Search

UCC Launches BRAVE GH Project to Combat Bullying in Schools

31 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Bullying Reporting and Victim Empowerment in Ghanaian Schools (BRAVE GH) project has been launched in the Eastern Region.

The BRAVE GH Project aims to prevent bullying and promote a positive school culture through a digital, peer-based intervention rooted in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) principles.

The team from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), is led by a Senior Lecturer and Coordinator for UCC’s Centre for Educational Research, Evaluation and Development (CERED) Dr. Jacob Owusu Sarfo.

The project forms part of the Being Initiatives, which fund early-stage projects designed to implement, test, and refine solutions to country-specific personal, social, and environmental factors impacting young people’s mental health and well-being.

The launch took place on Thursday, 30th October 2025, at the Koforidua Technical Institute (KOTECH), marking a significant milestone in the national effort to curb bullying and promote students' mental well-being.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Sarfo noted that bullying cases in Ghanaian schools are a growing concern, with research showing that over 40% of students aged 12 to 17 have experienced some form of bullying or cyberbullying.

 

Jacob Owusu Sarfo, Project Lead, BRAVE GH Project

Dr. Sarfo, who is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, indicated that bullying behaviours among young people form a significant driving factor behind mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor quality of life, and school absenteeism among young people in Ghana.

He further emphasised that the BRAVE GH Project is designed to be evidence-based, co-created with schools, and culturally responsive to the realities of Ghanaian educational settings.

The intervention integrates three core components — the BRAVE App, “Brave Watchdog” school clubs, and behaviour modification programs for bullying perpetrators — to nurture empathy, resilience, and inclusivity within school communities.

In an address, the Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana TVET Service, Ms. Evelyn Dansoa Boateng, emphasised the importance of creating safe spaces in schools and enhancing the psychological well-being of students through innovative interventions.

Ms. Boateng expressed hope that this bold initiative would be scaled up across all regions in Ghana and pledged the support and collaboration of her office to ensure its successful implementation.

Ms. Evelyn Dansoa Boateng, Director - Eastern Regional Office, Ghana TVET Service 

Through the initiative, students will assume leadership roles as clubbers (peer mentors), watchdogs, and ambassadors of the anti-bullying campaign. Heads of schools, teachers, school counsellors, parents, and mental health professionals will be trained as patrons, chaperones, and facilitators, ensuring a coordinated and proactive approach to preventing and addressing bullying incidents.

The project’s early identification system will enable teachers and school counsellors to recognise signs of bullying and provide timely support. Students requiring additional assistance will be referred to approved mental health facilities for specialised care. The BRAVE App will also offer access to coping resources, peer networks, and confidential reporting channels, empowering both victims and bystanders.

Source: UCC BRAVE GH Project Team/Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC hosts Curriculum Development Workshop on Climate-Smart AgrBIZZ Project

31 Oct, 2025 By DIS

A five-day Curriculum Development Workshop has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) as part of the Climate-Smart Agropreneurship education for jobs and sustainability in Western Africa (AgrBIZZ) project.

AgrBIZZ is a partnership between the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, Hame University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Finland, University of Buea and the University of Bamenda in Cameroon, the University for Development Studies and the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and RUFORUM in Uganda.

Its overall objective is to strengthen partner HEIs' capacity to provide work-life relevant and inclusive higher education for societal and environmental development.

The AgrBIZZ curriculum development workshop is aimed at enhancing understanding and practical integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), and Entrepreneurship in agricultural education to ensure that students graduate with skillsets that make them prepared for the world of work.

The event, held at the Sasakawa Conference Centre, engaged academic staff in the participatory process of curriculum review and development of agricultural programmes across the partner HEIs in Western Africa.

Participants at the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub

The workshop, which forms part of an ongoing 3-year AgrBIZZ project which is co-funded by the European Union.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Project Coordinator, Dr. Eija Laitinen from HAMK, said “the project wants students to have a dignified decent life.”

According to her, the general aim of the curriculum development workshop was to exchange institutional experiences, challenges, and effective practices in curriculum revision and pedagogical innovation.

She added that academic staff from universities in West Africa would be engaged in the participatory process of curriculum review and development of programmes across partner higher education institutions.

Through the curriculum development, students would work with the skills they had acquired after graduation.

Project Coordinator, Dr. Eija Laitinen from HAMK

The UCC Local Coordinator of the Project, Prof. Samuel Kwesi Ndzebah Dadzie, in his remarks, indicated that  there was the needtha need to harmonise agricultural education in partner West African universities to be intentional about climate-smart agriculture and entrepreneurship using a student-centred Problem-Based Learning approach to enable students to generate business solutions even while on campus.

He said the use of PBL would produce competent graduates who would be problem solvers.

"Throughout the workshop, we are happy to emphasise Climate-Smart Agropreneurship, using the PBL approach in our curricula," he added.

He maintained that through the project, students would acquire various employable skills to enable them to become entrepreneurs.

The Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Rofela Combey, who described the workshop as timely, noted that training students with entrepreneurial soft skills and making them conscious of sustaining the environment through climate-smart agriculture had become an existential necessity in Ghana and most African countries.

Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Rofela Combey

She expressed excitement that the Project was also to ensure African students possess not only technical competence but also critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and, crucially, ethical grounding

Present at the workshop were the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. De-Graft Acquah, the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Prof. Martin Bosompem, and the representative of the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy, Prof. Francis Annor.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Administrators urged to embrace Stakeholder Engagement

31 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Members of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) have been challenged to include stakeholder engagement in their day-to-day administrative activities.

 The Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors' Ghana (VCG), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku, who issued the challenge, stated that administrators should adopt stakeholder engagement as a culture through information sharing, consultation, collaboration, and empowerment among university stakeholders.

Dr. Kpeglo-Freiku, a former Registrar of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, made the remarks at the GAUA Continuous Professional Development Seminar held at UCC.

The seminar was themed: “Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement in Higher Education Management: The Role of the University Administrator.”

Dr. Kpeglo-Freiku urged administrators to develop innovative technological solutions to remain competitive in the current digital era.

“The modern administrator must be technologically savvy, socially sensitive, emotionally intelligent, and a strategic thinker,” she emphasised.

She highlighted the crucial role stakeholder engagement played in enhancing institutional reputation and credibility, as well as fostering student and staff satisfaction.

Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors' Ghana (VCG), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku (R), receiving a citation of honour from Registrar of UCC, Mr. Gideon Abbeyquaye

“In fact, stakeholder engagement promotes transparency and accountability, supports resource mobilization and partnerships, among others,” she added.

She acknowledged challenges in stakeholder engagement, including: weak communication channels, over-centralization of decision-making, poor feedback mechanisms, conflicting stakeholder interests, and a lack of clear engagement frameworks.

Stressing a call to action, she urged university administrators to “move from being gatekeepers to bridge builders.”

A Lecturer at the Department of Information Communication Technology, Ms. Linda Otoo, who presented on the topic "Artificial Intelligence (AI)", urged university administrators to embrace AI or risk falling behind global administrative standards.

Ms. Otoo emphasized that AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality.

She warned that institutions unwilling to adopt AI-driven changes risk becoming irrelevant in the evolving educational landscape.

She further noted that by leveraging AI as a tool for enhancement, university administrators could secure their operations for the future and unlock new opportunities for growth in their roles.

An elated section of the audience. In shot: Deputy Director of University Health Services, UCC, Pharm (Dr.) Joseph A. Kizzie-Hayford; Senior Assistant Accountant, IEPA-UCC, Dr. Philomena Araba Sam (both in GAUA cloth), and an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Information Communication Technology, Ms. Linda Otoo (in blue)

Highlighting the transformative potential of AI in higher education, Miss. Otoo stated that it could enhance teaching, research, and institutional management.

“AI can help analyse data, automate administrative work, and assist in personalized learning for students. It’s a tool, not a threat,” she explained.

The Deputy Director of University Health Services, UCC, Pharm (Dr.) Joseph A. Kizzie-Hayford, who spoke on "Administrators’ Health and Stakeholder Engagement", advised administrators to manage work-related stress to improve productivity and service quality.

Dr. Kizzie-Hayford emphasized the importance of adequate rest in managing stress and regaining full strength.

He advocated for walk meetings instead of traditional sit-down meetings as a strategy for healthy living.

The Deputy Director  stressed that walking is not just an activity but a lifestyle that strengthens the body.

Dr. Kizzie-Hayford expressed concern that many people have developed a preference for foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, which are detrimental to their health.

He encouraged administrators to adopt healthy lifestyles to remain productive.

President of GAUA-UCC, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku

The Head of Legal Office at UCC, Mr. Solomon Gyasi, speaking on “Illegalities in Administrative Work”, admonished administrators to be very circumspect when dealing with third persons.

“So, if you are an administrator in the course of your work, you commit any tort or any civil wrong against a third party, the university would be held accountable, “he added.

Among others, he said employers had become powerful and succeeded to some extent in using the lenient spot of the law to treat casual workers as if they did not deserve the rights given to permanent employees.

Another speaker, the Senior Accountant at IEPA, Dr. Philomena Araba Sam, speaking on “Retirement and Entrepreneurship”, implored administrators to ensure income security in their retirement by planning and investing in their pension while in active service to make their retirement days comfortable.

She said poor management of personal finances, such as lack of financial goals, skewed lifestyle habits, uncontrolled purchasing habits, and low savings, among others, as some factors that contributed to a poor life after retirement.

She also mentioned that entrepreneurship is experiencing a renaissance worldwide, hence it is an area worthy of exploration for members of GAUA to raise supplementary income.

The President of GAUA-UCC, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, in an address, said the seminar was aimed at building the capacity of University Administrators.

He said GAUA would continue to support members with other beneficial seminars and urged them to be open-minded in receiving knowledge from the various speakers.

The seminar was chaired by the Registrar of UCC, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, Esq, who urged administrators to use the knowledge gained to better service delivery in the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

ADB Bank Engages UCC Registrar on Enhanced Banking Services

28 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Officials from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Ghana have paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, Esq, to discuss ways of improving banking services for students and staff of the University.

Mr. Kwabena Osei-Owusu, the Branch Manager, Cape Coast Main Office of ADB, highlighted the bank’s commitment to digital transformation. He explained that ADB is advancing towards a fully digital banking system that will make it easier for students to access their funds and pay fees seamlessly.

 “We can assure you that our services have improved,” he added.

Mrs. Justina Yiadom-Boakye, the Branch Manager at UCC ADB, mentioned that the bank offers special packages for UCC staff. “We hope you recommend us to your staff”, she appealed to the Registrar.

The meeting forms part of ADB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and provide improved digital financial solutions for the academic community.

In response, the Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye Esq, commended the initiative but urged the bank to “do more to sustain and keep its customers.” He encouraged ADB to be more responsive and reiterated the University’s need for accommodation support for students.

“We are open to allowing you to set up a canopy on campus,” Mr. Abbeyquaye suggested. He added that the bank should ensure to improve its performance and services to attract more clients.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Chaplaincy Committee Delegation interacts with Acting Vice-Chancellor

27 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Chaplaincy Committee of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), led by its Chairman, Prof. Aaron Tettey Asare, has paid a courtesy call on the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Aheto.

The purpose was to officially congratulate Prof. Aheto on his appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Prof. Asare highlighted the Chaplaincy’s contributions to the spiritual growth of the University and enumerated some challenges it currently faces. Key among them is the lack of space for church service on campus, as well as a store room to keep the equipment of the various campus ministries, among others.

Receiving the delegation, Prof. Aheto expressed his sincerest gratitude to the members of the Chaplaincy Committee for their thoughtfulness.

Prof. Aheto (standing) with Prof Aaron Asare (L) and the Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (R)

He said the University would support the Committee through a non-residential retreat to develop a Strategic Plan and come up with ideas to support their activities on campus.

