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Stakeholders deliberate on Achieving Health-related SDGs

20 Jun, 2024 By louis Mensah

Stakeholders in Ghana’s health sector have deliberated on the need to work in unison to address health issues and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Stakeholder consultative meeting was held on the theme, “Catalyzing Progress: Straitening Collaborative Approach for Health and Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana” and aimed at bringing together the key stakeholders from a cross-section of the Ghanaian society to work together to provide evidence that will aid advocacy and progress towards the attainment of the SDGs.

The meeting, which saw the inauguration of stakeholder engagement on Health and Health-related Sustainable Development Goals Think Tank, was organised by the Directorate of Research Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with support from Vision for Alternative Development, an NGO.

In a keynote address, the Special Advisor to the President on SDGs, Dr. Eugene Owusu, said achieving SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) needed strategic investment to bridge the financing gap where Ghanaians should discuss ramping up health spending and deepening private sector participation.

Special Advisor to the President on SDGs, Dr. Eugene Owusu

Without a healthy population, he added, “efforts in education, economic growth and poverty alleviation cannot be realized, therefore, accelerating efforts towards SDG 3 is not just a health priority but an absolute development initiative.”

Dr. Owusu, however, indicated that collaboration meant the use of emerging technologies and smart innovations to bridge the yawning gaps, enhance efficiency and bring healthcare services closer to people who need them most.

An address read by Mr. Juan Manuel Dewez, the Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF, on behalf of the UN Residence Coordinator in Ghana Mr. Charles Abani, underscored the need for stakeholders to collaborate across sectors and communities to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.

He said academia, the private sector, governments, and civil society organizations needed to work in tandem with Think Tanks, to provide crucial inputs and drive processes to support development that unearths key and vital issues needed to assist reshape public policy.

Mr. Juan Manuel Dewez, Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF

He said the SDGs were strongly connected and a focus beyond SDG 3 and linkages to other health-related SDGs would help achieve good health and well-being and significantly help attain other SDGs.

“SDG 3 is interconnected and has synergies with SDG1(poverty reduction), SDG 2 (quality education) SDG 5 (Gender Equality) SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities)”, he said.

The Country Lead for Health and Health-related SDG (HHSDG), Prof. David Teye Doku, said many countries were not meeting the targets of the SDGs, especially health and health-related issues.

He attributed the cause to climate change affecting the food supply system, nutrition and health-related issues.

Director of DRIC-UCC and Country Lead for Health and Health-related SDG, Prof. David Teye Doku

He said the Health and Health-related SDG (HHSDG) Ghana Think Tank would foster a collaborative environment where scientific evidence and policy expertise would converge to inform decision-making and drive positive change.

Prof. Doku, who is also the Director of DRIC-UCC, noted that there was a consortium to address climate change to health and complex challenges (CHOICE) Project.

“Specifically, we are aiming at creating active in-country, multi-sectorial think tanks to facilitate achieving the health and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, he added.

He pointed out that the think tank was not focusing on only SDG 3 but all the other SDGs related to Goal 3.

Panel members discussing issues on HHSDG at the event

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

 

UCC, Virginia Tech sign Letter of Agreement

20 Jun, 2024 By louis Mensah

 The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (VT), USA, have signed Letter of Agreement (LoA) to boost the academic interests of the two institutions.

The partnership agreement is expected to cover teaching, research and scholarly collaborations, as well as explore teaching opportunities intercultural student learning, graduate student training and faculty exchanges.

Signing of the LoA

At a ceremony to sign the agreement at the Council Chamber of the UCC, the leadership of the two institutions pledged their commitment to ensure that the LoA stood the test of time, as well as yielded the needed results.

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong signing the MoU on behalf of UCC

The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, expressed excitement over the new partnership and was hopeful that it would produce the desired results.

He told the visiting delegation that the School of Agriculture and the Department of Communication Studies of UCC were competent to liaise with VT to promote agricultural and environmental communications in Ghana and beyond.

