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UCC Assessors visit Entrance University College of Health Sciences

27 Oct, 2023 By DIS

A team of assessors from the University of Cape Coast has visited and conducted assessment at Entrance University College (EUCHS) in Accra.

The assessment is in respect of Entrance University College of Health Sciences application to seek programme affiliation from the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

At a meeting with management of EUCHS, the Chairman of the UCC Assessment Team, Dr. Anthony MacCobblah, indicated that the mandate of the team was to ensure that EUCHS had met the requirements for affiliation as required by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.

“We are not here to find fault with you but to provide the support system to strengthen your institution in the area of governance, quality assurance, and robust structures to develop EUCHS as one of the leading tertiary education institutions in Ghana and beyond”, he added.

On his part, the Head of Institutional Affiliation, Dr. Justice K. G. A. Boateng, said the University cherished its relationship with its affiliate institutions and was committed to mentoring them to become autonomous institutions.

“We provide the best of service to our affiliate institutions and once you join the UCC fraternity, you will also benefit from quality mentorship services from us”, he added.

He commended Management of EUCHS for choosing UCC as its mentor.

 

The Chancellor of EUCHS, Dr. Amo Tobbin, speaking at the meeting

Responding, the Chancellor of EUCHS, Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, was grateful to the team for the visit. He noted that the EUCHS was ready to be mentored by UCC.

“We know of the high academic standards of UCC that is why we took a firm decision to affiliate our BSc. Nursing programme to UCC”., he said.

Dr. Tobbin noted that his institution would comply with the standards and follow due processes and procedures for a successful affiliation relation.

The President of EUCHS, Dr. Joseph Adotey said all the necessary documents had been assembled for the exercise. He indicated that his outfit would work towards meeting the affiliation requirements of UCC and that of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

As part of the exercise, the UCC team assessed programme and administrative documents of EUCHS. The team also inspected the facilities including lecture rooms, laboratories, library, skills/demonstration laboratories, offices and washrooms.

 

Inspection of facilities at the Skills lab

The UCC team were the Librarian, Dr. Anthony MacCobblah, leader of delegation; Dr. Justice K.G.A Boateng, Head, Institutional Affiliations Office; Dr. Christian M. Boso, School of Nursing & Midwifery; Dr. Isaac Tabiri Henneh, School of Pharmacy; Dr. Justice Mensah,  Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance; Surv Philip K. A. Segbedzie, Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management and Mr. Charles Alex Cosmos, Institutional Affiliation Office.

Representing EUCHS at the meeting were Dr. Joseph Adotey, President; Dr. Barimah Afrane, Dean, School of Pharmacy; Dr. Emmanuel Osie-Twum, Head, Department of Chemistry; Samuel Apeawin, Registrar; Daniel Sereboo, Head of Pharmaceutics; Anita Kwarteng,Senior Administrative Assistant and Millicent Afua Dzato, Senior Administrative Assistant.

 

 

 

School for Development Studies Marks World Development Information Day

27 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The School for Development Studies (SDS) under the College of Humanities and Legal Studies has commemorated the World Development Information Day 2023 to raise awareness of developmental problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

 The ceremony, held on the global theme: “Harnessing the Power of Information and Communication Technologies to Build a Better World,” had in attendance management, staff and students of SDS as well as officials and dignitaries from other state institutions, among others.

 In a keynote address, the Executive Director of Third World Network, Dr Yao Graham, stated that there was the need for stakeholder engagement in debt management in Ghana. 

Dr Yao Graham addressing participants in the workshop

 

 He indicated that the debt crisis in the country was as a result of the weak control of citizens over political parties.  

 "It is important for citizens to begin to express themselves and voice out their opinions when it comes to debt management in the country", he posited.

 Dr. Graham, who spoke on the local theme:  "Labour and Debt Crisis", revealed that the debt crisis in Ghana was largely dependent on the inefficient economic modules and political manipulation. 

 "Debt crisis is not only financial crisis but a crisis of economic modules", he commented. 

 The current economic crisis, he said, was the deepest crisis the country has had since 1975 and 1983.

 He further attributed the country’s economic challenges to the accumulation of borrowing by successive governments.

  Some participants at the workshop

 

Additionally, he noted that there was an existential threat to Ghana's economy, especially in 2024 as a result of the upcoming elections; maintaining that there would be fluctuations in economic policies to woo voters.

 "The crisis of politics is directly related to the crisis of the economy", he noted. 

