persons.

“So, if you are an administrator in the course of your work, you commit any tort or any civil wrong against a third party, the university would be held accountable, “he added.

Among others, he said employers had become powerful and succeeded to some extent in using the lenient spot of the law to treat casual workers as if they did not deserve the rights given to permanent employees.

Another speaker, the Senior Accountant at IEPA, Dr. Philomena Araba Sam, speaking on “Retirement and Entrepreneurship”, implored administrators to ensure income security in their retirement by planning and investing in their pension while in active service to make their retirement days comfortable.

She said poor management of personal finances, such as lack of financial goals, skewed lifestyle habits, uncontrolled purchasing habits, and low savings, among others, as some factors that contributed to a poor life after retirement.

She also mentioned that entrepreneurship is experiencing a renaissance worldwide, hence it is an area worthy of exploration for members of GAUA to raise supplementary income.

The President of GAUA-UCC, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, in an address, said the seminar was aimed at building the capacity of University Administrators.

He said GAUA would continue to support members with other beneficial seminars and urged them to be open-minded in receiving knowledge from the various speakers.

The seminar was chaired by the Registrar of UCC, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, Esq, who urged administrators to use the knowledge gained to better service delivery in the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

ADB Bank Engages UCC Registrar on Enhanced Banking Services

28 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Officials from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Ghana have paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, Esq, to discuss ways of improving banking services for students and staff of the University.

Mr. Kwabena Osei-Owusu, the Branch Manager, Cape Coast Main Office of ADB, highlighted the bank’s commitment to digital transformation. He explained that ADB is advancing towards a fully digital banking system that will make it easier for students to access their funds and pay fees seamlessly.

 “We can assure you that our services have improved,” he added.

Mrs. Justina Yiadom-Boakye, the Branch Manager at UCC ADB, mentioned that the bank offers special packages for UCC staff. “We hope you recommend us to your staff”, she appealed to the Registrar.

The meeting forms part of ADB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and provide improved digital financial solutions for the academic community.

In response, the Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye Esq, commended the initiative but urged the bank to “do more to sustain and keep its customers.” He encouraged ADB to be more responsive and reiterated the University’s need for accommodation support for students.

“We are open to allowing you to set up a canopy on campus,” Mr. Abbeyquaye suggested. He added that the bank should ensure to improve its performance and services to attract more clients.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Chaplaincy Committee Delegation interacts with Acting Vice-Chancellor

27 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Chaplaincy Committee of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), led by its Chairman, Prof. Aaron Tettey Asare, has paid a courtesy call on the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Aheto.

The purpose was to officially congratulate Prof. Aheto on his appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Prof. Asare highlighted the Chaplaincy’s contributions to the spiritual growth of the University and enumerated some challenges it currently faces. Key among them is the lack of space for church service on campus, as well as a store room to keep the equipment of the various campus ministries, among others.

Receiving the delegation, Prof. Aheto expressed his sincerest gratitude to the members of the Chaplaincy Committee for their thoughtfulness.

Prof. Aheto (standing) with Prof Aaron Asare (L) and the Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (R)

He said the University would support the Committee through a non-residential retreat to develop a Strategic Plan and come up with ideas to support their activities on campus.

Prof. Aheto said there were numerous opportunities on campus that churches could engage to to cater for their activities.

"I believe that with the retreat, the church can adopt business ideas to help finance its activities,” he said.

Later, Very Rev. Prof David Duodu led the delegation to pray for the management of the University, staff, and students.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Meet 21-year-old Nana Danquah Adjei Domson from Breman Asikuma, the youngest person ever called to the Bar in Ghana

24 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Lawyer at 21, a feat worth celebrating: Meet Breman Asikuma’s Nana Danquah Adjei Domson, Esq.

From the quiet town of Breman Asikuma in Ghana’s Central Region emerges a young man whose story is inspiring an entire generation. Nana Danquah Adjei Domson, Esq., has arguably become Ghana’s youngest lawyer — called to the Bar at just 21 years old — a feat that has amazed many and filled his community with pride.