For her part, the Head of Department of Agricultural, Leadership and Community at VT, Prof. Tracy Rutherford, said her university already had an existing collaboration with University of Media, Arts and Communication, Ghana She indicated that VT was happy to welcome UCC on board to form a tripartite partnership.

“We have heard UCC is the number one university in Ghana and West Africa, as well as the 7th in Africa. This collaboration will ensure the facilitation of research among faculty and students in mutually interested areas of study between the two universities. We are grateful for the hospitality accorded us since we arrive on UCC campus,” said Prof. Rutherford.

Prof. Rutherford, who led the delegation from VT, indicated that a new joint study track had been developed in the area of agricultural/rural and environmental communications for the partnership.

Background

Giving a background to the collaboration, a senior lecturer at the Department of Crop Science at UCC, Dr. Frank Kwekucher Ackah, said the signing of the MoU was as result of the engagement he had with management of VT College when he travelled to the United States of America.

 

According to Dr. Ackah, management of VT had shown commitment by sending a team to visit UCC for the signing ceremony. He indicated that the partnership would be very beneficial to both parties to project agriculture and environmental issues through communication.

 

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong with the delegation from VT College of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community

Other members of VT College present at the meeting were Prof. Van Crowder, Prof. Donna Westfall-Rudd, Dr. Jean Parrella- all from the Department of Agricultural, Leadership and Community Education and the Director of VT School of Communication, Prof. John Tedesco.

The team from UCC at the meeting were the Dean of Office of International Relations, Prof. Bert Boadi-Kusi; Vice-Dean, School of Agriculture, Prof. Julius Kofi Hagan; Prof. Paul Agu Asare and Dr. Selorm Akaba from the School of Agriculture.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

CIMPA Summer School held at UCC

19 Jun, 2024 By louis Mensah

A two-week Summer School Analysis and Numerics of Partial Differential Equations has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) under the auspices of Centre International De Mathématiques Pures Et Appliquées (CIMPA).

 A total of 27 participants from 10 African countries participated in the two weeks programme aimed at enhancing their capacity, knowledge and understanding on Partial Differential Equations (PDE), which is a mathematical equation to solve societal problems.

 The summer school was partially funded by the CIMPA- a UNESCO Category 2 Centre of Excellence based in France with the objective of promoting research in Mathematics in developing countries.

 Director of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) of UCC Prof. David Doku (R) and the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, UCC, Prof. Sarah Darkwa

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the school, the Director of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) of UCC Prof. David Doku said the University of Cape Coast was opened for collaborations with both academic and corporate organisations locally and internationally to address challenges confronting society.

 “No single entity has all the answers, but we know that through collaboration, we can pool our complementary strengths to develop impactful and holistic solutions to address our challenges” he noted.

 Prof. Doku expressed gratitude to CIMPA for sponsoring the summer school and called for more of such support to make a real and lasting impact in Africa.

 On her part, the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, UCC, Prof. Sarah Darkwa advised the participants to continue with the networks they had established whilst they leave for their respective countries. She urged them to share best practices and knowledge in their areas of specialisation adding that “You should continue to strengthen the network and write for grants as well as publishing joint research works”.

 Dr.  Stephen Moore

The Organiser of CIMPA Summer School, Dr.  Stephen Moore said participants had been equipped with new knowledge to upgrade performance at their various workplaces.

 He explained that knowledge in PDE was highly relevant in a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines due to its ability to mathematically model complex, real-world phenomena. “As scientific and technological challenges become ever more complex, the importance of PDEs in driving innovation and discovery will only continue to grow” he stressed.

 Dr. Moore announced that a home-grown summer school was in the offing, and it would be held in Ghana to build the capacities of mathematicians in the country. “The participants were eager to learn more and they’re ready to pay for another opportunity to participate in another training programme

He stated that in the future, the summer school would be organised on an annual rotational basis in different African countries.