 The Executive Director for Third World Network- Africa (TWN) indicated that although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) support and reliefs were beneficial to countries which sought assistance from the fund, it was also a contributing factor to a fall in the economy of developing countries including Ghana. 

 “Ghana's domestic debt is 42% and the foreign debt is 58%”, he stated.

 According to him, Ghana still relied heavily on cocoa, gold and oil as the primary revenue sources.

 "The mantra of creating an enabling environment for foreign investors had become a stifling environment for citizens", he added.

 The Dean of School of Business, Prof. John Garchie Gatsi, noted that the theme for the lecture was timely and of much relevance to the country at large. He added that the topic has a clear reflection on labour income". 

 Prof. John Garchie Gatsi

Prof. Gatsi, in his closing remarks, added that debt crisis should be considered through the lens of the impact on labour, Ghana's debt practice and historical perspectives. 

 According to the Dean, Ghana's debts were no longer from bilateral and multilateral debts but also from eurobonds and commercial debts. 

 He said much as the country might not encounter the consequences in the short term, the negative impact might be felt in the medium to long term.

 Prof. Gatsi said the basic principle in crisis time was efficient spending and, therefore, called for prioritization of expenditure to ensure efficiency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UCC relocates Cash Office to Emmanuel Adow Obeng Building

27 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has inaugurated a new office for the Cash Office under the Directorate of Finance at the ground floor of the Emmauel Adow Obeng Building (Central Administration) at the University of Cape Coast.

Compared to its old office at the South Campus, the new Cash Office is strategically positioned to make the University’s services more accessible to staff, students, alumni and the general public in a conducive environment.

At the inaugural ceremony of the facility, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, said the banking hall of the new Cash Office had now been equipped with high-powered technology and digitization equipment to facilitate work.

 

Prof. Rosemond Boohene

She expressed the hope that the inauguration of the Cash Office would deepen the relations between the University and its cherished clients.

Prof. Boohene urged staff of the Cash Office to be diligent, professional and serve customers in a courteous manner and uphold excellent customer service.

That, she added, would enable the University to retain loyal clients and win the confidence of potential and existing ones.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor mentioned that the comfortable environment provided for customers in the banking hall of the Cash Office would make them feel relaxed and transact their businesses with ease and security.

On her part, the Director of Finance, Mrs. Elizabeth Obese, expressed excitement that the relocation of the Cash Office had come to fruition.

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Obese

She mentioned that the Directorate of Finance had dedicated and well-trained staff who were committed to providing unparalleled services to students and clients of the University.

She advised staff of the Cash Office to provide quality service to the University community and the general public.

Mrs. Obese expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management of UCC for a good work done.

 

The Cash Office was formerly located at the Old Central Administration at Old Site.

 

 

Prof. Sarah Darkwa Demystifies Diabetes and Dispels its Surrounding Myths

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Dean School of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Cape Coast, UCC, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, has underlined the need for members of the public to play a crucial role to complement the untiring efforts of government to eradicate the scourge of diabetes in the country.

Against that backdrop, Prof. Darkwa called for intensive public education, family support, and quality healthcare services for persons living with diabetes.

She cleared up the public long-held misconception that diabetes was a death sentence and used the occasion to disabuse the minds of the general public about the condition, whilst encouraging them to show unalloyed love and compassion for persons living with the disease.

Presenting a paper on Blood Sugar - A Social and Scientific Discourse on its Impact on our Health at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Lecture in Accra, Prof. Darkwa indicated that 2.4 million Ghanaians were living with diabetes and 7.5% of adults had Type-2 diabetes, quoting copiously from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Prof. Darkwa, who was inducted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences on November 14,2022, kicked against stigmatization against persons living with the condition.

“There is a need for a social discourse to expunge all stigmas against people with diabetes”, She added.

Dr. Patience Monnie, Head of the Department of VoTEC-UCC, presenting bouquet to Prof. Darkwa.

Prof. Darkwa maintained that both natural and artificial sugars were the same and urged the public to take precautionary measures.

“Both natural and artificial sugars are practically the same so the safety precaution is to take them in moderation”, she added.

Prof. Darkwa pointed out that race, age and genetics had a role to play in the acquisition of diabetes.

“Indeed, Ghanaians are part of the black race, they have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” she explained.

Prof. Darkwa with some faculty members and postgraduate students of UCC

Prof. Darkwa, however, implored individuals to regularly check their sugar levels and maintain healthy lifestyles.