Born on April 12, 2004, Danquah’s journey has been marked by consistent brilliance and discipline. He began his education at Breman Asikuma Colonel Baidoo Basic School, completing basic school by the age of 12, far ahead of most of his peers.

He later attended Breman Asikuma Senior High School, but soon transferred to Life International College in Tema, where he completed his secondary education at just 15 years old.

In 2019, while most of his age mates were still in high school, Danquah gained admission into the University of Cape Coast’s Faculty of Law.

He studied with focus and determination, blending youthful curiosity with the discipline of a true scholar. Four years later, in 2023, he graduated with First Class Honours — a major milestone on his journey to becoming a lawyer.

After university, he advanced to the Ghana School of Law at Makola, where he spent two intense years mastering the practice and ethics of the legal profession. On October 10, 2025, at only 21 years old, Danquah achieved what many only dream of — he was officially called to the Ghana Bar.

Before Danquah, the youngest person ever called to the Bar in Ghana was Akpene Darko Cobbina, who achieved the milestone in 2019 at age 22. Prior to that, the record was held by Sarah Adwoa Safo, who was called at 22 years and 280 days in 2004. Now, Danquah has set a new benchmark — one that may stand for years to come.

Source: Daily Graphic

capacity_building_TAGDev 2.0

TAGDev 2.0-UCC Builds Capacity of Partner Institutions and Stakeholders

23 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The TAGDev 2.0 Programme at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana has organized workshops for key partner institutions and stakeholders across the country to equip them to effectively engage the target groups for the programme.

Held from October 1-10, 2025, the workshops were hosted by the partner institutions- Adidome Farm Institute, Volta Region; University for Development Studies, Northern Region and University for Energy and Natural Resources.

Participants of the workshop at Adidome Farm Institute workshop

Participating in the workshop were selected District Directors of Agriculture, Business Advisory Centres, Agriculture Extension Officers and Management Information System officers within the jurisdiction where the programme is being implemented.

The workshop sought to equip staff with competence-based training and experiential entrepreneurial education focusing on women, differently-abled persons, refugees, and displaced persons.

The University for Development Studies team

Participants were trained on the technical and knowledge-transfer skills to accelerate the dissemination of innovative technologies and best practices.  In addition, the workshop helped to strengthen partnerships with institutions and organisations to make significant impact on extension services in rural communities.

Opening the workshops at the various centres, the Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 Programme, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong, noted that the University of Cape Coast would continue to engage with its partners to successfully execute the programme. “We need to co-create so young people especially women and marginalized persons in our communities can get sustainable jobs that will improve their livelihoods.” 

Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong

Prof. Annor-Frempong noted that the programme thrives on inclusivity, safeguarding and expanding job opportunities in the agriculture value chain. He, therefore, advised participants to be guided by these in order to ensure equitable participation of both young women and men, and marginalized groups.

 

“We need to empower, promote sustainable inclusion and create an enabling environment for marginalized people in society including refugees, displaced persons, people with disabilities and young women and men through the TAGDev 2.0 programme” he stressed.

Partners from University for Energy and Natural Resources

Participants were taken through Gender, inclusion and safeguarding, entrepreneurship in the agriculture value chain; strategies to enhance youth engagement, overview of TAGDev 2.0 programme, and last-mile extension delivery. 

Prof. Mavis Serwaa Benneh Mensah presenting at the engagement session

The participants worked in groups to brainstorm and generate ideas on creating opportunities for the programme’s target audience. They presented innovative strategies for engaging these groups and ensuring the sustainability of the interventions.

Associate Programme Officer of TAGDev 2.0 making a presentation during the programme at University of Energy and Natural Resources

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed their commitment to explore various opportunities within the agricultural value chain and to make the sector more attractive to the target audience. It was also agreed that all stakeholders should make deliberate efforts to recruit young men and women from their communities and support them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

Dr. Lawrence Acheampong presenting at the engagement session

The workshops were facilitated by the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESSED), Prof. Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah; Associate Programme Officer, TAGDev 2.0 Programme, Dr. Zikiru Shaibu and the Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding Officer, TAGDev 2.0, Dr. Lawrence Acheampong.

UCC Hosts Farewell Dinner for Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Prof. Francisca Dora Edu-Buandoh

22 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a dinner in honour of H.E. Prof. Francisca Dora Edu-Buandoh, Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, as she leaves for her duty post in Ottawa, Ontario.

The event brought together management, student leaders and staff to bid farewell to the esteemed alumna of the University.

In his welcome remark, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, highlighted her significant contributions to the development of the University in particular and Ghana in general that made the President appoint her as High Commissioner.

He urged her to continue working diligently to justify the trust reposed in her by the President and assured her of UCC's continuous support in fostering collaborative initiatives.

Prof Edu-Buandoh (L) with the Provost of CANS, Prof. Rofela Combey, after the proposal of toast

The Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof Rofela Combey, proposed a heartfelt toast, seeking grace for Prof Edu-Buandoh to excel as she took on the new role ahead.

H.E. Prof. Edu-Buandoh, in response, thanked the UCC community for their love and support, sharing her deep connection to the University where she had built her career as an astute academic.

 "Everything that caught the attention of the President and his appointing authorities, I owe to this University," she stated.

She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting collaborations for UCC and pledged to uphold both the Ghanaian and UCC flags in her new role.

Prof Edu-Buandoh displaying the citation of honour. With her are the Ag. VC, Prof Aheto (middle), Registrar, Mr Gideon Abbeyquaye (3rd from left) and some senior officers of the University

A citation of honour was presented to H.E. Prof. Edu-Buandoh in recognition of her contributions to the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Prof. Aheto calls on Banks to partner UCC in transformative campus projects

22 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has called on banks to identify and invest in viable projects at the University, particularly in the area of student accommodation.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by officials from ADB Bank to congratulate him on his appointment, Prof. Aheto highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available at UCC.

“Our students are struggling for accommodation, and this presents a fertile investment opportunity for banks to partner with universities to address it. Trust me, you’ll reap the benefits of your investment,” he stated.

Prof. Denis Aheto sharing handshake with Mr. Kweku Arhinful Biney

Prof. Aheto noted that UCC was open to further engagement with financial institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration. He cited examples from developed countries where banks invest in facilities such as hostels, auditoriums, lecture halls, laboratories, and healthcare centres, many of which are named after their sponsors.

“We are ready to collaborate with banks that are willing to support projects that enhance teaching, learning, and research,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the ADB delegation, Mr. Kweku Arhinful Biney, Assistant Area Manager of the Bank, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor for his forward-looking ideas.

He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with UCC, noting that the Bank’s Managing Director would soon visit the University to discuss possible collaborative ventures.

“This is privileged information, and we are committed to partnering with you to identify viable projects at UCC. When we nurture such alliances, we are able to meet community needs effectively,” Mr. Biney remarked.

Other officials of the Bank were Branch Manager, Cape Coast Main, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Owusu and Branch Manager, UCC, Ms. Justina Yiadom Boakye.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

UTAG, CEGRAD celebrate International Girl Child Day

22 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Women Executive wing of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch, in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD-UCC), has organised a talk for pupils of Apewosika M/A Basic School to  mark this year’s International Day for the Girl Child on the theme:  “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis.”

Marked globally every October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child highlights the achievements of girls while pushing for reforms that safeguard their rights and wellbeing.

The commemoration also witnessed the donation of books to the students. 

The Vice-President of UTAG-UCC, Dr. (Mrs.) Joana Eva Doodoo, said it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and determination of girls all over the world - girls who know what they want are unafraid to pursue their dreams.

She noted that, “girls face many challenges from societal expectations, physical appearance (beauty standards) to systemic barriers such as poverty, high dropout rate due to pregnancy, exposure to violence and abuse.”

However, to encourage the girls, she urged them to "speak up and demand to be heard." This is a call to action that reinforces the importance of giving girls a platform to express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.

