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UCC holds 8th Research Awards and Grants Ceremony

22 Nov, 2023 By DIS

Known for its research-intensive agenda, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) through the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), has organised the eighth Research Awards and Grants (RAG) ceremony to support quality research and encourage research excellence and innovation amongst faculty.

The RAG ceremony provides a forum for recognising research endeavours that are closely linked to the research agenda and the interests of departments, schools/faculties, and colleges within the University.

The ceremony, held on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Innovative Research and Sustainable Development”, also served as a platform to share ideas and brainstorm on how the University could harness AI to contribute to the research and innovation ecosystem for sustainable development.

A total of 44 awards were given and of the number, 41 were under the Research Support Grant (RSG) category with 3 under the Best Research Award (BRA) section.  The awardees directly contributed to the University of Cape Coast's sterling performance in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR).

Opening the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, underscored the need for Ghanaian universities to put their innovative research into action to impact the lives of the citizenry.

Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong-Vice-Chancellor of UCC 

“The conduct of relevant cutting-edge research … capable of rendering tangible and innovative outputs that tackle our developmental problems is one sure way of providing solutions to the societal challenges that we are faced with in the 21st century, “he said.

Prof. Boampong threw a challenge to universities to pursue intensive research   because “national, continental, and global decision making are hinged on the output of scientific research and its implication on policies.”

“In Africa for example, social and economic challenges span across various dimensions hence, the need to solve them in an integrated and multidimensional fashion”, he noted.

He asked African universities to engage in multidisciplinary research instead of working in silos to solve societal problems.

“Research must be multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary since knowledge to solve societal problems is no longer in distinct silos of disciplines,” the Vice-Chancellor pointed out.

Prof. Nelson Buah (left), Former Pro Vice-Chancellor,  presenting an award to a group of awardees

Through research, Prof. Boampong stated that UCC had chalked up many successes in the world, including being among the top universities globally for research influence and sustaining the position as the best university in Ghana, and West Africa for three consecutive occasions.

He urged DRIC to be consistent in finding innovative ways to improve the research outputs and grant portfolio of the UCC.

For his part, the Director of DRIC, Prof. David Teye Doku, said the mandate of DRIC was to stimulate research excellence, innovation and grants-making not only within UCC but also across Ghana and Africa.

In pursuit of its mandate, Prof. Doku indicated that DRIC had promoted and increased the quality and quantity of its research outputs over the past half-decade by encouraging the publication of scientific papers in credible outlets.

He said the research and innovation agenda of UCC was guided by a five-year Research Agenda (2023-2027), which was carefully developed through stakeholder consultations across the University.

Prof. Doku stated that the agenda took inspiration from the National Agenda 2057, the Africa Union (AU) Developmental Goal (AU Agenda 2063) and Sustainable Development.

The Vice-Chancellor of UCC (in red tie) being supported by two former Vice-Chancellors and the Director of DRIC (left) to cut the anniversary cake. Looking on are two former Pro Vice-Chancellors

The ceremony also witnessed the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of DRIC-UCC. An anniversary cake was cut by the Vice-Chancellor with the support of other dignitaries at the event to climax the celebration.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

141 medical students gear Up for clinical training

21 Nov, 2023 By DIS

The 14th batch of medical students at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS), who have completed the pre-clinical phase of their training, have begun the clinical stage.

The 141 students, decorated with white coats and stethoscopes, swore an oath to provide the highest standard of ethical care for their patients as they undergo another three-year practical training in the hospital wards under the supervision of medical consultants and other healthcare professionals.

The Deputy Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. Pascal Kobiah, administered the SMS Oath to the students.

 In his remarks, the Guest Speaker, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Kobinah Nkyekye, congratulated the students on the completion of their three-year basic science of medicine and advised them to show respect and compassion towards their patients.

 He cautioned the students to be careful not to breach the confidentiality of their patients on social media and implored them not to erode the trust of the public in medical doctors in the discharge of their professional duties.

A section of the medical students taking the SMS oath

He further asked the students to be guided by the tenets of the medical profession and reflect its core values. He also encouraged the students to, among other virtues, remain loyal to the medical profession, show respect for patients’ well-being and humanity, as well as cooperate with each other.

Prof. Nkyekyer advised them to show commitment and dedication during their clinical training and adopt a life-learning attitude to put to good use the knowledge acquired in the classrooms. 