The Chairperson of GAAS, Emerita Prof. Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, expressed delight about the thought-provoking lecture, saying: “I’ve learnt that it is up to us to reduce negative impacts of diabetes and type-2 diabetes is curable”.

Prof. Emerita Quakyi, who chaired the inaugural lecture, encouraged the public to check their diet to reduce their Glycemic index and Glycemic load.

Some family members, along with students and staff of the School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Vocational and Technical Education (VOTEC), made presentations to Prof. Darkwa on her inaugural lecture since her induction into the GAAS.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics receives equipment

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

A scholar from the University of California Global Health Institute, Madam Elise Christine Reynolds, has donated equipment worth $5,000.00 to the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.

 Items

The equipment included two projectors, two Uninterruptible Power Supply, one HP laptop, one photocopier, one HP printer and  printer toners. 

The donated items 

Madam Elise Christine Reynolds, who made the presentation on behalf of the University of California, said the equipment was to enhance teaching and learning at the Department.

 She, entreated beneficiaries to handle the items with care.

The Head of the Department for Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Prof. Christiana Naa Atsreh Nsiah-Asamoah, expressed the Department’s appreciation to the University of California Global Health Institute for the kind gesture.

 "I wish to thank Elise and the entire University of California for these items on behalf of the whole Department", she said. 

 Prof. Asamoah gave the assurance that the items would be used for their intended purposes.

The Head of Department also indicated that Madam Reynolds would join the Department to implement the Step-up project (Skuul Tsenabea Edziban Papa Project)- a collaborative project between the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of California, and Oklahoma State University. 

 The Dean of the School of Allied Sciences, Prof. Omane Acheampong, the Vice Dean, Prof. Richard K. Ephraim, Faculty Officer, Mr. Sowah Boye, and the Administrator for the Department, Mr. Benjamin Abony.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

 

 

International Day of the Girl Child commemorated

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Center for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) has marked the International Day of the Girl Child on the theme: “Digital Generation Our Generation”.  

The International Day of the Girl-Child fell on October 11, and was commemorated all over the world in recognition of girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world.

Students from Gomoa Central Girls Education and Iman Khomeini Junior High School participated in the event, which was held at the Auditorium 900, UCC.

Dr. Alimatu-Saadia Yussif 

Dr. Alimatu-Saadia Yussif , from Department of Computer Science and Information, who made a presentation on the topic: “ Girl-Child and Smartphones,” educated pupils on the merits and demerits of having smartphone especially in the 21st century.

She pointed out that, “2010 census shows that 10% of children between age 12-19 have access to internet but the 2021 Population and Housing census indicates that 8 out of 10 persons 12 years and above own a phone.”

Dr. Yussif added that 20% of women were less likely to own a phone than men. She advised young girls to stay away from cyber bully, pornography and urged them to use their phones to learn soft skills like catering and sewing on the internet.

According to her, continuous screen experience was very detrimental to once health and could lead to health problems such as  headache, eye problem and extreme issues like depression.

She also cautioned the students against copying blindly from some social media influencers who flaunt their wealth, claiming some of the influencers online are living fake lifestyle.

delivering on the topic “Career Choices in the Digital Age”, Dr. Yvonne A. Adjakloe, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, walked the pupils through the RIASEC Test.

According to her, the test involved helping the students identify if they are Realist, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising or Conventional to help them in finding out what career part best suits them.

Dr. Yvonne A. Adjakloe

She, therefore, advised the girls to develop their skills and not limit themselves.

“Remember being a girl does not mean we are homogenous so challenge yourselves because we all have different capabilities”, Dr. Adjakloe admonished.  

Dr. Adjakloe advised the pupils to learn to control their space on social media, or else it will end up controlling them. She encouraged the students to make good use of Digital marketing.

Speaking further, she counselled the pupils to engage in networking and also be very innovative in their endeavours. “Also try to promote yourself, that is add value to yourself”, she said.

 Dr. Adjakloe urged the girls to disabuse their minds from the erroneous impression that they were in competition with their colleagues and implored them to focus on becoming the best version of themselves.

Background

The UN chose October 11, 2023 as the International Day of the Girl-Child, for which reason October 11, every year is a day in support of opportunities for girls and an occasion for enhancing awareness of the gender inequality girls face worldwide based on their gender.

Inequalities girls face include lack of access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and discrimination and violence and forced child marriages.

 

 

 

 

Ghana Science Association Gets New Officers

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Central Regional branch of the Ghana Science Association (GSA), has held its hand-over ceremony to swear in new batch of executives to take over the mantle of leadership.

The programme took place at the School of Biological Sciences Conference Room, with members of the association and other stakeholders in attendance.

Officers

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forensic Sciences, Dr. Benjamin Boakye  was sworn in as the president, with Dr Peter Osei-Wusu Adueming as his secretary, and Dr. Margaret  Fafa Awushie Akwetey as his Treasurer.

Hard work

The Outgoing President, Prof. Michael Adinortey, in his address, admitted that despite the enormous challenges that characterized his administration, he took solace from the hard work  displayed  by his executives  to the advantage of the  association.

According to him, some of the achievements chalked up by the association during his tenure included “the introduction of radio programme, awareness day celebrations, science workshops for science school teachers in the secondary school and the establishment of a branch at the University of Education Winneba (UEW) amongst others”.  

He continued: “As we exit, we wish to congratulate the new batch of executives and wish them the very best in their tenure”.

Prof. Michael Adinortey handing over documents to Dr. Benjamin Aboagye

Prof. Adinortey advised the new executives to serve the association to the best of their abilities.

“It is incumbent on you to demonstrate that you are able to lead this noble organization”, Prof. he said.

Uphold vision of GSA

The newly inducted president, Dr. Benjamin Aboagye, in his inaugural speech, expressed his immense gratitude to members of the association for the confidence reposed in the newly elected officers.

“I will strive to uphold the vision of GSA and ensure that new members are recruited into this association’, he promised. 

Dr. Aboagye, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forensic Sciences-UCC, added that he was committed to sustain the existing programs of the association.

He dropped the hint that he would introduce more mentoring programmes for Basic schools in the surrounding communities and also help bring solutions to problems facing Ghana and the world at large.

Revive GSA newsletter

The chairman for the Ceremony, Prof. Victor A. Barku, of the Department of Chemistry, encouraged the new crop of leaders to set a good example worthy of emulation. 

Prof. Victor A. Barku

He encouraged them to ensure the maintenance of the University of Education-Winneba branch and also revive the newsletter programme to enhance the activities of the association.

“We want to see GSA helping students and teachers”, Prof. Barku emphasized.

New GSA executives and dignitaries after the event

 

Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom touts Ghana's transformative education in South Korea

25 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Director-General of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence for West Africa at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom has touted Ghana's transformative education, stressing that the major investments being made in the sector was shaping the future of the country’s education.

According to him, Ghana puts premium on transformative education as a huge means to eliminating poverty and also to accelerate the socioeconomic development of the country.

Speaking at the 8th International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) hosted by the UNESCO Asia Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Boakye-Yiadom reminded participants of the urgent need to unpack GCED within the context of national cultural values, norms, and aspirations. He added that the ultimate goal of GCED, among others, is to develop globally-minded and locally engaged citizens who appreciate diversity, inclusivity, and transformative learning.

Addressing the theme Unpacking GCED: Transformative Learning for Critical Empowerment, Dr. Boakye-Yiadom indicated that through the Complementary Basic Education programme, children out- of- school were acquiring literacy and numeracy skills to make them ready to enroll in formal school system to make them better citizens in future.

He maintained that children who do not  go to school were being supported with some life skills and vocational training.

 

Panel members at the Conference

“My point is that even though they might be struggling with basic literacy and numeracy. Through Global Citizenship Education and other forms of support, they end up becoming better citizens,” he added.

 The Director-General continued: “At the end of the day, even if they can’t read and write and they become better citizens, they promote peace, support one another in their communities, it is solving part of the problem. We should not wait till they get the literacy and numeracy that they don’t have before we introduce them to Global Citizenship Education. As we try to resolve the numeracy problems, we must at the same time integrate GCED and the goal is to get them to become better citizens in their various communities”.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom called for deliberate extension of the GCED to the family and community levels to ensure peaceful coexistence and shared vision.

 

About GCED

 Global Citizenship Education (GCED) aims to be transformative, building the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that learners need to be able to contribute to a more inclusive, just and peaceful world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breast Cancer expert debunks myth

25 Oct, 2023 By DIS

A Counsellor at Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Mr. Michael Tagoe, has debunked myths that breast cancer symptoms include lumps in the breast.

He maintained that people  had been diagnosed with breast cancer without necessarily having lumps in their breast.