Vice-President of UTAG-UCC, Dr. (Mrs.) Joana Eva Doodoo

She stated that every girl, no matter her background, had the power to drive positive change, even in difficult times.

“Stand strong against societal vices like premarital sex, early marriage, peer pressure, cultism and any behaviour that seeks to undermine your potential,” she added.

Dr. Doodo tasked adults, policymakers, and leaders to create safe spaces free from violence, harassment, exploitation and discrimination where girls can thrive and grow without fear.

“Empowering girls is empowering humanity,” she said.

She also touched on the potential of the girl child, urging the girls to continue pursuing their dreams, reminding them of their inbuilt capacity to attain greater heights.

On her part, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, charged the girl-child to challenge all the norms and biases detrimental to her growth and development.

She encouraged girls to embrace leadership roles and reject intimidation.

"Lead the change in the classroom. Take leadership roles. Stand up for yourself and work hard. Never limit yourselves because you’re a girl,” she said.

Prof. Amissah challenged inequality and advocated for gender-inclusive development policies.

She advised the girls to recognise their potential to effect positive change through education.

Director of CEGRAD-UCC, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah

“Every girl possesses the strength, intelligence and courage to drive change, even in adversity,” she affirmed,urging the boys to support the girls.

“The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates your resilience, potential and power to create lasting impact.”

She underscored the importance of empowering girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), urging them to take up active roles in these critical disciplines.

The Headteacher of the School, Miss.  Elizabeth Millicent Brew-Wartemberg, commended UTAG and CEGRAD for promoting inclusive education and supporting initiatives that empowered boys and girls across the Central Region.

She also thanked UTAG and CEGRAD for the donation.

The Women Executive Officer, Prof. (Mrs.) Martha Osei-Marfo, on her part, encouraged the students to take their studies seriously to climb the academic ladder.

She reminded Ghanaians that “every girl deserves the chance to dream, learn, and lead.”

UTAG-UCC Women Executive Officer, Prof. (Mrs.) Martha Osei-Marfo (L) presenting books to headteacher of the School, Miss.  Elizabeth Millicent Brew-Wartemberg (R)

At the event, other faculty members of UCC delivered motivational speeches drawn from their personal journeys of resilience, dedication and service, inspiring the students to dream big and pursue their aspirations with courage and focus.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Three Professors

Three UCC Professors Appointed to Serve on Technical Committees of Engineering Council of Ghana

17 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Three distinguished faculty members from the School of Sustainable Engineering at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been appointed to serve on key Technical Committees of the Engineering Council of Ghana.

They were officially sworn into office during the inauguration ceremony held on August 22, 2025, at the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) Auditorium in Accra. 

Engr. Prof. Opoku Boadu(3rd right), Engr. Dr. Ebenezer Ankoma Gyamera (2nd right) and other members being inducted at the inauguration  

The appointment of these professors further reinforces UCC’s reputation in engineering education, research, and professional practice in Ghana.

Ing. Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah has been appointed to serve on the Education and Training Committee, where he will contribute his expertise toward developing policies and frameworks that enhance engineering education and professional training across the country. 

Ing. Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah (left) participating in the induction ceremony during the inauguration

Engr. Prof. Opoku Boadu joins the Finance and Administration Committee, bringing his vast experience in institutional management and engineering governance. Additionally, Engr. Dr. Ebenezer Ankoma Gyamera will serve on the Licensing and Registration Committee, which oversees the accreditation and regulation of engineering practitioners and firms.

The formation of these technical committees is part of the Engineering Council’s broader mandate to strengthen the governance, standards, and professionalism within Ghana’s engineering sector.

In a related development, the Head of the Department of Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering, Ing. Prof. Samuel Kofi Tulashie, has been elected a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS). This prestigious recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to scientific research, innovation, and higher education in Ghana.

Ing. Prof. Samuel Kofi Tulashie 

Established in 1959, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences is the country’s premier learned society dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities. The Academy promotes scholarly excellence, provides independent advice on national policy, and serves as a platform for dialogue between scholars, policymakers, and the public.

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