The Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA), University of Cape Coast has shared best
practices on quality assurance with staff of the Quality Assurance Unit from Ghana Institute of
Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
In his welcome remarks at an interaction with the officials from GIMPA, the Director of
DAPQA, Prof. Emmanuel Kofi Gyimah, noted that UCC was noted for its quality academic
standards in Ghana and Africa. He indicated that the current ranking of UCC as the number
one in Ghana, West Africa and fourth in Africa, as well as the number one in research
influence globally was a reflection of the total quality assurance measures the University had
adopted.
“Total quality assurance permeates every aspect of the University’s activities, thus,
teaching, learning, research, governance and administrative services" he added.
Prof. Gyimah said the visit would go a long way to establish a cordial relationship between
the two institutions to enhance total quality assurance activities.
On his part, the Head of Quality Assurance Unit of GIMPA, Dr. Lord Mawuko-Yevugah,
thanked DAPQA for the warm reception. He explained that the visit was to familiarise
themselves with the operations of DAPQA at UCC and learn best practices that would help to
strengthen quality assurance at GIMPA.
“We are here to explore ways of making our unit more vibrant and recognised locally and internationally,” he stated.
He pointed out that UCC and GIMPA shared a lot in common and was hopeful that the interactive session would open
other avenues to exchange knowledge and adopt best practices.
Presenting on quality assurance at UCC, a Research Fellow at DAPQA, Dr. Ishmael Kwabla
Hlovor, explained that UCC had adopted a total quality management approach and considered
quality as “fit for purpose”. He indicated that at the core of UCC’s total quality management
was people’s programme and place. “People refers to internal and external stakeholders in
quality management process. Programmes represent the processes, procedures activities
within the institution including curricular design, teaching and learning, governance systems,
leadership and management functions, student support services and student admissions. Place
stands for space and facilities,” he explained.
Touching on the mandate of DAPQA, Dr. Hlovor said the Directorate was responsible
for ensuring that performance standards set for all aspects of the University’s activities were
appropriate and relevant. He said the Directorate also monitored and evaluated the
University’s strategic plan; monitored quality management activities in all implementation
Units and periodically updated the Vice-Chancellor on the overall quality status of the
University. Another mandate, he mentioned, was providing advice and guidance to
implementation units on the execution of quality management activities among others.
Dr. Hlovor concluded his presentation by indicating that the Directorate played a key
role in quality monitoring and evaluation, however, the Colleges, Faculties, Schools,
Departments and other units of the University collectively spearheaded quality standards and
improvements.
Present at the interaction session were heads of unit, research fellows and administrative staff DAPQA.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC