Participants listening to presentations at the workshop

International Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on Labour Studies Opens at UCC

12 Mar, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Department of Labour and Human Resource Studies (DOLAHRS), of the School for Development Studies, has hosted a two-day International Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on Labour Studies at Pempamsie Hotel in Cape Coast.

The two-day workshop brought together trade unionists, union educators, labour researchers and alumni of UCC’s Labour Studies programmes and that of the Global University to review the existing labour programmes and fashion out new ones, especially at the Master’s and Doctoral levels, to respond to the challenges of the labour movement.

Purpose of the Consultative Workshop

In her address, the Head of DOLAHRS, Dr. Angela Akorsu, explained that the workshop had become necessary following the upgrade of the Institute for Development into a School with four departments including DOLAHRS. “As one of the start-up departments of the School, DOLAHRS is mandated to set in motion academic programmes and research agenda. The need for M.Phil. and PhD degree programmes in Labour Studies has been identified” she noted.

Dr. Akorsu indicated that the content of these proposed programmes could only be meaningful by consulting stakeholders in the labour movement for their needs. She further noted that “This is especially essential since the now erstwhile IDS had collaboration with the TUC, Ghana in the area of teaching, research and policy engagement”

Programmes Inherited by DOLAHRS

According to Dr. Akorsu, three programmes, which DOLAHRS inherited, were developed out of the collaboration and they include Certificate in Labour Studies, Diploma in Labour Studies and Postgraduate Certificate in Labour Policy Studies. She said the three programmes targeted unionists at different levels of the organisational structure of the labour movement from the shop floor to senior positions at the national and international confederation levels from countries such as Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and French-speaking Burkina Faso.

Expectations at the End of the Workshop

Dr. Akorsu said that at the end of the workshop, DOLAHRS should be able to identify for further action “Changes required in the existing programmes and curricula to be developed, research agenda for DOLAHRS that responds to the needs of organised labour on the continent and pertinent issues for policy engagement”. She expressed gratitude to the International Labour Organisation for sponsoring the workshop and thanked international participants for their support. She also acknowledged the contributions of Deans in the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Centre for Gender Research and Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) and faculty members from the various departments in the University present.

Stakeholder Consultative Meetings Requirement for Accreditation

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Francis Eric Amuquandoh, said it was now mandatory for Departments to engage in stakeholder consultative meetings to involve industry players in the design and review of programmes to meet the requirements of the National Council for Tertiary Education and the National Accreditation Board. He said through consultative meetings academic departments would be able to tailor their programmes to meet the demands of industry. He observed that “At times, academia is facing somewhere and industry is also looking elsewhere and at the end of it industry complains that products from academic institutions don’t fit their needs. Industry and academia need to foster good relationship to become meaningful to the society”

Prof. Amuquandoh congratulated DOLAHRS on the bold step it has taken and hoped that the workshop would produce an internationally acceptable curriculum that would satisfy the needs of industry and the society.

ILO will Support DOLAHRS

The Desk Officer for Africa of ILO, Dr. Mohammed Mwamadzingo, said his outfit would continue to give the Department the necessary support to train profession human resource to deal with union issues around the world. He indicated that members of the labour union in the past were not the same as the present adding that “The current crop of personnel in the labour unions across the world is highly educated so the existing collaboration between them and the academia should take a different trend”.

Participants afther the opening ceremony

There were solidarity messages from some departments in the University and labour unions present at the workshop.The opening ceremony was chaired by the Head, Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Prof. Kwaku Boakye.

International Women's Day 2019 Press Release

On International Women’s Day, Graduate Women International( GWI) galvanizes towards gender equal innovation opportunities

Ghana

Ghana, 8 March 2019 – Today, Graduate Women International (GWI) and the Ghana Association of University Women join the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day; a day for world citizens to shine a spotlight on gender equity issues, how these issues impede global development, and how they can be eliminated. The 2019 International Women’s Day theme, set by the United Nations is, “Think equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”, aims to inspire, encourage and empower women and men to improve educational opportunity for other women and girl and advance social protection systems and sustainable infrastructure.

The rapidity with which technology is advancing offers opportunities at a rate that has not been experienced in history. However, a gendered digital divide continues with statistics reporting the underrepresentation of women in innovation sectors. To ensure and improve gender equality and increase the potential inclusivity in future technology, societies must embrace the crucial role women play in the context of future advancement conceptions. Only through combined ingenuity in all sectors can we, as a global community, achieve the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

As organizations devoted to improving the lifelong education opportunity of women and girls, GWI and the Ghana Association of University Women, continue to mobilize and challenge the patriarchal status quo and influence social norms to facilitate the growth of women and girl visionaries. From a variety of projects such as a girl’s science lab in Ghana to groundbreaking innovations in menstrual hygiene security in India and parts of Africa, GWI and G.A.U.W are galvanizing for a future that is gender equal. Through these and other programmes such as the Bina Roy Partners in Development GWI and G.A.U W actively work to obliterate the barriers which create the gender disparity in the education. In the University and its environs, we have organised Girls Choices project, Girls’ science clinics, maths and science quizzes, reading, creative writing and Public speaking competitions.

“The further development of women, girls and humankind, in general, is relying on the innovation and ingenuity that can be achieved through education and global leadership of women. On International Day of Women GWI amplifies the voices of our fearless members who represent the enormous potential of women and who lead the call for the reduction in the gender disparity in education,” says Geeta Desai, GWI President.“Research has proved this point and our members have engaged in this advocacy for one hundred years. Now is the time to make serious inroads into patriarchal structures and thinking”, she adds. Books before boys is our local slogan for our girls, and books before girls for the boys.

Graduate Women International (GWI) is a membership-based international NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a presence in over 60 countries. Founded in 1919, GWI is the leading girls’ and women’s global organisation advocating for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality education and training up to the highest levels. GWI is in special consultative status with ECOSOC since 1947 and is an NGO maintaining official relations with UNESCO and ILO.

The Ghana Association was established in 2016 and has been supported by BRIPD since its inception.

We are very grateful to our mother Association, BRIPD and our members on this day on which we celebrate the International women’s day. Kudos to you all. Let us applaud the trailblazers, pacesetters, mentors, leaders and our foremothers in whose steps we are following. Happy International Women’s day.

Mrs Mildred Asmah (Interim President) on Behalf of the Ghana Association of University Women.

Get In Touch

Contact: Ghana Association of University Women

Learn about our advocacy work.

School of Nursing to Collaborate with Auburn University

12 Mar, 2019 By louis Mensah

A team from Auburn University (AU), United States of America, has interacted with faculty members of the School of Nursing and Midwifery to explore possible areas of collaboration.

The team from AU comprised Prof. David Crumbley and Mrs. Valarie Thomas.

The Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Johnson Boampong giving the welcome address. On the right is the Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah and **Prof. David Crumbley** and Mrs. **Valarie Thomas**

Areas of Collaboration

At a meeting to discuss the collaboration, both parties agreed in principle to work towards the collaboration in the areas of faculty and student exchanges, joint research and joint grant application. As part of the processes leading to the implementation of the collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed by the Vice-Chancellors of the two institutions to serve as a blueprint for the collaboration.

UCC School of Nursing Ready for the Collaboration

Welcoming the officials from AU, the Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, commended them for expressing interest in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. He was confident that the initial discussions between the two institutions would yield good fruit to foster a mutual and beneficial relationship. He said the School of Nursing was ready for the collaboration and was hopeful that it would help to create opportunities to build capacities of lecturers in the School.

Schools under the College of Health and Allied Sciences

Prof. Boampong explained that the College was made up of the School of Medical Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Allied Health Sciences. He further indicated that the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been established under the College but was yet to admit students. He mentioned the fact that the University’s location within Cape Coast-a major tourist destination in Ghana was a major advantage for the School and its collaborators.

Presentations

The team from AU made presentations about the Auburn School of Nursing, programmes of study, admission criteria, facilities available, laboratories and mode of delivery of lectures among other things. Some lecturers from the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery also gave an overview of the academic activities.

The team from Auburn University and faculty members from UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery

A representative of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Mr. Isaac Eshun, gave a presentation on the University of Cape Coast and the various Colleges, Faculties, Schools, Institutes, Departments and Units as well as the programmes they offer. He spoke about accommodation facilities for students and opportunities for international students’ in UCC.

News

Some of the stakeholders with the dignitaries

CEGRAD Marks International Women's Day with a Symposium

12 Mar, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) has marked this year’s “International Women’s Day Celebration” with a symposium under the theme: “Think Equal, Build Smart, and Innovate for Change” on campus.

Speaking at the function, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, said the International Women’s Day (IWD) has been an important global event to celebrate annually. She stressed that “The IWD events help to create the awareness about gender inequality, push for the demands of women, while commemorating the achievements of women around the world”.

Dignitaries at the function — From right (front row)-Prof. Eric Amuquandoh, Mrs. Regina Ama Ampiah, Prof. Dora F. Edu-Buandoh, Prof. Kofi Awusabo-Asare and Dr. Genevieve Adukpo

Safety and Security of Women

Prof. Dora Edu-Buandoh noted that that the safety and security of women in the country was an issue because there had been reports of kidnapping of girls, spousal killing, torture, and abuse of women. “It is very important for women to think about their safety and security, be smart and find innovative ways to changing their own situations,” she advised women.

On women empowerment, Prof. Edu-Buandoh said that it would be good to start with girls in order to socialise them into a world where they could a make change in their society, by through education, good health and innovative opportunities. She acknowledged all women, working mothers, and generation of women who worked hard to bring change in our society. She urged women to “be confident, walk boldly, be beautiful and a strong woman for change.”

Significance of IWD

The Director, CEGRAD, Dr. Genevieve Adukpo, explained that the ’International Women’s Day’ was a global event set aside every year on the 8^th of March, to celebrate and appreciate all women around the world. She added that CEGRAD–UCC, in partnership with other women within and outside campus joined forces to celebrate the day adding that “It is a way of appreciating the effort and the complete of our women in our societies and the world at large,” Dr. Adukpo was hopeful that the 2019 International Women’s Day would help women to move forward and commemorate their achievements.

Purpose of the Symposium

Stating the purpose of the gathering, the Coordinator, Advocacy and Outreach of CEGRAD, Dr. Georgina Yaa Oduro, noted that CEGRAD was focusing on two sub-themes-“Ensuring Women’s Safety and Security” and “Drawing on the SDGs for Girls and Women’s Empowerment and Transformative Change” for the 2019 celebration. She advised girls and women present to participate fully in the function and take advantage of the event to get informed. This she hoped would help create the awareness in both girls and women in order “to be safe, secure and empowered for a transformative change”.

Women and Children are Affected by Gender Inequality

Making a presentation on “Safety and Security of Women” the Public Relations Officer of the Central Regional Police Command, DSP Irene Serwaah Opong, noted that gender inequality has been a topical issue because the most affected people in society were always women and children though the goal five of the Sustainable Development Goals clearly sought to tackle gender equality. She indicated “most of the victims of criminal abduction, sexual abuse, kidnapping, torture, child stealing, and killing were women and children while in most cases the perpetrators were men.”

DSP Oppong indicated that there were appropriate institutions responsible for prosecuting perpetrators of girls and women abuse, including the Ghana Police Service, Department of Social Welfare’ International/Local Non-Governmental Organisations, Judicial/ Panel System and Other Security Agencies. She advised women and girls to report suspicious and unusual behaviour by suspected individuals to the Police. On safety and security tips, she cautioned that girls and women should not give away phone numbers or personal information about themselves to other people. She advised against several attitudes and lifestyles which girls and women should avoid in order not to fall into the traps of suspected people who could cause harm to their lives.

Recognise Women in Gender Equality

Discussing “Women Empowerment against the SDGs and Transformative Change in the lives of the Ghanaian Woman”, Prof. Akua O. Britwum, explained that recognising women in gender equality would end discrimination and eliminate violence. “This will ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” she said. She added that it would help address Sexually Transmitted Diseases, mortality and women health, choices about health and disease preventions.

On quality education, she advised that courses offered in schools should not be designated to a particular sex. “Women should be considered when planning for industries, infrastructural innovations and sustainable community,” she noted. S In order to address the deficit in the SDGs, Prof. Britwum said planning was needed to be done to provide the right services and infrastructure to reflect the realities of gender equality. “Ultimately, it matters who we choose to lead and lead decisions about how we plan our nation,” she concluded.

Various groups and stakeholders who were present gave solidarity messages.

The GVSU students at the orientation programme

School of Nursing and Midwifery Welcomes GVSU Students to UCC Campus

12 Mar, 2019 By louis Mensah

The School of Nursing and Midwifery has held a ceremony to welcome the seventh batch of nursing students from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), USA, for the 2019 Study Abroad in Ghana.

Welcome Address

Welcoming the GVSU students, the College Registrar for College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mr. Joseph Gordon Mensah, expressed the College’s readiness to receive the team and assured them of the University’s maximum support to make their stay on UCC campus a success. He also entreated them to feel comfortable and be involved in activities outlined for the programme in Ghana so that they could experience the health system in Ghana to enhance their knowledge in the Nursing profession.

Appreciation to UCC

The leader of the GVSU team, Prof. Sylvia Mupeppi, thanked the University for the warm reception and making them feel at home. She indicated that the team was made up of senior and junior year students who were passionate about global health relations. Prof. Mupeppi noted that the world was now a global village and the health challenges that existed in Ghana were similar to that of the USA and other countries in the world. She said the students were eager to know how Ghana managed her healthcare systems with very limited resources compared to the USA. Prof. Mupeppi was appreciative of the energy that the School of Nursing had invested to make their stay on UCC a fulfilling one.

UCC GVSU Collaboration

Speaking on UCC’s relationship with GVSU, the Dean of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Rosemond Boohene, noted that the University has been in partnership with GVSU for over 10 years now adding that “GVSU is UCC’s best international partners “.

A Principal Programmes Assistant at CIE, Mr. Isaac Eshun, gave an overview of CIE’s services to international students including facilitating faculty, staff and students exchange programmes, international workshops and seminars, accommodation for exchange students and assisting UCC students for exchange programmes outside Ghana.

The programme was attended by the Dean of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, some Heads of Department, lecturers, staff, and students.

health

Date/Time/Duration

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - 3:00pm

Venue/Location

School of Medical Sciences Auditorium

Chairperson

Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah

Speaker

Professor J. D. Owusu-Sekyere

Abstract - In the Abundance of Water, The Food is Thirsty

The scramble for Africa was motivated in part by the desire of some peoples to possess the abundant natural resources she is blessed with. This same desire to possess resources that other nations have in relative abundance has led to an untold number of wars. Against this background, some have predicted that the wars of this century will be fought over water.

Water has been described as the most strategic resource on the globe. It is essential for every society and individual, is critical for economic development, for social welfare, and is home to a great many forms of life upon which the well-being of all human beings depend. Though the globe abounds in water resources, the amount of fresh water available to man is finite and rapidly diminishing both in quality and quantity.

An amount of 3240 Km³ of fresh water is withdrawn and used annually. Of this total, 69% is used for agriculture, 23% for industry and 8% for domestic purposes. These values vary from continent to continent, and in Africa and Asia, about 86% of fresh water is used for agriculture, mainly irrigation.

Irrigation and drainage have over the centuries contributed significantly to the increase in food production. Today, only a meagre one-sixth of cropped land that is irrigated produces one-third of the world’s harvest of food crops.

These contributions are however, not without costs; of the amount of water that is allocated for irrigation, system water losses make up 15%, farm distribution losses 15%, field application losses, 25% and only 45% is actually utilized by the crops.

With an increasing world population, increased agricultural production is required to provide enough food and fibre. This cannot be achieved without greater withdrawals of water for irrigation but this would worsen the already scarce freshwater situation. A way out of this situation is the development and adoption of irrigation and sometimes drainage methods and techniques that are efficient in terms of use of water as well as environmentally friendly. These methods and techniques can be classified as ‘water saving irrigation” methods and techniques

In this lecture, I present the global water picture, then discuss water in agriculture. I look briefly at the water situation in Ghana, then present some of my research in water saving irrigation. Within that, I consider the impact of climate change on water use of some crops in some districts within Ghana, I then consider Deficit Irrigation, an irrigation water saving technique, and end by considering Water Table Management, which combines irrigation and drainage, and leads to water saving as well as makes drainage environmentally friendly.

Inaugural Lecture