A five- year Strategic Plan for the University of Cape Coast,UCC, has been launched at a ceremony at the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) Auditorium.
The current Strategic Plan, also called Third Plan, builds on the two previous Strategic Plans ( 2003-2008, 2012- 2017) and seeks to continue with aspects of the previous plan which could not be achieved but were still relevant and the introduction of new initiatives. It also takes cognizance of the experiences and developments in the University, in the country and in the world over the last decade.
The five- year Strategic Plan, spanning 2018 to 2022, has been developed at a time that the country is taking a critical look at the role of higher education in national development within the context of the Agenda 2057 : the 40-year Long-Term National Development Plan. At the International level, the Third Plan looks basically at ranking based on research output of faculty and staff, as well as visibility in virtual space as the basis for assessing institutions.
The Chairman of the University Governing Council, Mrs. Nancy Thompson, who launched the Corporate Strategic Plan, stated that the Council had thoroughly perused the Strategic Plan and pointed out that the nine key strategic thrusts enshrined in the Plan were clear indication of the "University's preparedness to rethink and reposition itself to take advantages of the opportunities and mitigate threats that lie ahead in the next five years." She announced that all resources needed to make the Plans a reality had been provided.
Mrs. Thompson told staff of the University that the Strategic Plans were neither mere documents nor theories, stressing that " They are specific goals with timeliness that need to be achieved". She, therefore, called on all stakeholders in the University to work in tandem towards the achievement of the goals of the Strategic Plan. "It's not about the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar or Provosts. Everybody at whatever level he/she may be must put their shoulders to the wheel," she advised. Mrs. Thompson expressed profound appreciation to the 24- member Corporate Strategic Plan Committe, chaired by Prof. Kofi Awusabo-Asare, for their efforts, dedication and hard work.
In his welcome address, the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, was of the firm belief that the new Corporate Strategic Plan would position the University strategically to the changes taking place in its operational environment. "The Strategic Plan will help us to apply our resources and strengths to exploit the available opportunities to confront any threats that may face us towards achieving our mission, " he stated.
The Vice-chancellor implored staff of the University to work assiduously to achieve the goals of the Corporate Strategic Plan, to put the University on a giant pedestal. Prof Ampiah was full of praise for the members of the committee for a good work done. " ...Please permit me to use this opportunity to thank Prof. Kofi Awusabo-Asare and his team for the good work done. We are grateful to the team, "he said.
As part of the launch, a member of the Committee, Prof. Samuel Annim, took the gathering through the highlights of the Strategic Plan. Sax Reddick, a trumpeter and student of UCC, treated the audience to melodious instrumental tunes.