Prof. Aheto said there were numerous opportunities on campus that churches could engage to to cater for their activities.

"I believe that with the retreat, the church can adopt business ideas to help finance its activities,” he said.

Later, Very Rev. Prof David Duodu led the delegation to pray for the management of the University, staff, and students.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Meet 21-year-old Nana Danquah Adjei Domson from Breman Asikuma, the youngest person ever called to the Bar in Ghana

24 Oct, 2025 By DIS

Lawyer at 21, a feat worth celebrating: Meet Breman Asikuma’s Nana Danquah Adjei Domson, Esq.

From the quiet town of Breman Asikuma in Ghana’s Central Region emerges a young man whose story is inspiring an entire generation. Nana Danquah Adjei Domson, Esq., has arguably become Ghana’s youngest lawyer — called to the Bar at just 21 years old — a feat that has amazed many and filled his community with pride.

Born on April 12, 2004, Danquah’s journey has been marked by consistent brilliance and discipline. He began his education at Breman Asikuma Colonel Baidoo Basic School, completing basic school by the age of 12, far ahead of most of his peers.

He later attended Breman Asikuma Senior High School, but soon transferred to Life International College in Tema, where he completed his secondary education at just 15 years old.

In 2019, while most of his age mates were still in high school, Danquah gained admission into the University of Cape Coast’s Faculty of Law.

He studied with focus and determination, blending youthful curiosity with the discipline of a true scholar. Four years later, in 2023, he graduated with First Class Honours — a major milestone on his journey to becoming a lawyer.

After university, he advanced to the Ghana School of Law at Makola, where he spent two intense years mastering the practice and ethics of the legal profession. On October 10, 2025, at only 21 years old, Danquah achieved what many only dream of — he was officially called to the Ghana Bar.

Before Danquah, the youngest person ever called to the Bar in Ghana was Akpene Darko Cobbina, who achieved the milestone in 2019 at age 22. Prior to that, the record was held by Sarah Adwoa Safo, who was called at 22 years and 280 days in 2004. Now, Danquah has set a new benchmark — one that may stand for years to come.

Source: Daily Graphic

capacity_building_TAGDev 2.0

TAGDev 2.0-UCC Builds Capacity of Partner Institutions and Stakeholders

23 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The TAGDev 2.0 Programme at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana has organized workshops for key partner institutions and stakeholders across the country to equip them to effectively engage the target groups for the programme.

Held from October 1-10, 2025, the workshops were hosted by the partner institutions- Adidome Farm Institute, Volta Region; University for Development Studies, Northern Region and University for Energy and Natural Resources.

Participants of the workshop at Adidome Farm Institute workshop

Participating in the workshop were selected District Directors of Agriculture, Business Advisory Centres, Agriculture Extension Officers and Management Information System officers within the jurisdiction where the programme is being implemented.

The workshop sought to equip staff with competence-based training and experiential entrepreneurial education focusing on women, differently-abled persons, refugees, and displaced persons.

The University for Development Studies team

Participants were trained on the technical and knowledge-transfer skills to accelerate the dissemination of innovative technologies and best practices.  In addition, the workshop helped to strengthen partnerships with institutions and organisations to make significant impact on extension services in rural communities.

Opening the workshops at the various centres, the Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 Programme, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong, noted that the University of Cape Coast would continue to engage with its partners to successfully execute the programme. “We need to co-create so young people especially women and marginalized persons in our communities can get sustainable jobs that will improve their livelihoods.” 

Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong

Prof. Annor-Frempong noted that the programme thrives on inclusivity, safeguarding and expanding job opportunities in the agriculture value chain. He, therefore, advised participants to be guided by these in order to ensure equitable participation of both young women and men, and marginalized groups.

 

“We need to empower, promote sustainable inclusion and create an enabling environment for marginalized people in society including refugees, displaced persons, people with disabilities and young women and men through the TAGDev 2.0 programme” he stressed.

