The Provost and Executive Vice-President for Academic Affairs at IES Abroad, Prof. Michael Adewumi, in a bid to deepen academic collaboration, has paid a courtesy call to the Registrar of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq.).

The visit, which forms part of the IES Abroad strategic partnership, is aimed at establishing a Centre of Excellence for the study of History and Legacies of the Transatlantic Trade at the University of Cape Coast.

Prof. Adewumi, who was a Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Penn State for more than three decades, observed that it was appropriate for UCC to have such a centre, given the proximity of the University to ancient sites in Cape Coast.

Consequently, he said the IES Abroad would like to partner with the Centre of African and International Studies at UCC to establish the Centre.

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Both delegations from UCC and IES Abroad during the interaction

For his part, Mr. Abbeyquaye lauded the idea and indicated the preparedness of UCC to host the Centre.

He also praised Prof. Michael Adewumi for his role in improving the study of History and Legacies of the Transatlantic Trade.

Speaking at the meeting, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Eghan, stressed the need for UCC to have the Centre of Excellence for the study of History and Legacies of the Transatlantic and also reiterated UCC’s readiness for the establishment of the Centre.

Stephen Appiah-Padi, from Bucknell University, accompanied Prof. Michael Adewumi on the visit.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

The Department of Environmental Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Zoomlion Ghana Limited and BG Baidoo Global Ltd, has marked World Environment Day 2025 with a renewed call to reduce plastic pollution in Ghana. 

The commemoration, held under the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution” showcased a blend of innovation, advocacy, and academic commitment to tackling Ghana’s growing plastic waste crisis.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, emphasized the University’s readiness to play a leading role in promoting sustainable environmental practices.

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The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto speaking at the programme.

He indicated that UCC had integrated sustainability into its academic and operational priorities and pledged the institution’s support for partnerships that promote environmental stewardship.

The Head of Department of Environmental Science, Prof. Michael Miyittah emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. He called on participants to reflect, engage, and take concrete steps from refusing single-use plastics to pioneering sustainable solutions. “This is not just a seminar,” he remarked, “but a springboard for lasting change.”

Speaking on the topic: "Championing Change: The Role of Zero Waste Cities and Campuses in Combating Plastic Pollution", the Chief of Staff at GAYO, Mr. Nana Minta Asiedu Ampadu, said his organisation was creating a ripple effect through partnerships with municipal assemblies, material recovery facilities facilities(MRFs) and grassroots stakeholders. "GAYO's work is anchored in youth leadership, equity, and justice and locally-led intiatives, while blendingeducation with evidence-based policy advocacy to drive systematic change" he highlighted.

Mr. Ampadu indicated that as a recognised knowledge partner to Ghana's national delegation and a voice for youth-led action from the Global South, GAYO continue to contribute insights from frontline communities as well as support treaty development grounded in equity, prevention, and principles of a circular economy.

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Chief of Staff at the GAYO speaking at the function

"As we strive to adapt and mitigate climate chage impactd. I know for sure there are frustrations, but so are there opportunities to create a space where we can look back and be proud as future generations see our efforts to correct the mess we created. I believe it is time we stood together to eliminate plastic pollution. We have the obligation to preserve, protect, and restore, for now and for the future," he stressed.

A Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED), Dr. Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio, who delivered a presentation on “Turning Environmental Science into Green Gold.”  underscored how environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss can be transformed into viable green business opportunities.

Dr. Amarteifio encouraged students and young entrepreneurs to leverage their environmental knowledge to launch ventures that not only address ecological problems but also create economic value.

In a remark, the Central Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana, Mr. Adams Nahim, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to combating plastic waste through education, infrastructure, and community engagement.

Mr. Nahim noted that Ghana generated over 1.1 million tons of plastic waste annually, yet the country could only recycle less than 5%.  He said the company’s Zoomkids Club Programme had educated over 50,000 students between 2022 and 2024, helping to reduce plastic waste in schools by up to 40%.

Mr. Nahim also highlighted the infrastructure investments such as the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant and the establishment of 16 Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs) across all regions, including one at Mankessim in the Central Region. These facilities are creating jobs, repurposing plastic waste, and providing compost for farming communities.

