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OIR holds public lecture on global engagement with African tertiary institutions

12 Mar, 2025 By DIS

The Office of International Relations (OIR) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a public lecture exploring the strategic importance of global engagement with African higher education institutions.

The lecture focused on the mutual benefits of partnerships and the role of organizations like the Association of International Educators (NAFSA).

The lecture attracted faculty members and students and highlighted the importance of sustainable and equitable partnerships that respect Africa’s unique context while enabling institutions to thrive in a competitive global education ecosystem.

It was on the theme: “Advancing International Education Exchange-Partnership between African Higher Educational Institutions and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.”

The Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, Dr. Fanta Aw, delivering the lecture, said research collaboration between African researchers and their counterparts abroad must be geared towards solving the myriad of challenges facing the continent.

According to her, the joint research was sine qua non for knowledge sharing that needs to be relevant to Africa.

Dr. Fanta Aw delivering the lecture

“It doesn’t have to be in the Western way. The solution is that it has to be indigenous to Africa. We have a lot of innovation in our continent,” she added.

Dr. Aw continued, “The ability to initiate collaborative research and integrate indigenous knowledge systems into global research efforts is a real opportunity for us.”

She underscored the need for tertiary education curriculum and administration to be matched to the specific knowledge and skills requirements for the socio-economic development of Africa.

Dr. Aw urged tertiary institutions to capitalize on technology through digital platforms to break geographical barriers and roll out collaborative online curricula.

She said NAFSA is an Association of International Educators, the world's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, as well as advancing policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for generations to come.

According to her, NAFSA membership provides one with a unique access to best-in-class programs, critical updates, and resources to professionalize one’s practice.

Some participants in the lecture

“Members gain unrivaled opportunities to partner with experienced international education leaders and peers. Become a member and discover how one year of membership can make a difference,” said Dr. Aw.

The Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, chaired the lecture.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

UCC Lecturer joins experts to address challenges on Marine Ecosystem

07 Mar, 2025 By DIS

A Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Dr. Mabel Anim, joined key stakeholders from across Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to deliberate on the application of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) techniques to tackle challenges facing marine ecosystems.

Organised under the auspices of Ocean Visions, the workshop “Towards an African Road Map for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D): Science, Policy, Governance, and Capacity Development”, brought together 40 experts, policymakers, researchers, and key stakeholders from Africa to explore how the continent can engage with mCDR techniques in line with regional priorities, governance frameworks and sustainable development goals.

Other partner institutions for the workshop were the University of Dar es Salaam, the National Environment Management Council (Tanzania), Technical University of Mombasa (Kenya), Stellenbosch University (South Africa), University of Cape Coast (Ghana), the Tanzania Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub, the Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, and the Ghana Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub.

According to Dr. Anim, participants extensively discussed a wide range of topics including “Assessment of potential and impacts for mCDR pathways in Africa including applicable regulations, adjustments to permitting systems, social impact assessments, and scaling analysis.

They also delved into technical and infrastructural scientific gaps, including technology research, development and demonstration needs, as well as monitoring, verification, and reporting capacities.

Some participants in the event

Other topics explored were Finance mechanisms to enable emerging ocean-based climate mitigation techniques, including funding sources and partnerships; Policy and governance frameworks for mCDR, including ethical assessments, and community engagement and enabling a science-to-entrepreneurship pipeline for African ocean-based climate technologies, including field building; market infrastructure and demand; workforce development; and synergies with other sectors.

Dr. Anim said research has indicated that the world's oceans, which serve as vital carbon sinks, have absorbed significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide which had led to ocean acidification and disruption of marine ecosystems. To address these challenges, she noted that various biotic and abiotic Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) techniques, such as blue carbon conservation and ocean alkalinity enhancement, have been proposed.

“As global decarbonization efforts progress, mCDR could become essential for removing CO2 emissions.

However, there are significant knowledge gaps and challenges in science, policy, governance, and capacity building across different regions” she advocated.

Dr. Mabel Anim stressing a point at the workshop

She noted that further research was urgently needed to assess the effectiveness, impacts, and social acceptance of various mCDR techniques, ensuring the ocean continues to play a crucial role in climate remediation.

The workshop was a major milestone in advancing the role of African leaders in shaping the future of mCDR research, development and demonstration with a strong regional perspective. 

 

 

 

IEPA Launches 50th Anniversary and 5 Years as a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence

07 Mar, 2025 By DIS

The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) of the University of Cape Coast has launched its 50th-anniversary celebration, marking a major milestone in its commitment to improving education in Ghana and the West African sub-region. 

The year-long celebration will also commemorate the 5th anniversary of IEPA as a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence. 

The Director-General of IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, in an address, highlighted the institute’s impact since its establishment in 1975 with support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

"Over the years, IEPA has played a key role in developing educational leaders, conducting research, and offering expert consultancy to governments and institutions", he emphasized. 

L-R: D-G of IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, PRO VC-UCC, Prof. Denis W. Aheto and former Director of IEPA, Prof. (Bro) Michael Amakyi, launching the 50&5 anniversary

Outlining activities to commemorate the anniversaries, Prof. Boakye-Yiadom noted that IEPA would hold an International Conference in August, bringing together renowned scholars, policymakers, and education practitioners. Also, there would be the launch of a Commemorative Book – a publication documenting IEPA’s 50-year journey, achievements, and contributions to the education sector as well as a special edition of the Journal of Educational Management – a dedicated issue featuring cutting-edge research on educational leadership and innovation.

On outreach initiatives, the Director-General mentioned there would be a series of programmes across West Africa to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building in education.

On his part, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, commended IEPA’s trailblazing contributions to educational research and administration. 

He described the institute as a trusted partner of the government and emphasized that its UNESCO status has significantly influenced educational policies in the sub-region. 

He expressed optimism that this milestone will allow IEPA to reflect on its achievements and forge ahead with renewed energy. 

"50 years as an institute and 5 years as a center of excellence is no mere achievement", he noted.

Some dignitaries who graced the anniversary launch (seated) with past and current students of IEPA

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to come together to build a strong educational system in the country.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Antarctic Construction Works hands over Institutional Affiliation Building Complex

07 Mar, 2025 By DIS

A four-storey multipurpose building has been handed over to the Institutional Affiliation Office (UCC) at a brief ceremony.

 

The facility will also house the School for Educational Development and Outreach (SEDO) of the College of Education Studies.

 

The building, which was constructed by Antartic Construction Works, has modern facilities including conference rooms equipped for high-level meetings, training rooms designed to foster learning and development and offices that serve as the operational areas for staff and other functions.

 

The office complex, which is located at Akotokyir, also boasts of a computer laboratory, moderation room, 500-seat auditorium, reprographic studio, and drivers' lounge.

 

The rest are CCTV monitoring room, Kids holding room, kitchenette, and filing rooms.

 

The Project Manager of the company, Mr. Kwame Asumadu-Yeboa, urged users of the facility to take good care of it.

Head of Institutional Affiliation Office, Dr. Justice K. G.A. Boateng, ushering guests in to tour the facility after the handover

For his part, the Head of Institutional Affiliation Office, Dr. Justice K. G.A. Boateng noted that the building will serve several purposes to meet the needs of institutions affiliated to UCC. 

 

He said it will be used to run the online component of outreach programmes  in partnership with corporate organisations, government agencies, and institutions.

 

Dr. Boateng expressed appreciation to the Management of the University for approving the construction of the edifice.

 

"We used to operate from a limited space within the New Examination Centre, which was not too conducive for the kind of services we render to our affiliate institutions and other stakeholders," he noted.

 

He thanked the Constructor for the good work done and the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) for effectively supervising the construction.

Members of the university community who witnessed the handover ceremony

 

The Acting Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. D.D Agyei, said the new structure marked a significant milestone in the University's journey towards efficiency and excellence.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

CEGRAD Observes International Women’s Day

07 Mar, 2025 By DIS

 

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), University of Cape Coast has marked the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) with an event to commend the achievement and roles of women across the world.

The event, which included cultural performances and an awards presentation, was under the theme, “Accelerate Action for Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment."

 March 8 each year is officially set aside by the United Nations as a day to recognise women who have advocated for gender equality and supported charities that focus on women’s issues. It is a day of united global activism and celebration that is inclusive of everyone committed to advancing women’s equality. 

 Speaking at the event, a High Court judge, Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur, urged society to empower women to promote gender equality.

 According to her, there were gender differentials in many areas, and decision-making was one of such, resulting in women's participation in the representation of decision-making structures and systems being lower than that of men.

 Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith-Arthur

 She charged women and girls not to be silent in the face of injustice.

" Let us insist that our sexuality as women and girls shouldn't be the measure of our successes. Therefore, we must refuse to offer our sexuality to be exploited for promotion, advancement and recognition, " she continued. 

She pointed out that academic institutions had a role in shaping the future of gender equality.

"Universities and schools must commit to fostering an environment where women and girls are empowered not just in theory but practice. This means integrating gender sensitive policies, promoting women into leadership roles and addressing gender-based harassment and discrimination on campuses," she added.

She called for concerted efforts to address gender inequality, stressing, “Gender equality is not just a women's issue. It is a human rights issue."

She called for mentorship for women and young girls in communities.

The Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, explained the significance of the event and the importance of women celebrating one another.

According to her, the day celebrates women for their immense contribution towards national development and raises awareness on the need for equality in all spheres of life.

Some participants in the IWD celebration

She said fighting gender disparity and making a difference were some of the actions that made International Women’s Day impactful.

She pointed out that gender-based violence and lack of representation in leadership roles were inimical to the progress of women.

At the event, Prof. Mary Botchwey was honoured by CEGRAD for her invaluable contributions towards gender equality.

The event was chaired by a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh. Also present was the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, who represented the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, as special guest.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

UCC Hospital Marks World Hearing Day

04 Mar, 2025 By DIS

The Directorate of University Health Services (DUHS) has marked the 2025 World Hearing Day (WHD) on the theme; ‘Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself. Make ear and hearing care a reality for all.”

The event was to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss by promoting ear and hearing care across the world.

World Hearing Day is celebrated annually on March 3 as an advocacy platform to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

By 2050, the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

WHO further warns that over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

A Licensed Audiologist at DUHS, Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah, explained that the celebration was in line with the calendar month of the WHO.

Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah addressing the gathering

Ms. Saah advised against the frequent use of cotton buds and match sticks to clear dirt from the ears as the practice was dangerous.

She said the frequent use of earpieces and headphones on high volumes for prolonged hours could cause hearing loss, especially when the sound level is above 80 decibels.

The Audiologist said it was necessary for people who use earpieces to take breaks in between and keep the volume of the gadget below 60 per cent. 

She urged the public to visit the hospital twice a year for screening to prevent hearing loss.

Ms. Saah said the ear must be preserved and taken care of through regular checks, avoiding activities that would harm it such as inserting objects into the ear, and reporting to the hospital when unusual things were observed in and around the ear.

For her part, an Ear and Nose Nurse at DUHS, Ms. Patricia Assabil, warned the public against the use of earbuds to remove wax from the ears, adding that it was unsafe and could lead to hearing impairment.

According to her, the ear wax, also referred to as cerumen, plays an important role in the ear by helping to lubricate, prevent infection, and trap dirt and insects from entering the ear.

The event was chaired by the Nurse Manager at DUHS, Mr. Thomas Tamag.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Department of Ghanaian Language and Linguistics Celebrates International Mother Language Day

04 Mar, 2025 By DIS

The Department of Ghanaian Language and Linguistics, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has commemorated the 2025 International Mother Language Day (IMLD) celebration with a talk on "Bible Translation as a Shaper of Language and Theology: Some 18th Century Case Studies from the Gold Coast (Ghana).

Observed annually on February 21, IMLD promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity. It was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 and first celebrated in 2000. The day honours the 1952 sacrifices of language activists in Bangladesh, where students in Dhaka protested for Bengali to be recognized as a national language.

In his welcome address, the Head of the Department, Dr. Vincent Erskine Aziaku, highlighted the significance of the day in raising awareness about language preservation. He stressed that IMLD "helps to foster inclusivity and encourage multi-lingualism."

Dr. Aziaku also called on the government to facilitate the employment of new members of faculty for the Department since many Twi lecturers had retired without replacements.

"There is a decline in academic staff in the Department, but new lecturers are not employed because of a lack of clearance from the government," he stated.

Very Rev. Prof. John D. K. Ekem, Superintendent Minister, Cape Coast West Circuit-Methodist Church Ghana

The event featured a presentation by the Very Rev. Prof. John D. K. Ekem, Superintendent Minister of the Cape Coast West Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana and Immediate Past Translation Consultant of the Bible Society of Ghana. Speaking on the topic, "Bible Translation as a Shaper of Language and Theology: Some 18th Century Case Studies from the Gold Coast (Ghana)”. Prof. Ekem discussed the impact of Bible translation on Ghanaian languages such as Mfantse, Ga, Bono, amongst others.

He highlighted the contributions of 18th-century scholars Joannes Elisa Jacobus Capitein (1717-1747) and Christian Jacobus Africanus Protten (1715-1769) in translating sections of the Bible into Mfantse.

"Capitein translated Dutch to 'Mfantse' and also the Greek text of Matthew 6:9a to 'Mfantse' text," he noted.

Prof. Ekem further explained that Capitein and Protten "employed basic linguistic skills to adapt Dutch and Danish orthographies to 'Mfantse' and 'Ga' sounds, respectively." He emphasized that they were not merely passive translators of catechism material but "dynamic interpreters of texts contextualized in the local setting via the limited resources at their disposal."

A section of participants

Concluding his presentation, Very Rev. Prof. Ekem noted that "Protten’s work most likely influenced Hanson’s theologizing efforts in the nineteenth century, and Capitein laid a solid foundation for groundbreaking mother tongue biblical interpretation, using relevant African symbols."

He further asserted that "together with their promotion of indigenous languages on the Gold Coast and their direct engagement of biblical texts with African worldviews or epistemological systems, they were true torchbearers of mother tongue theologies brewed in an African pot."

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

DPDEM Hosts Workshop on Effective Maintenance for Facility Managers

03 Mar, 2025 By DIS

The Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) recently held a two-day workshop for the University's maintenance technicians and facility managers. The event, which took place at the Old Academic Board Chamber, was centered around the theme, "Effective Maintenance of University Property: The Role of Maintenance Technicians and Facility Managers of The University of Cape Coast (UCC)."

The workshop aimed to provide training for maintenance technicians and facility managers, ensuring the proper management of university buildings and properties to prevent wastage and deterioration. During an interview, the Ag. Deputy Director of DPDEM, Mr. Ebenezer Ekow Sackey, highlighted that the initiative was designed to equip technicians with essential maintenance skills. "Well, the programme is basically to keep the staff of DPDEM, particularly the technicians, abreast with current issues on maintenance performance," he stated.

Mr. Sackey further explained that the training's benefits are twofold.

“The individual has been developed for their personal gain and the performance that a person would achieve for the University because we are employed to provide such services," he explained.

According to Mr. Sackey, maintenance goes beyond simple tasks like painting and involves much more that technicians need to learn.

"It's standard in practice normally, they call it continuous professional development. It's training so that though you are practicing from time to time, you also expose yourself to current trends, current issues, and current standards and procedures," he said.

Mr. Hayford R. Wilson, who facilitated in the workshop, gave insightful presentations on "The Definition of Routine Maintenance" and "Scoping of Maintenance Activity." He clarified that building maintenance generally involved regular activities that must be carried out consistently. Mr. Wilson discussed two types of maintenance: Corrective and Preventive.

"Corrective maintenance is to rectify and repair faulty systems and equipment. The response to systems that have broken down. And preventive maintenance is proactive. Proactive maintenance anticipates the problem," he said.

Emphasising the importance of proactive maintenance, Mr. Wilson urged technicians to avoid procrastination and neglecting their duties. He also encouraged trainees to prioritize safety protocols, quality control planning, and proper scheduling to ensure effective maintenance practices.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Basic School Teachers attend two-day Montessori Approach Workshop

28 Feb, 2025 By DIS

The Centre for Teacher Professional Development, in collaboration with the Montessori Foundation Ghana and the Department of Basic Education, has organised a two-day workshop on the “Montessori Approach" for basic school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis to upgrade their teaching skills to ensure a standard-based curriculum.

The workshop was designed to provide educators with essential skills and practical tools to enhance their teaching methods grounded in the Montessori philosophy, which encourages independent learning and holistic development. 

The Department of Basic Education is set to introduce a certificate course in Montessori education in the forthcoming sandwich academic year.

The President of Montessori Foundation Ghana, Miss. Katherine Akua Akoto Bamford said the Montessori method allowed children to learn in a gradual process through visualising and identifying sounds. 

She said that practical life was the first curriculum area of Montessori to make children thrive in the classroom.

President of Montessori Foundation Ghana, Miss. Katherine Akua Akoto Bamford facilitating the training

Unlike the traditional system, she added, children in Montessori schools learn in a more flexible atmosphere, where each child gains an understanding of what they study at their own pace.

"They are designed to help children master skills over time through their self-directed practice”, she said. 

Miss. Bamford, who is the Managing Director at Coco's Montessori School, also indicated that Montessori materials were often practical with child-sized furniture in classrooms and children were usually taught in mixed-aged classrooms.

"The same teacher generally stays with children for their entire time in one grouping, to get to know the students very well and help guide their learning”, she continued.

She added that the focus of Montessori education was not on the number of children trained but the quality of education given.

In a remark, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Bernard Yaw Sakyi Acquah, said the Ghanaian education had moved from an objective-based curriculum to a standard-based curriculum, which required learners to be actively involved in the process of knowledge creation, with teachers taking on a facilitation role.

He noted that the era where teachers taught students from their level of understanding was over and urged teachers to guide learners to the concept they were learning.

Participants in a practical session at the training

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Basic Education, Dr. Mrs. Joyce Esi Tawiah-Mensah, said the sensitization workshop would be beneficial to early grade teachers to incorporate practical activities based on Montessori approaches.

She urged teachers to take advantage of the course to make their classrooms interesting for their pupils.

Participants were given certificates of participation.

This workshop was the first of two capacity-building workshops to be held this year. The next is scheduled for August this year at UCC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

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