"Not all breast cancer cases involve lumps so clinical screening is important alongside self-evaluation", he noted.

Mr. Tagoe said this while speaking at the Health Symposium organised by the Senior Staff Association (SSA) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

He said although the causes of breast cancer were still unknown, alcohol use, tobacco use, ageing, family history and obesity, especially during menopause, increased a person's vulnerability to breast cancer.

“Female gender is the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Approximately 0.5-1 per cent of breast cancers occur in men,” he said.

Mr. Michael Tagoe speaking at the event

Mr. Tagoe said good practices including eating healthily, excising and breastfeeding provided some protection against the disease.

He, therefore, advocated regular examination of the breast as it contributes significantly to treatment outcomes.

A lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Dr Yvonne Adjakloe, advised women not to hesi­tate to visit a medical centre on the slightest sign in the breast to avoid escalation of the disease, adding “breast cancer when detected early could be treated, so we have to do self-examination or go to the hospitals for check-up so that in the event of any abnormality it could be caught early and treated effectively.”

She further called on participants to encourage loved ones to be involved in the screening.

Dr. Yvonne Adjakloe

“Let us encourage each other including our loved ones, our friends and community members to prioritize this screening ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” she said.

 In a speech read on her  behalf, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, called for continuous education on the disease while urging women to take self-breast- examination and periodic testing seriously to avoid expo­sure or ensure early treatment.

“Don’t be scared when diag­nosed of breast cancer. There is treatment and you can survive the disease once you go through the appropriate procedures,” she added.

 

 

SGS_CoDE Kumasi

Management of SGS interacts with Postgraduate Students on Distance Programme

24 Oct, 2023 By DIS

Management of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) in conjunction with the College of Distance Education (CoDE), have interacted with postgraduate students on distance programmes at some selected study centres in the country.

The Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, led the team that visited Ho and Koforidua study centres.

Other members were, Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes, CoDE Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro, Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful, and Financial Secretary, Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG)-UCC Alfred Nana Kissi Andoh and Principal Journalist, Documentation and Information Section, Louis Mensah.

The Vice-Dean, SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle led another team to Sunyani and Kumasi Study Centres.

The Vice-Dean’s team comprised, Head, Business Programmes, CoDE, Prof. Siaw Frimpong; Senior Prof. Ruphino Zugle, Science Education, Dr. Kofi Acheaw Owusu; Senior Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Eugene Hesse; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu; President,GRASAG-UCC, Mr. Kwabena Adjepong and Photographer, Documentation and Information Section, Mr. Emmanuel Cobbinah.

Some participants listening to the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa through via virtual mode

Addressing the students via virtual mode, Prof. Darkwa explained that the visit was to interact and brief postgraduate students of CoDE about the activities of the School of Graduate Studies and also to provide them with the necessary support to help them with their studies.

She noted that the School of Graduate Studies was responsible for coordinating all postgraduate programmes in the University.

“Our mission here is to inform you about the activities of SGS, interact with you so you can seek clarification, discuss your academic progress and also address any concern you may have.”

She added that “though, you have not been attending lectures on our main campus, you are still an integral part of the University of Cape Coast Community and we are committed to your success as our students. The lecturers who teach you are the same people who teach the regular and sandwich postgraduate students”.

Prof. Darkwa urged the students to take their studies serious to excel in the programmes they were pursuing.

At Sunyani and Kumasi Centres, the Vice-Dean explained the structure and functions of the School of Graduate Studies.

Prof. Ruphino Zugle speaking to CoDE postgraduate students at Sunyani Centre.

He mentioned that the school collaborates with Colleges/Faculties/Schools/Departments to admit fresh postgraduate students, approve results and theses as well as recommending students for certification of their respective degrees.

Prof. Zugle advised the postgraduate students to set aside dedicated study hours, minimise distractions, irrespective of their busy schedules at work and home.

“Always participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification whenever needed. The University is working hard to provide you with the best learning experience, and your active engagement will contribute to your academic growth.,” he entreated them.

Members of the delegation took the distance postgraduate students through the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies. They responded to questions from students on issues affecting their studies.

The representatives of GRASAG-UCC spoke about the functions of the association and indicated mechanisms the executives were putting in place to ensure that postgraduate students on distance programmes of the University benefit from activities of GRASAG.

Similar interaction sessions have been scheduled to take place at the remaining postgraduate study centres across the country before the year ends.

 

 

 

 

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