 Dr. Moore thanked CIMPA for funding the school and the facilitators for doing a yeoman’s job. He expressed gratitude to the Provost, College of Agriculture and Natural Science, Dean, School of Physical Sciences, Head of Mathematics and faculty members and staff of the Office or International Relations for the support they provided to ensure the success of the summer school.

He commended the participants for their interest and active involvement in all the activities including assignments and developing of research publications.

 

 Source: Documentation and Information Section

Dept. of VOTEC hosts Academic Counseling for High School Students

19 Jun, 2024 By louis Mensah

The Department of Vocational and Technical Education (VOTEC) of the College of Educational Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has held an academic counselling programme for final-year students from Mando Senior High School and Oguaa Senior High Technical School.

This event aimed to inform the students about the various programmes offered at UCC, specifically focusing on the Department of VOTEC.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Department of VOTEC, a Senior Lecturer at the Department, Dr. Manasseh Amu, highlighted the various programmes the Department offers and the diverse career opportunities students could pursue upon completing these programmes.

 "The VOTEC department offers a wide range of programmes that can lead to exciting and fulfilling careers," he noted.

Dr. Amu further explained the requirements for the various programmes and the waivers available for some of them.

Representative of the Directorate of Academic Affairs, Mr. Joseph Christopher Aggrey, addressing the students

Representing the Directorate of Academic Affairs, Mr. Joseph Christopher Aggrey, walked the students through an overview of the University's programmes related to Visual Arts, Technical, and Home Economics.

According to him, it was important that the students "became aware of all the opportunities available at the University so, they could make informed decisions about their future."

He provided a step-by-step guide on the application process, including deadlines and requirements. He added that some financial aid opportunities were available at the University, such as the Student Financial Support Office (STuFSO) scholarship.

Speaking on the educational pathways and career opportunities associated with the different university programmes, the Head of the Transport Section, Mr. Frederick Baidoo, underscored the essential skills required for success in these fields and emphasized the close alignment between the programmes and their respective careers.

Dr. Christina Boateng, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science and technology Education, also emphasized the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals for academic and career aspirations. She noted that the students needed to learn to save and use resources judiciously and look for opportunities worth leveraging where necessary. 

A student asking a question during the interaction

"It's important for students to have a clear vision of where they want to go, and to take the necessary steps to get there," she stated.

The career guidance seminar, which featured presentations from various lecturers at the department, provided prospective students with a comprehensive understanding of the academic programmes and career prospects available at the University and the Department of VOTEC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

Department of CBE Launches Summer Research Programme

14 Jun, 2024 By DIS

The Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology (CBE) of the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has opened its Summer Research Programme for 2024.

The research programme which focuses on “Odonata morphological adaptations to environmental gradients: integrating student research in the field, museum, and laboratory” aims to provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of dragonflies while fostering international collaborations and hands-on learning experiences for students.

During his welcome address, on behalf of the Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), the Dean of the Office of International Relations (OIR), Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, expressed his deep appreciation to the Head of the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, Prof. Rofela Combey, for her pivotal role in establishing international collaborations within the department.

Dean of the Office of International Relations, Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi speaking at the opening of the Summer Research Programme

He noted that while UCC had over 250 partnerships, only 146 were actively engaged. He was hopeful the summer research programme would be a model for sustained collaboration across the University.

Prof. Rofela Combey explained that the initiative which originated in 2021 as a Fulbright research topic focused on studying dragonflies blossomed into collaboration with Prof. Kofi Adu and Lara Ladage from Penn State University, USA. In addition to Penn State University, the American Museum of Natural History was also a key collaborator in this programme.

As part of the summer programme, the students would spend five weeks conducting fieldwork in Ghana, followed by two weeks in Washington, USA, for additional laboratory work.

Head of the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, Prof. Rofela Combey

Prof. Combey said the primary goal of this programme was to provide students with comprehensive exposure to fieldwork, laboratory research, and museum studies.

“During the fieldwork phase in Ghana, the students would have the opportunity to observe and collect data on dragonfly populations across different habitats. This hands-on experience will expose them to the intricacies of field research, including data collection techniques, ecological surveying, and specimen preservation,” Prof. Combey noted.

The opening session featured presentations by the Principal Investigators from Penn State University - Prof. Kofi Adu, a Professor of Physics; Associate Professor of Biology, Lara Ladage, and Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, Jessica Ware. These esteemed researchers shared their expertise and insights with participants including Penn State University students, students of the Department of Conservation Biology and Etymology-UCC as well as some faculty members of UCC during the opening session. 

Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christian Adokoh (standing)

The Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christian Adokoh, who chaired the function on behalf of the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Aaron Asare, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Rofela Combey for her tireless efforts in cultivating international collaborations. Prof. Adokoh conveyed his best wishes for a fruitful visit and successful research. He also expressed optimism that the summer research programme would catalyze future collaborative endeavours.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

UCC Medical Students engage Adolescents in Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Rights

14 Jun, 2024 By DIS

The Medical Students Association of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has engaged in an open conversation with sexually active adolescents in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region. The discussion hinged on the critical importance of abstaining from sex to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.

According to the Association, though Ghana's cultural orientation frowned on open discussions about sexual reproductive health and rights, it was important for the narrative to change. The group noted that this would allow children and youth to take charge of their reproductive health and lives.

The President of the Association, Mr. Autin Ngoga, made the remarks at a durbar to mark the 16th Annual Health Week Celebration of the Association at the Mankessim Community Centre in the Mfantseman Municipality.

President of the Association, Mr. Autin Ngoga

It was on the theme, " Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Policies: The Role of all Stakeholders".

He advised young people to delay sexual activities to enable them to focus on the development of their full potential. To him, delaying sexual activities was not a denial at a tender age, but an opportunity to promote a healthier population, especially among the girl-child who often suffer from early sex, resulting in unprepared pregnancies and associated risky behaviours.

He noted that effective communication between parents and children was key to preventing adolescents from risky behaviour and urged parents to be open with their children, particularly the girls.

Acting Central Regional Director of Health, Dr. Mrs. Agnes  Anane

The Acting Central Regional Director of Health, Dr. Mrs. Agnes Akyeama Anane, in a remark, spoke extensively about the different types of Sexually Transmitted Infections and their dangers to the lives of children.

She encouraged them to stay away from sex. “At this point in your lives, your education should be your priority,” said Dr Anane.

Prof. Sebastian Eliason, the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, urged the students to take all the advice seriously and not become liabilities to their parents after school.

Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Sebastian Eliason addressing the gathering

He said he expected the impactful discussion to leave a lasting impression on the students, empowering them to make responsible life choices.

The Chairperson of the durbar, Nana Dr. Ama Amissah III, the Queen mother of Mankessim, counselled the adolescent girls to be assertive and reject all forms of persuasion to yield to sexual demands from the opposite sex.

She told them to love their bodies and always remember that their future was at stake in the event of an unwanted pregnancy.

"As adolescent girls, boys are bound to chase you, but it is within your right to turn them down and focus on your education”, she told the young girls.

Chairperson for the durbar, Nana Dr. Ama Amissah III, the Queen mother of Mankessim

She entreated them not to succumb to bad influences from their peers and to visit health facilities with adolescent-friendly corners for professional advice on sexual and reproductive health issues.

She advised parents to draw closer to their adolescent girls and give them the needed advice cautioning them of the imminent danger ahead if they shirked that parental duty.

The event provided a safe and supportive space for the pupils to ask questions and express their concerns.

The medical students gracefully responded to each query from the adolescents, emphasizing the significance of open communication with trusted adults, teachers, or healthcare professionals when addressing sensitive topics related to sexual health.