As part of the commemoration, the Department of Environmental Science launched a solid waste segregation initiative in partnership with the Zoomlion Foundation. The initiative, which started at the School of Biological Sciences, categorises waste into paper, plastics, organics, and others. It will be expanded to cover the entire University and replicated in senior high and basic schools across Cape Coast and the Central Region.

A Senior Lecturer and Lead Coordinator of the Segregation Project, Dr. Isaac Mbir Bryant, urged participants to view waste as a resource rather than refuse. “This initiative will not only promote recycling but also instill in our youth a culture of sustainability,” he noted.

The celebration concluded with a live virtual exhibition from Italy by BG Baidoo Global Ltd and Eurven Srl, showcasing state-of-the-art plastic recycling technology capable of processing 2,000kg of waste daily.

The event brought together faculty, students, and industry leaders for a day of thought-provoking dialogue, sustainable innovation, and collective environmental responsibility.

The Ghana Local Chinese Language Teacher Training Programme, purposely designed to build capacity among Ghanaian teachers in Chinese language instruction, has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

Hosted by the Confucius Institute, UCC, the event brought together key stakeholders in education to celebrate the growing collaboration between Ghana and China through language and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Ghana Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Emmanuel Amo Ofori, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative in promoting global partnerships.

He indicated a commitment to bridge the gap and deepen connections between Ghana and China through the training programme, adding that Proficiency in Chinese opens doors to academic exchanges and international partnerships.

Dr. Mrs. Juliette Dufie Otami, the Central Regional Director of Education, commended the participants for their dedication. She advised the teachers, stating, “As educators, we are also learners who must remain deeply committed and globally aware.” She urged them to embrace this opportunity with dedication and a sense of purpose.

Also addressing the gathering, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies at UCC, emphasised the relevance of international collaboration in today’s interconnected world.

“We are all aware that in the 21st century, the world is a global village. This calls for greater collaboration,” he noted.

“I commend the University’s management for always organising such programmes and staying ahead with positive initiatives,” he stated.

Gustav Cobbinah Atu Esq, a representative of the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, also lent his support to the programme, describing it as timely and essential.

 “We need more of such initiatives because China has become a global force to reckon with,” he highlighted.

He advised participants to imbibe the spirit of collaboration, curiosity and mutual support and refrain from polluting their learners but rather guide them to grow in global competence.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a comprehensive training programme that will empower local educators with the skills and tools needed to teach Chinese effectively, further strengthening Ghana’s educational and diplomatic ties with China.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

The School of Economics has awarded forty-six (46) students at its 2025 Dean’s Awards ceremony.

In all, fifteen (15) Level 200 students, eight (8) Level 300, and nine (9) Level 400 students were awarded at the event held by the School to recognise and motivate high-performing students who obtained first-class results at the end of each academic year.

Special awards were given to Desmond Dela Doh (MPhil Economics), with a CGPA of 3.0385, and Price Opoku (PhD Economics), with a CGPA of 2.6667.

Prof. Mark Armah and Madam Winifred Minnow Quansah were also honoured for their significant contributions to the School.

Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank Plc, Prof. Ferdinand Ahiakpor, congratulated the awardees and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.

He urged graduates to be clear about their goals and aspirations to achieve them.

He said that through determination and commitment, not only could they surmount challenges with confidence and clarity but also achieve greatness and positively impact the lives of others and society at large.

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Some students and guests at the event

He urged students to prioritise good character at all stages of their lives.

Prof. Ahiakpor further advised students to continue the School’s tradition of moral excellence, which had shaped many great individuals globally.

He stressed the positive impact of technology on communication, learning, and interaction.

The Deputy Managing Director emphasised the need to embrace digital transformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to equip students with essential 21st-century skills.

The Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. James Atta Peprah, for his part, highlighted some successes and achievements chalked up by the School over the academic year.

He expressed appreciation to the faculty and administrative staff of the School for their support throughout the academic year.

Prof. Peprah congratulated the students and encouraged other students whose names did not appear on the Dean’s list to put in their best effort for the academic year ahead.

Prof. Ahiakpor, on behalf of ADB PLC, presented a cheque for 10,000 Cedis to the School.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC