The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), UCC Chapter has congratulated Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto on his recent appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
During a courtesy visit to Prof. Aheto’s office, UTAG President, Dr. Jerry Opoku Ansah expressed the union's support and pride in his achievements, particularly his impactful leadership as Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR). Dr. Ansah was optimistic that Prof. Aheto would bring his experience to bear in his new role for the advancement of the University.
The UTAG President also urged Prof. Aheto to address the concern of inadequate lecture halls and offices, which he noted had placed significant stress on faculty. Additionally, Dr. Ansah emphasized the need for improved motivation and enhanced health services for both UTAG members and the wider support staff and students.
In response, Prof. Aheto thanked the executives for their support during his application process and acknowledged the challenges faced by teaching staff. He reassured them that management was actively working to resolve these issues. He said the completion of a new office complex for lecturers would bring relief to lecturers.
“We are committed to creating a conducive environment for lecturers, support staff, and students to enhance teaching, learning, and research,” Prof. Aheto stated. He also mentioned that the Vice-Chancellor had tasked him to lead some teams to tackle various challenges confronting the University.
Prof. Aheto expressed gratitude for the resounding support from UTAG members and assured them that he would collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor to build on the University's achievements.
Other UTAG executives present at the meeting included Vice-President Dr. (Mrs.) Joana Eva Doodo, Secretary Prof. Isaac Buabeng, and Treasurer Dr. Beatrice Asante Somuah, the Women Executive Officer, Dr. Martha Osei-Marfo. The Senior Assistant Registrar, at the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Alfred Ghartey was also at the meeting.
The Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Mr. Benard Gyebi has called on the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Aheto, at his office to discuss matters of concern to the two institutions.
A key issue of concern discussed during the visit was the lack of on-campus accommodation for students.
Prof. Aheto disclosed that UCC admitted 20,000 students out of the over 30,000 applications received for the 2024/25 academic year.
He was quick to add that 11,500 students enrolled on various programmes and the University offered accommodation to only 6,000 fresh students.
Prof. Denis Aheto
The Pro Vice-Chancellor said it had become necessary that UCC addressed the perennial challenges first-year and continuing students faced in securing accommodation on the University’s campus.
To help reduce the increasing accommodation deficiency of the University expeditiously, the Pro Vice-Chancellor said he had been engaging private investors and meeting with top officials of some public universities to find out how they were able to attract investors to put up magnificent edifices on their campuses.
The Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Mr. Benard Gyebi
He, therefore, described the Managing Director’s visit as appropriate to open discussions on that score and hoped the bank would consider partnering with the University to find solutions to the accommodation deficit on campus.
For his part, Mr. Gyebi congratulated Prof. Aheto on his appointment and elevation.
He said Prudential bank had an unparalleled track record as regards putting up hostel facilities on UCC campus.
Mr. Gyebi reminded the Pro Vice-Chancellor that the bank assisted UCC to build the SRC, Alumni and Superannuation Hostels.
The Managing Director expressed the readiness of the bank to assist UCC to address the accommodation challenges confronting its students.
UCC and Prudential Bank officials after the meeting
He announced that plans were in place to launch an innovative e-banking product called PBL Mobile App on campus.
According to him, the initiative would allow customers to perform banking transactions anytime, anywhere and at their own convenience using the mobile phone.
Present at the meeting were the Registrar, Mr. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye; the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu; the Area Manager of Western Zone, Mr. Eric Sarpong Appau, and some top officials of the Prudential Bank.
Source: Documentation and Information Section
A regional Chinese Language Teacher Training Center has been inaugurated at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The Center which is a collaboration between the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) and UCC is located in the Amissah Arthur Language Center, is dedicated to train local Chinese teachers in West African countries.
Inaugurated
The Deputy Director of CLEC, Mr. Hu Zhiping, who inaugurated the Centre, said the demand for learning the Chinese language in Africa had surged in recent years, driven by growing political, economic, and cultural ties between China and African countries.
Mr. Hu indicated that West Africa was one of the most dynamic and promising regions for Chinese language development, with an increasing number of schools offering Chinese courses.
The officials of UCC and CLEC newly-inaugrated center
"However, the increasing demand for qualified teachers has outpaced the supply of Chinese teachers and volunteers dispatched from China," he said.
The Deputy Director observed that the Center was aimed at training hordes of local Chinese teachers to foster the sustainable development of Chinese language education across the region.
He reiterated that China was committed to ensuring that it deepened bilateral understanding and cooperation in language, culture, science, and technology.
Appreciation
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto expressed excitement at the opening of the Centre on campus which would provide another opportunity for West African teachers and urged young Ghanaians to take advantage of the Center to acquire the requisite skills to teach the Chinese language.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, for taking advantage of his visits to China to prevail on the leadership of CLEC to set up the Centre in UCC.
Prof. Aheto continued: “ the establishment of the Center is not merely the launch of a physical space. It will serve as a beacon of excellence to train qualified, well-trained Chinese teachers who will not only master the language but also understand the cultural nuances necessary for effective teaching.”
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto (L) and Deputy Director of CLEC, Mr. Hu Zhiping, signing the MoU.
He said the Center would bring together teachers from countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Côte D’Ivoire, among others, to share ideas, learn from one another, and collectively elevate the quality of Chinese language education across the sub-region.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor reiterated the commitment of the University to support the Center and its mission.
“Together, let us continue to build bridges of understanding, open doors of opportunity, and shape a future where language and culture unite us for the greater good,” he said.
Commenting on the launch of the new Centre, the Central Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, announced that the service would pilot the introduction of the Chinese language into school curriculum across the country.
The officials of UCC and CLEC after the signing ceremony
“It is worthy to note that Chinese Language education has provided an opportunity for students in the Central region not only to learn a second language but also to pursue a degree in Chinese language, access scholarships in China, participate in global competitions such as the Chinese bridge, and secure employment in Chinese enterprises,” he added.
As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UCC and CLEC was signed to make their cooperation and partnership official.
Source: Documentation and Information Section
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Business has held an orientation programme for the first cohort of students admitted into the Master of Science in Customs Administration programme.
The programme, a collaboration between UCC's School of Business and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), aims to equip customs officers and stakeholders in Ghana and the West African sub-region with the necessary skills to enhance customs administration.
The orientation programme, held at the Accra campus of UCC provided students with an overview of the University, graduate programmes and insights into the expectations and opportunities that lie ahead for the students.
Speaking at the programme, the Dean of the School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, said it was refreshing that the programme had gone through several stages of quality assurance scrutiny to ensure that it meets the needs of industry and international standards.
Prof. Gatsi commended the students for enrolling in the programme and assured them of quality academic and professional engagement to enhance their capacities to effectively carry out their duties. “We are glad that a number of customs officials have enrolled in this programme to acquire more knowledge on customs-related issues within the content and global trade environment,” he noted.
Dean of School of Business, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi and Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo at the orientation programme
On his part, the Commissioner of the Customs Division, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, said he was elated that the programme had finally started. He emphasized the importance of customs officials upgrading themselves in programmes that were directly in line with the nature of their operations.
“Hitherto, our officers were enrolling in all manner of programmes which had no connection with what we do here at customs. We are extremely happy that we can now boast of a joint programme with UCC and Customs Division to adequately train our officers to directly transfer the knowledge they have acquired from their education to our operations” he stated.
Students listening to the presentations at the event
In her presentation, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, informed the students that postgraduate programmes at UCC demanded dedication to academic work to succeed. She mentioned that the SGS, which coordinates postgraduate programmes at UCC, had put in place measures to provide support for them to complete their programmes.
She urged the students to read the Academic Policies & Regulations for Graduate Studies to guide them in their academic journey at the University.
Prof. Sarah Darkwa
The Vice-Dean of SoB, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Agyei; Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Prof. Daniel Agyapong; Head of Department, Marketing and Supply Chain, Prof. (Mrs.) Gloria Kakrabah-Quarshie Agyapong and the Coordinator of the Programme, Dr. Dominic Owusu engaged the students in a question-and-answer session to bring clarity to various aspects of the programme.
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SoPPS) has awarded thirty students at the late Prof. David Darko Obiri Dean's Award for their remarkable academic performance in the 2023/24 Academic Year.
The Dean's Award ceremony is held yearly to celebrate students who obtain a CGPA of 3.6 and above from Levels 200 to 600.
The award is a tribute to the first Dean of the SoPPS, Prof.David Darko Obiri, who passed away in 2020, for his invaluable contribution towards the School, which was established in 2018.
The Dean of the School, Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw presenting an award to an awardee
The awards included overall Best Student, Best Student, and most Improved Student.
The deserving students received certificates for their accomplishments.
The Guest Speaker, Senior Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Fellow Sarah Honny, commended the students for the strides they had made and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.
" Today's awardees are among the brightest, not only in this university but the entire nation and probably this generation. Some of you might come out with ground-breaking discoveries but you will need not only your ethics but also courage to come out with findings. Accept that pain will come before gain and so, do not compromise on your ethics." she continued.
Mrs. Honny urged Pharmacy-students to leverage the opportunities of technology to develop innovative solutions for improved healthcare delivery.
Senior Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Fellow Sarah Honny presenting an award to an awardee
She urged the students to take pride in their profession, embrace the future with confidence, and never lose sight of the impact they would have on the lives of individuals and communities.
The Senior Fellow urged them to exude the value of truthfulness in their professional journey.
"You have been trained to serve the cause of promoting life and health so fight for what is right. Learn to be brave at all times, speak the truth and stand by your convictions because unlike the medications you handle, truth has no substitute," she stressed.
She advised Pharmacy students to be responsible and committed to their work while improving themselves to face challenges in the profession which was fast evolving.
The Senior Fellow said the role of Pharmacists continues to expand and therefore maintaining ethical standards has become pivotal in preserving the well-being of patients and the society at large.
A former Vice-Dean of SoPPS, Prof. Robert Peter Biney, presenting an award to a deserving student
The Dean of the School, Prof. Elvis Ofori Ameyaw, commended the awardees for the exceptional academic performance.
He encouraged students who could not make it to study hard to secure places on the list next academic year.
Prof. Ameyaw, who chaired the ceremony, paid glowing tribute to Professor David Darko Obiri for pushing the agenda for student-pharmacists to be recognised every year.
An awardee in Level 500, Gifty Naa Ashaadey Ashley, who spoke on behalf on her colleagues, expressed gratitude to the School and promised that the awardees would study hard to be on the Dean's list again next academic year.
Source: Documentation and Information Section
Women in Engineering (WIE IET-GH) and the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), have organised a symposium to mark the 2025 International Day for Women and Girls in Science to promote gender equality in the study of the sciences.
The theme for this year’s celebration was: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”.
It brought together students from Basic and Junior High Schools and Tertiary Institutions.
The students joined accomplished women from different science backgrounds to empower them to strive for the best in science-related fields.
Some students at the symposium
Engaging discussions and insights were shared by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Genevieve Adukpo, UCC Coordinator for OWSD, and Engr. Mrs. Adjoa Agyinba Tetteh Gyamera, the National Chairperson of WIE IET-GH.
A Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), UCC, Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, chaired the symposium, which was held at Auditorium 900.
The UN International Day for Women and Girls in Science was established with the aim to promote full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls.
Speaking on the topic "STEM Education and Career Pathways: Exploring Women’s Journey in STEM, from Education to Career Advancement," Dr. Genevieve Adukpo, UCC Coordinator for OWSD, underscored the significance of STEM education in breaking traditional gender stereotypes.
Dr. Genevieve Adukpo
"Through the study of STEM, women can become role models capable of addressing global challenges," she emphasised.
She also encouraged the Junior High School pupils in attendance to dream big and believe in their ability to change the world through STEM.
Treating the topic: "The Future of STEM: Examining Emerging Trends, Technologies, and the Role of Women in Shaping the Future," Engr. Mrs. Adjoa Agyinba Tetteh Gyamera, National Chairperson of WIE IET-GH, encouraged girls to explore the vast opportunities within STEM fields.
"Science and Engineering is not just the future; it is the present," she stated, adding that, "the sky is just the starting point for women and girls who go into STEM."
Engr. Mrs. Adjoa Agyinba Tetteh Gyamera speaking at the event
Engr. Gyamera indicated the diverse fields within engineering, such as Civil, Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, and urged the pupils to consider these career paths.
The event served as an inspiring platform for young girls, reinforcing the message that they have the potential to excel in STEM and contribute meaningfully to global scientific advancements.
Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah delivering the welcome address
For her part, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, encouraged women to challenge stereotypes that suggest they cannot excel in STEM.
She urged young girls to support and motivate each other to aim high and remain focused on their studies.
Prof. Fay Amissah disclosed that statistics were still not in favor of girls and women and called on the government to prioritize girls and women representation.
Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah chairing the symposium
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, urged the students to believe in their potential. "Know that if you want to do science, you can, and you are very capable of doing it," she affirmed.
She further advised the pupils to "think beyond the usual professions like doctor or nurse and know that the whole world is open to you to explore."
The resource persons shared their experiences and encouraged participants to connect mentors to their children and for the students to find mentors in their areas of specialisation to help them in their chosen science fields.
Source: Documentation and Information Section
The Faculty of Law of the University of Cape Coast has held its 12th Roll Call ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium, was to induct fresh levels 100 and 200 students into the study of law
The event was also to recognize and appreciate students who performed creditably in their academic work.
His Lordship Justice John-Mark Nuku Alifo speaking at the ceremony
A Justice of the High Court in the Central Region, His Lordship Justice John-Mark Nuku Alifo, administered the oath to the fresh students.
The Keynote Speaker at the ceremony, Acting Head of the Department of Legal Studies at UCC, Dr. Ernest Yaw Ako, Esq., who spoke on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on academia and legal practice, emphasised the growing influence of AI in education and the legal field, urging students to embrace technology in their studies.
"This is the moment to immerse yourself in learning and harness the potential of AI," he advised, noting that today's students are at the forefront of technological advancements.
Dr. Ernest Yaw Ako, Esq delivering the keynote address at the ceremony
He further encouraged students to actively explore the benefits of AI, stating, "Take every opportunity to learn how AI can benefit you as students. Seize this opportunity with both hands because there is no better time than this.”
Dr. Ako also called on academic institutions, including UCC, to develop policies that guide AI usage rather than punish students for utilizing it.
He stressed the need for a balanced approach to AI regulation in education, advocating for responsible use rather than outright restriction.
He further encouraged students and professionals to have mechanical sympathy while using AI, ensuring that they understood its mechanisms and limitations to make the most of its potential.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, who chaired the occasion, expressed enthusiasm at seeing young men and women develop an interest in legal education.
Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto
He acknowledged the growing number of applicants to the Faculty of Law and emphasized the need for expansion.
"The increasing number of applicants is an indication that the faculty must be expanded in terms of infrastructure and lecturers," he stated.
He assured the audience that he would leverage his position to support the faculty’s growth and development to accommodate the rising demand.
Prof. Aheto also addressed the motivations driving students to pursue a legal education, acknowledging both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Some fresh students at the ceremony
However, he emphasized the demanding nature of legal studies, stating, "Nonetheless, regardless of the motivation, it is essential to note that while law can be fun, it is for those who are mentally prepared."
He encouraged the students to reflect deeply on their reasons for choosing law, seek guidance from mentors, and build strong support networks.
"I urge you to examine your motivations, speak to people, and get a mentor to guide you through the next few years," he continued.
Recognizing the challenges associated with studying law, he urged them to seek help when needed and support one another.
Vice-Dean of Faculty of Law, Dr. Dr. Elijah Tukwariba Yin
Prof. Aheto said: "Do not be discouraged when you get confused, but encourage and support each other and seek assistance."
The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Dr. Elijah Tukwariba Yin , congratulated the fresh students and advised them to take their studies seriouly to climb the academic ladder.
Source: Documentation and Information Section
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has procured a new solid waste truck to improve waste collection and disposal within the University community.
Speaking at a short ceremony to hand over the truck, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, noted that the procurement of the new truck was in line with the University’s ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment for students, staff, and the surrounding communities.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (L) handing over the keys of the truck to Mr. Joseph Intsiful, a Chief Driver at the Transport Section.
He noted that the old truck was overburdened and unable to manage the increasing volume of waste effectively. "This new addition to our waste management fleet will help us tackle the challenges of waste disposal more effectively," he said.
“This new truck, procured with internally generated funds, is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of our waste collection and disposal processes. Our goal is to mitigate the impact of waste on the local ecosystem and ensure environmental sustainability,” Prof. Boampong stated.
Prof. Boampong was hopeful that the truck would play a key role in maintaining a clean environment on campus.
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed the Record of Discussion for the Integrated Coastal Sediment Management Project.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto and the Principal Program Specialist at JICA, Mr. Joshua B. Mabe, signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
The project is designed to support the Development of Integrated Sediment and Environmental Management Towards Sustainable Conservation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Livelihood Improvements in Coastal Areas (DISEM).
The initiative focuses on mitigating the impacts of coastal erosion, flooding, and environmental degradation, which continue to threaten the livelihoods of coastal populations.
It is a collaboration between UCC, JICA and University of Tokyo and financed by the Japanese Science and Technology Institute (JST).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Aheto said the collaboration would strengthen coastal resilience.
Prof. Aheto expressed the University’s gratitude to the government of Japan and JICA for the project and added that, “UCC would do its level best to ensure the operationalization of the agreement”.
He commended JICA for the partnership and indicated the unflinching commitment of the University to make sure the Project yielded the desired results.
The Principal Program Specialist at JICA, Mr. Joshua B. Mabe, on his part, commended UCC for the partnership.
Mr. Mabe said Japan had been at the forefront of disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto (R), exchanging the agreement with the Principal Program Specialist at JICA, Mr. Joshua B. Mabe. With them are officials of UCC
“Japan, which was prone to natural disasters, including flooding and earthquake-tsunami, had successfully implemented early warning systems and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these risks”, Mr. Mabe added.
He said that guided by its official development assistance principle of "Leave no one behind,” which aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Japan was actively working to ensure that developing countries such as Ghana received the necessary support to strengthen their resilience against climate-related disasters.
The Program Manager of ACECoR, Mr. Donatus Angnwureng, expressed excitement about the project's potential.
He observed: "I look forward to this partnership achieving its goals and helping our region develop”.
Source: Documentation and Information Section