A participant posing a question at the event

The beneficiary students expressed their gratitude for the medical students’ visit, highlighting the significance of having such discussions in the community.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

INAUGURAL LECTURE
Date/Time/Duration
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 2:30pm to 6:30pm
Venue/Location
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES (SGS) AUDITORIUM
Chairperson
PROF. JOHNSON NYARKO BOAMPONG, VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST
Speaker
PROF. ROSEMOND ABOAGYEWA BOOHENE
Inaugural Lecture

Committee on University Policies Presents Report to Vice-Chancellor

12 Jun, 2024 By DIS

The Committee on University Policies of the University of Cape Coast has presented its report to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

The Committee was set up to identify and validate all existing and draft policies of the University to meet global standards.

Giving a remark, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantankah, said the Committee in the execution of its work held several meetings; interacted with office holders and members of the University Community as well as existing documents and the University website.

Prof. Sarfo-Kantankah indicated that the Committee consulted existing documents of UCC and identified national policies which are related to some aspects of the operations of the University.

According to Prof. Sarfo-Kantankah, the Committee recommended among others that the University must set up a Policy Development and Monitoring Committee as a standing sub-committee of the Academic Board to manage all policy related issues.

Prof. Sarfo-Kantankah briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the activities of the Committee on University Policies.

“In addition to the list of existing policies and the drafts, the committee recommended additional policies that will boost the University’s position in future impact rankings. Some of these policies should be standalone while a number of them could be merged with the existing policies” he noted.

Aside the policies, the committee further recommended the appointment of a safety officer to ensure the overall safety and well-being of the university community. He expressed gratitude to the committee’s efforts to ensure that the University’s policies align with the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This will undoubtedly strengthen the University's position and reputation as a leader in tertiary education.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Chairman and members of the committee for their dedication and commitment of to the task assigned them. “Your hard work and collaborative spirit have truly set a high standard for policy development and governance at our institution” he added.

 

He was optimistic that the committee’s report would serve as a valuable reference for refining the University’s policy framework. “As we now move forward to review and implement the recommendations outlined in your report, I have no doubt that the University Community will benefit immensely from your hard work” he added.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

School of Graduate Studies, Sam Jonah Library build the capacity of first year Postgraduate students

12 Jun, 2024 By DIS

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) in conjunction with Sam Jonah Library has organised a seminar to introduce first-year postgraduate students to the wide range of e-resources available to support their research and studies.

The four-day seminar was aimed at training the postgraduate students on E-resources, Anti-plagiarism software (Turnitin), Electronic Theses Submission, Repository and Mendeley to enhance their learning experience and academic productivity.

Opening the seminar at the E-Resource Room at the School of Graduate Studies Complex, the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, noted that the programme was an annual event designed to build the capacity of postgraduate students to equip them in their studies and research work.

"As postgraduate students, you have access to a wealth of electronic resources that can truly transform your educational journey,"Prof. Darkwa explained.

Prof. Darkwa indicated that the seminar series would provide them with the necessary support to enable them to complete their studies, especially the research component of their programmes within the stipulated period.

 The Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa

The Dean noted that the SGS had put in place mechanisms to ensure that students complete their studies on time. She mentioned the electronic theses submission as one of the ways to facilitate early completion of students’ theses.

She also took the postgraduate students through an overview of SGS and indicated that the School provides services to the five colleges in the University. She indicated that the School was responsible for admission, supervision of theses, management of results and graduation.

Prof. Darkwa advised the postgraduate students to actively participate in the programme to acquire new knowledge and incorporate the digital tools into their studies.

An Assistant Librarian, Dr. Gloria Bosomtwi Amoah who represented the University Librarian, noted that the seminar would equip students with skills to navigate the digital information landscape.

Dr. Amoah indicated that the Sam Jonah Library would continue to engage them on how to retrieve information by utilising the wide range of e-resources available to members of the University Community.

She urged the students to take interest in the workshop to help them on strategies for effective online research, data collection, and digital resources.

The four-day seminar was held concurrently at the SGS Library and Sam Jonah Library.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

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