The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is proud to announce the selection of the first cohort of scholars under the TAGDev 2.0 programme – a transformative initiative in partnership with the Regional University Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Mastercard Foundation.
As the number one ranked university in Ghana and West Africa by the Times Higher Education (THE), the University of Cape Coast (UCC) continues to demonstrate unmatched leadership in academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research. The University has carved a strong footprint in Ghana’s agricultural sector through pioneering research, farmer-extension partnerships, agribusiness incubation initiatives, and community-based projects that directly contribute to food security and rural development.
Through TAGDev 2.0, UCC is further strengthening its mandate by training a new generation of high-calibre professionals who can respond to Africa’s most pressing challenges in agriculture and agribusiness. These professionals will be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with entrepreneurial, leadership, and problem-solving skills that position them to transform value chains, create jobs, and scale innovations across the continent.
Rigorous Selection Process
The programme received 286 applications from across the country. Following a highly competitive selection process coordinated by RUFORUM, 26 outstanding candidates emerged successful and have been awarded scholarships. These scholars represent a new generation of changemakers who will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to contribute to agricultural transformation and community development.
No | Name | Gender | Course |
1 | Seidu Francisca | female | BSc Agricultural Extension and Community Development |
2 | Tabita Naa Ogbedei Ashitei | female | BSc Agriculture |
3 | Osei Mensah Gifty | female | BSc Agricultural Extension and Community Development |
4 | Amankumtey Rosina | female | BSc Agricultural Extension and Community Development |
5 | Nyan Nicholas | male | BSc Horticulture |
6 | Dadzie Rebecca | female | BSc Horticulture |
7 | Senameh Matthew | male | BSc. Agribusiness |
8 | Kwarteng Lawrencia | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
9 | Dinye Joseph | male | BSc. Agribusiness |
10 | Asumang David Anahoma | male | BSc. Agribusiness |
11 | Umar Farouq Hajara | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
12 | Akanda Juliet | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
13 | Agyapong Godfred | male | BSc. Agribusiness |
14 | Louisa Bosomah Amankwaa | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
15 | Gyimah Josephine | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
16 | Agyapong Rose | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
17 | MENSAH EUNICE | female | BSc. Agribusiness |
18 | Odai-Tettey Cordelia | female | BSc. Agriculture |
19 | Buabeng Richmond | male | BSc. Agriculture |
Below is a table for the selected scholars for the Masters program
No | Name | Gender | Course |
1 | Adu Ernestina | female | MPhil Agricultural Extension |
2 | Nyan Efua Arhima | female | MPhil Aquaculture |
3 | Tigbee Ruth | female | MPhil in Crop Science |
4 | BUSUMPRAH BENJAMIN | male | MPhil in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology |
5 | Boampong Ernestina Opokuaa | female | MPhil in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology |
6. | Oduro Hannah Nyarkoa | female | MPhil in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology |
About RUFORUM and TAGDev
RUFORUM, established in 2004, is a network of 175 universities across 40 African countries which collaborates globally with other university networks, development partners, policymakers, and leaders to leverage synergies and work towards shared objectives in delivering science solutions for development, human capital development, and institutional reform in the African Higher Agricultural Education (HAE) system. RUFORUM recognize’ s youth as the driving force behind change and are leading the charge for a better Africa. Launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the TAGDev 2.0 (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development), a scale-up to TAGDev 1.0 is a 10 year (2023–2033) program being implemented in 12 African universities, namely;
1. African University (Zimbabwe
2. Egerton University (Kenya)
3. Gulu University (Uganda)
4. Malawi University of Science and Technology (Malawi)
5. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)
6. National University of Agriculture Benin
7. Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda)
8. University of Bamenda (Cameroon)
9. University of Eldoret (Kenya)
10. University of Cape Coast (Ghana)
11. University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
12. University of Free State (South Africa)
TAGDev 2.0 is designed to:
o Expand equal work opportunities for young women and men in the agricultural sector
o Improve climate adaptive agricultural production and productivity with a focus on value chains
o Strengthening the quality of higher agricultural education outcomes in training, research and innovation.
Why it matters
TAGDev 2.0 is more than just a scholarship – it is a viable platform working towards transforming Africa’s higher education landscape. By promoting equity, inclusion, innovation, and leadership, it empowers youth facing barriers to education, poverty, displacement, and climate vulnerability.
Through its participation, UCC is nurturing a new generation of African leaders who will use their education to address food security challenges, create employment opportunities, and champion climate-smart agricultural practices.
UCC is working together with University for Development Studies (UDS), University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), and selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and Departments of Agriculture across Central, Northern, Bono, and Volta regions.
Specific districts agricultural value chain activities are being executed with UDS are Tolon, Sagnarigu, and Kumbungu District Assemblies to expand production and value chain for tomato, other vegetables, and yam.
At UENR the partnership is with Sunyani West, Dormaa Central, Berekum West District Assemblies to work on tomatoes, vegetables, pineapple, and cassava value chains.