The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah has called for collaboration between the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) and the Department of Communication Studies to enhance the training of professional journalist for the media industry in the country.

Prof. Ampiah made the call when the Managing Director of GCGL paid a courtesy call on him in his office.  He noted that the collaboration would enable professionals from GCGL to provide hands-on training to students to become good journalists. “I want you to see the Department of Communication Studies as your own baby so that you can nurture the Department to grow,” he said. Prof. Ampiah implored the Managing Director of GCGL to assign experienced and senior journalists to facilitate training at the Department of Communication Studies and also deliver public lectures and seminars for both students and the University Community on topical issues.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that GCGL was one of the University’s biggest business partners. “Your reporters have been covering our programmes to make us visible but I believe more can be done to project UCC,” he noted. He said the University was happy to have GCGL as a partner and indicated that “there are many things we can do together through this relationship”.

Gratitude to UCC

On his part, Mr. Atto Afful who is an alumnus of UCC said he was happy to visit his alma mater. “I have come to where it all started and I must thank the University for making me who I am today,” he said.

The Managing Director of GCGL said his outfit was committed to projecting state-owned organisations and institutions through communication and engagement. He, therefore, called on the Vice-Chancellor to furnish GCGL with names of lecturers who could serve as experts to be consulted when the need arose.  “GCGL is the biggest employer in the media space and we are ready to partner institutions like UCC which is a breeding ground of knowledge” he noted.

GCGL is Ready to Partner GCGL

Responding to the Vice-Chancellor’s request, he said GCGL was ready to partner the Department of Communication Studies and also provide internship opportunities for its students. Mr. Afful assured the Vice-Chancellor that experienced professionals would be tasked to engage faculty and also facilitate training for students of the Department. “We will take a critical look at the Department of Communication Studies and give them all the necessary support,” he added.

Mr. Afful seized the opportunity to congratulate the School of Business on winning the maiden edition of Graphic Business Sense Challenge adding that “I was excited when my alma mater won the maiden edition”.  He urged the University to get copies of the special editions of the paper that published issues on business-related topics during the competition period.