He further urged the students to justify the investments being made in them by their parents, whilst commending parents and guardians of the students for their unflinching support to invest in the education of their children and wards.

Prof. Nkyekyer told the students to guard jealously the enviable reputation of the University of Cape Coast.

He said challenges abound in the profession so the students should seek help from professionals when faced with daunting challenges in the execution of their medical responsibilities.

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof Kobinah Nkyekyer

The Dean of the UCCSMS, Prof. Sebastian Eliason, advised the students "anytime you don the white coat remember you are under an oath".

In a message read for him by the Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof Ernest Kofi Davis, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, urged the students to exhibit utmost professionalism, discipline, and confidentiality in the medical profession.

He applauded the students for their hard work over the years and urged them to carry the good image of UCCSMS everywhere they found themselves.

Prof Boampong told the students to accept constructive criticisms in good faith in the discharge of their professional duties. He assured SMS that the management of the University would continue to support SMS to deliver on its mandate to produce fully-fledged medical doctors for the country.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Utilise Artificial Intelligence to Conduct Innovative Research – Prof. Amoako-Yirenkyi

21 Nov, 2023 By DIS

The Head of the Department of Mathematics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Peter Amoako-Yirenkyi, has urged African universities to take advantage of Artificial Intelligence (A1) to solve societal problems confronting the continent.

According to him, African universities could connect their innovative research with AI to solve seemingly impossible problems to achieve sustainable development.

“AI came for people in Africa. We can begin to solve problems that almost seem impossible with AI. It is possible to connect your knowledge base with AI to help you build a very sustainable culture,” he remarked.

Prof. Amoako-Yirenkyi was speaking at the 8th Research Awards and Grants Ceremony organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

Themed, “Artificial Intelligence for Innovative Research and Sustainable Development,” the event was to support quality research and encourage research excellence and innovation amongst faculty.

A section of participants

A total of 44 awardees were honoured for their direct contributions to the University of Cape Coast's sterling performance in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Prof. Amoako-Yirenkyi admitted that African countries were lagging behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.

He maintained that it was time African countries made use of AI as a catalyst for development. To that end, Prof. Amoako-Yirenkyi asked universities across the globe to align their mandates and visions with the SDGs, maintaining that “without the universities, the world can't achieve these objectives”.

He encouraged academic researchers to align their thinking with the SDGs.

“No matter what you do as a research person, it is inside the SDGs. So, it is important that while you are thinking about your next research see where it aligns so that whatever you do becomes sustainable by default,” Prof. Amoako-Yirenkyi explained.

Awards

Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor, displaying her citation of honour for her contribution to DRIC

At the ceremony, Prof Samuel Kofi Tulashie and Prof. Ernest Teye, both from the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, as well as Dr Peterson Owusu Junior, from the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, were adjudged the best researchers.

Apart from the grantees and awardees, DRIC honoured the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene along with past Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors of University of Cape Coast and former staff of DRIC, with Leadership Excellence Awards for their immense contributions towards the growth of DRIC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACECoR inaugurates multi-purpose facility

21 Nov, 2023 By DIS

The completed first phase of a 13 million Cedis multi-purpose building furnished with state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate the Centre for Coastal Management-Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been inaugurated.

Situated at the south campus of UCC and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the office building, constructed within 18 months, is equipped with offices, research commons, a library, a communication room, reception, washrooms, a cafeteria, lecture rooms, a kitchenette, a multipurpose lab, amongst others.

The project, financed by the World Bank, which was handled by FAS Consult as consultant with the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM-UCC) was constructed by Antarctic Limited.

At a very colourful ceremony to formally inaugurate the facility, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, expressed gratitude to the strategic partners of CCM-ACECoR for their support towards the construction of the project.

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

He said the management of the University strategically sited the building close to the Atlantic Ocean and urged the leadership of CCM-ACECoR to make a positive impact on the communities close to the project.

Prof. Boampong praised DPDEM and the constructors for their work and urged stakeholders to take care of the edifice to prolong its lifespan.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Cape Coast, Mr. Ernest Arthur, who represented the Central Regional minister emphasized the timely nature of the building's commissioning, coinciding with ongoing research and conservation efforts to understand and protect Ghana's marine ecosystems.

He underscored the importance of Blue Economy investments in "promoting sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and employment opportunities."

Mr. Arthur also identified untapped investment prospects in the fisheries and marine sector, particularly in "the development of land sites, cold storage facilities, fish feed production, and large-scale export of salt for industrial purposes."

Prof Aheto (right) with the VC-UCC (3rd from right) and Pro VC-UCC (in UCC fabric) with some key partners of CCM-ACECoR

The commissioning of the ACECoR building stands as a testament to the University's commitment to advancing research and innovation in coastal resilience. With its world-class facilities and ongoing collaborations with international partners, ACECoR is poised to become a beacon of excellence in Africa and contribute significantly to the sustainable development of coastal regions.

An Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Mr. Sajid Anwar, addressing the ceremony, hailed ACECoR for its accomplishments not only in the service of its students but also in the area of partnerships and pioneering innovative research and new approaches for coastal resilience.

“ACECoR has developed a partnership with Japan, the University of Tokyo to take forward innovative research on integrated settlement management. They have partnered with the Netherlands to take forward innovative approaches to nature-based solutions across West Africa,” he added.

Mr. Sajid Anwa addressing the event

According to him, the World Bank “sees ACECoR as a home for knowledge on coastal resilience for the future because what ACECoR is doing is the definition of sustainability: investing in people, youth to be the scientists and leaders of tomorrow.”

Mr. Anwar admitted that “As we look into the future and beyond coastal resilience and recognise the growing importance of developing sustainable and inclusive blue economies, this is an area where I have to admit that the great minds at ACECoR have been a step ahead of the World Bank.”

“This suggests the many reasons why through the West African Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA) the World Bank is happy to support ACECoR with financing for the next five years as part of the WACA resilience investment project,” he said.

In a remark, a Senior Education Specialist of the World Bank, Madam Eunice Ackwerh, highlighted the impact of the $60 million credit facilitated by the Association of African Universities (AAU), which had benefited ACECoR as one of Ghana's nine Centres of Excellence.

Madam Eunice Ackwerh

She emphasized that the ACECoR project plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality, quantity, and development of postgraduate education and research. She said that one of ACECoR’s key achievements includes collaborating with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

She reiterated the resolve of the World Bank to support ACECoR’s efforts in establishing internationally recognized Centres of Excellence in Africa.

The Project Manager of the AAU, Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, commended ACECoR for putting up such a magnificent edifice within a year.

“The AAU has been actively working with various universities, and ACECoR’s building is a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering academic excellence across the African continent,” she explained. 

Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire

The Director of the CCM-ACECoR, Prof. Denis Aheto, expressed gratitude to the management of the University for the massive support.

He stated that over the past years, the major challenge of the CCM had been the lack of office space.

The Vice-Chancellor with the strategic partners of CCM-ACECoR, government officials and some key members of the University community later cut the tape to signal the official commissioning of the facility. A plaque was also unveiled.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

20 Nov, 2023

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to take up lectureship positions in the:

SCHOOL OF SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST, GHANA

Fields of Specialization:

        i.            Coastal Engineering

      ii.            Structural Engineering

    iii.            Agricultural Engineering (Machinery)

    iv.            Mechanical Engineering (Thermo-fluids)

      v.            Mechanical Engineering (Design and Manufacturing)

    vi.            Chemical Engineering

  vii.            Renewable Energy Engineering (Solar/Wind/Biomass)

viii.            Electrical and Electronics Engineering

    ix.            Computer Engineering

 

BACKGROUND OF CANDIDATES

1. Professor

The candidate must:

        i.            Possess a PhD with specialization in the relevant field of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

      ii.            Have a strong research background and professional experience;

    iii.            Must have taught for a minimum of two (2) years as Associate Professor in the relevant area of specialization in a reputable university or a comparable institution;

    iv.            Have not less than eight (8) publications in refereed journals since appointment as Associate Professor or a total of twenty (20) publications in refereed journals since appointment as Lecturer;

      v.            Be recognized internationally on account of research carried out in the area of specialization; and

    vi.            Have experience in and committed to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

2. Associate Professor

The candidate must:

        i.            Possess a PhD with specialization in the relevant field of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

      ii.            Have a strong research background and professional experience;

    iii.            Must have taught for a minimum of four (4) years as Senior Lecturer in the relevant area of specialization in a reputable university or a comparable institution.

    iv.        Have not less than seven (7) publications in refereed journals since appointment as Senior Lecturer or a total of twelve (12) publications in refereed journals since appointment as Senior Lecturer.

      v.            Have a record of outstanding scholarship in the relevant area of study; and

    vi.            Have experience in and committed to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

3. Senior Lecturer

  The candidate must:

        i.            Possess a PhD with specialization in the relevant field of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

      ii.            Have a strong research background and professional experience;

    iii.            Have at least four (4) years teaching/research experience as Lecturer in the relevant area of specialization in a reputable university or a comparable institution;

    iv.            Have not less than five (5) publications in refereed journals since appointment as Lecturer; and

      v.            Have experience in and committed to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

4. Lecturer

The candidate must:

        i.            Possess a PhD with specialization in the relevant field of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

      ii.            Have some professional experience in the specific area;

    iii.            Have demonstrated potential and interest to conduct research and to excel in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Teaching experience in a reputable university or comparable institution would be an added advantage.

 

Job Description

Successful candidates will be required to teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervise students’ theses, conduct research and engage in community/outreach services, among others.

We particularly seek candidates with commitment to high-quality original research for advancing knowledge to address the challenges of sustainability and sustainable development in their specialized fields. Candidates will be required to do pioneering research relevant to the water-energy-climate-health-agriculture and artificial intelligence nexus, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, wastewater treatment and re-use, public health improvement, risk and resilience analysis, sustainable chemical, electrical and mechanical manufacturing, and sustainable coastal development.

Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to:

(a) equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment; and

(b) the advancement of research and scholarship, grantsmanship and willingness to learn new approaches and techniques of teaching and researching.

 

Mode of Application

Interested applicants should download an Application Form from the University of Cape

Coast website at www.ucc.edu.gh/forms

 

Completed application forms together with a detailed CV/resume and photocopies of

relevant certificates and names and addresses of three referees who are familiar with the applicant’s

academic/professional competence should be forwarded to:

 

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast, Ghana

 

For inquiries, please contact:

The Dean, School of Sustainable Engineering

Tel: +233 (0) 50 202 0731

Email: ramoah@ucc.edu.gh

 

 

Agric Economists explore innovative ways toward sustainable food systems

17 Nov, 2023 By DIS

A four-day conference to deliberate on ways toward sustainable food systems, national development, and youth employment through entrepreneurship, especially in Africa, has been organised by economists in the agriculture sector.

The 6th annual conference of the Ghana Association of Agricultural Economists (GAAE), with support from Solidaridad West Africa, was on the theme: " Sustainable Food Systems for National Development."

Opening the workshop, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture responsible for crops, Mr. Yaw Frimpong Addo, called on stakeholders in the agriculture value chain to address food system sustainability.

According to him, building robust food systems was a pivotal step towards ensuring access to a healthy diet and contributing to the sustainability of food systems. He, however, admitted that the current food systems in Ghana were not adequately prioritizing safety, fairness, sustainability and health, and added that it required massive transformation.

To the Deputy Minister, sustainable food systems hinged on food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations were not compromised.

 

  • Mr. Yaw Frimpong Addo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture responsible for crops

He pointed out that sustainable and resilient food systems were fraught with myriad of challenges such as policy instability, conflicts, climate change, increasing prevalence of shocks from diseases, and low crop yield per hectare.

Mr. Addo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manso Adubia constituency in the Ashanti Region, was quick to add that the government had put in place a raft of measures to address food systems in Ghana.

The measures, Mr. Addo outlined, included enriching the environmental system through capacity building of farmers on climate-smart practices and building agricultural system resilience against climate and environmental threats.

"Strengthening food supply system by increasing local production of key staples, with focus on nutrition indigenous staples that have been neglected, enhancing the availability and accessibility of healthy food and promoting healthier eating habits amongst Ghanaians" he continued.

 For his part, the president of GAAE, Prof. Daniel Bruce Sarpong, in his welcome address to the participants, noted that the fallout of global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war, COVID-19 pandemic, Middle East conflict, had necessitated the conference to explore more innovative ways towards sustainable food systems for job creation for the teeming unemployed youth and entrepreneurship in Africa.

  •   Prof. Daniel Bruce Sarpong, President of GAAE

He said African youth were getting very dependent due to the lack of sustainable jobs which had resulted in all manner of social vices.

To curb the canker, Prof Sarpong insisted that sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship would improve the quality of life of the jobless youth, especially in rural areas where agriculture was critical.

The Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Martins Ekor, who chaired the conference, decried the high rate of food inflation in the country as a major setback for achieving food system sustainability.

He, therefore, asked policymakers to address the price hikes of foodstuffs because food inflation had a tremendous impact on human capital development.

"There is no way to have food systems if the price of food keeps soaring", he pointed out.

He said illegal mining was detrimental to achieving food system sustainability and implored the government to deal with the scourge.

"I don't think it is beyond the capability of the government of the day to deal with galamsey. It is either we stop galamsey or galamsey stops us as a nation," the provost bemoaned.

  • Prof. Martins Ekor, Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences-UCC

Guests gracing the Conference included the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr Kwamena Minta Nyarku; representative of the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Waxzy Mukaila who is the Central Regional Auditor; Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, a member of faculty at the University of Professional Studies-Accra amongst and a former deputy minister for Local Government  and Rural Development, Mr. Abraham Dwuma Odoom, amongst others.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Directorate of Finance Welfare Association launches 30th Anniversary in Style

15 Nov, 2023 By DIS

The Directorate of Finance Welfare Association (DoFWA) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has officially launched its 30th anniversary celebration with a colourful event. 

The well-attended launch, themed: “Sustaining our Integrity and Objectivity in Unity” was chaired by the Provost of the College of Distance Education, Prof. Anokye Mohammed Adam, with a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, as the Special Speaker.

The event witnessed the popping of champagnes, cutting of the anniversary cake, and a 15-minute documentary chronicling the activities and achievements of the Association over the past 30 years.

The Association also unveiled new T-shirts to mark the anniversary. 

Innovation

The keynote speaker for the occasion, the Director of the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA-UCC), Prof. Daniel Agyapong, challenged members of the association to embrace innovation and technology to propel the association to greater heights.

 "By fostering the culture of innovation, you ensure your relevance and effectiveness through the dynamic and ever-changing environment within the University,” he added.

Prof. Daniel Agyapong addressing the gathering

Prof. Agyapong urged them to uphold the principles and the code of ethics of their profession to ensure integrity, objectivity, and professional judgement in the execution of their duties.

He also encouraged members to reinforce their commitment to transparent financial practices and ensure accountability at all levels.

Prof. Agyapong reminded members that welfare associations played critical roles in fostering connections amongst individuals across various spheres.

He explained: "Welfare Associations serve as a connective tissue that binds individuals across various spheres. As such, there is the need to delve into the core principles that have been the pillars of the Association and explore how it can elevate a commitment to integrity, objectivity, and unity."

 

"This celebration should not only mark a milestone but also serve as a turning point in the Association's collective financial commitment," Prof. Agyapong continued. 

 

He emphasized that the Association's financial contribution should be viewed not merely as a responsibility, but as a tangible investment in their shared vision.

 

Integrity

 

Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, the Special Speaker in her address, called on members to ensure unity and integrity within the Association, especially in the wake of the upcoming 2024 general elections.

 

She urged them to promote solidarity and cooperation among themselves, stressing, "Always remember that there's strength in unity,"

Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh

 

Prof. Edu-Buandoh implored senior members of the Association to groom the younger ones to become the best leaders the Association yearns for.

 

She further urged the more experienced members of DoFWA to take an active role in the personal and professional development of the up-and-coming young members.

 

"The seniors should do well to invest and help the juniors become better people," Prof. Edu-Buandoh stated. 

Some members of DoFWA at the event

Activities earmarked for the anniversary celebration included; a health walk, seminar, cooking competition, eye screening, excursion and a durbar.

The launch was attended by the Director of Human Resource, Rev Isaac Baafi Sarbeng; the College Registrar of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey; the College Registrar of the College of Distance Education, Mr. Isaac Nyieku; the College Registrar of the College of Distance Education; Mr. Atta Yeboah-Sarpong, the College Registrar of the College of Education Studies; Mr. Nasir Yaqub Entsie,  the Head of Documentation and Information Section, and Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, the Head of Public Relation and Protocol Section, amongst others.

Dignitaries and Members of DoFWA after the launch

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

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