Partners from University for Energy and Natural Resources

Participants were taken through Gender, inclusion and safeguarding, entrepreneurship in the agriculture value chain; strategies to enhance youth engagement, overview of TAGDev 2.0 programme, and last-mile extension delivery. 

Prof. Mavis Serwaa Benneh Mensah presenting at the engagement session

The participants worked in groups to brainstorm and generate ideas on creating opportunities for the programme’s target audience. They presented innovative strategies for engaging these groups and ensuring the sustainability of the interventions.

Associate Programme Officer of TAGDev 2.0 making a presentation during the programme at University of Energy and Natural Resources

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed their commitment to explore various opportunities within the agricultural value chain and to make the sector more attractive to the target audience. It was also agreed that all stakeholders should make deliberate efforts to recruit young men and women from their communities and support them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

Dr. Lawrence Acheampong presenting at the engagement session

The workshops were facilitated by the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESSED), Prof. Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah; Associate Programme Officer, TAGDev 2.0 Programme, Dr. Zikiru Shaibu and the Gender, Inclusion and Safeguarding Officer, TAGDev 2.0, Dr. Lawrence Acheampong.

UCC Hosts Farewell Dinner for Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Prof. Francisca Dora Edu-Buandoh

22 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a dinner in honour of H.E. Prof. Francisca Dora Edu-Buandoh, Ghana's High Commissioner to Canada, as she leaves for her duty post in Ottawa, Ontario.

The event brought together management, student leaders and staff to bid farewell to the esteemed alumna of the University.

In his welcome remark, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, highlighted her significant contributions to the development of the University in particular and Ghana in general that made the President appoint her as High Commissioner.

He urged her to continue working diligently to justify the trust reposed in her by the President and assured her of UCC's continuous support in fostering collaborative initiatives.

Prof Edu-Buandoh (L) with the Provost of CANS, Prof. Rofela Combey, after the proposal of toast

The Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof Rofela Combey, proposed a heartfelt toast, seeking grace for Prof Edu-Buandoh to excel as she took on the new role ahead.

H.E. Prof. Edu-Buandoh, in response, thanked the UCC community for their love and support, sharing her deep connection to the University where she had built her career as an astute academic.

 "Everything that caught the attention of the President and his appointing authorities, I owe to this University," she stated.

She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting collaborations for UCC and pledged to uphold both the Ghanaian and UCC flags in her new role.

Prof Edu-Buandoh displaying the citation of honour. With her are the Ag. VC, Prof Aheto (middle), Registrar, Mr Gideon Abbeyquaye (3rd from left) and some senior officers of the University

A citation of honour was presented to H.E. Prof. Edu-Buandoh in recognition of her contributions to the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Prof. Aheto calls on Banks to partner UCC in transformative campus projects

22 Oct, 2025 By DIS

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has called on banks to identify and invest in viable projects at the University, particularly in the area of student accommodation.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by officials from ADB Bank to congratulate him on his appointment, Prof. Aheto highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available at UCC.

“Our students are struggling for accommodation, and this presents a fertile investment opportunity for banks to partner with universities to address it. Trust me, you’ll reap the benefits of your investment,” he stated.

Prof. Denis Aheto sharing handshake with Mr. Kweku Arhinful Biney

Prof. Aheto noted that UCC was open to further engagement with financial institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration. He cited examples from developed countries where banks invest in facilities such as hostels, auditoriums, lecture halls, laboratories, and healthcare centres, many of which are named after their sponsors.

“We are ready to collaborate with banks that are willing to support projects that enhance teaching, learning, and research,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the ADB delegation, Mr. Kweku Arhinful Biney, Assistant Area Manager of the Bank, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor for his forward-looking ideas.

He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with UCC, noting that the Bank’s Managing Director would soon visit the University to discuss possible collaborative ventures.

“This is privileged information, and we are committed to partnering with you to identify viable projects at UCC. When we nurture such alliances, we are able to meet community needs effectively,” Mr. Biney remarked.

Other officials of the Bank were Branch Manager, Cape Coast Main, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Owusu and Branch Manager, UCC, Ms. Justina Yiadom Boakye.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Pages