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Authenticate Fertilizer Integrity to Improve Crop Yields-Prof. Teye

29 Sep, 2022 By DIS

A Food Integrity expert, Prof. Ernest Teye, says the lack of capacity for farmers to authenticate fertilizer integrity can be attributed to the reduction of crop yields across the country.

According to him, unsuspecting farmers were either using fake, expired or adulterated fertilizers on the market in their farms, affecting the nutrient contents of the soil to enhance yield.

To authenticate fertilizer integrity, Prof. Teye, who is also at the Department of Agricultural Engineering-UCC, called for the use of a portable sensor technology handheld device called Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which is also used for the measurement of Agrochemical inputs, food quality and food fraud.

Prof. Teye was speaking at a research seminar organized by the School of Agriculture on the topic, "Promoting Food and Agricultural Input Integrity: The Way Forward."

Explaining further, he said he and his research team separated fertilizers into three categories: authentic, fake and adulterated fertilizers. According to him, the team used the NIR spectroscopy device to authenticate the fertilizer integrity without sending the fertilizer category samples for laboratory test.

"We can say that, for now, our technique is feasible. You can use it to authenticate fertilizer integrity without going to the Lab and this can be done anywhere in Ghana so far as you have internet access. With this, a farmer can go to the shop and authenticate fertilizer integrity" he stressed.

Participants in the seminar

The Food Integrity expert continued, “Again, we also know that farmers are aware that sometimes they apply the fertilizer and they do not get the yields even though its written ‘fertilizer A’ on it but it could be that they have put in ‘fertilizer B’. So, with this technology, the farmer will be able to predict.”

Prof Teye mentioned the enormous benefits the portable sensor brings to Ghana, including generation of money from crop exportation. He said the research was crucial to the socio economic development of Ghana.

"Yield will increase, quality will increase and this research will even impact on the farmer to generate money and impact on the environment” he added.

The portable sensor, he added, could be used for soil classification or land use type, as well as used for simultaneous prediction of nitrogen, potassium, Calcium, potential hydrogen (ph) and magnesium.

Prof. Teye noted that he and his research team would soon train farmers on the use of the portable sensor devise. "...if you can make a call, WhatsApp, Facebook, it is also simple to be able to use this technology.

Our next thing is to train farmers and with this I am sure they can go forward" he concluded.

At the function, the Agribusiness Programme Coordinator with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension-UCC, Dr. Alex T. K. Nuer, took participants through the topic, “Imbibing Sustainability Mindset Tools as a Responsible Management Education Pedagogy in Teaching Agribusiness Management: Insights, Contestations and Way the Forward." The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, chaired the Seminar.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

140 students honoured at Chinese Ambassador’s Award

22 Sep, 2022 By DIS

One-hundred and forty (140) students were honoured with $11,000 at the 2022 Chinese Ambassador’s Awards Ceremony held at University of Cape Coast, UCC.

The awards ceremony, instituted by the Chinese Embassy in Ghana in 2017, is to encourage Ghanaian students to learn Chinese and to promote Ghana-China friendship.

 The awardees, drawn from primary schools, second cycle and tertiary institutions were selected based on their remarkable performances in the final exams in their respective schools.

The awardees were from the eight (8) teaching centres under the Confucius Institute (CI) at UCC.

 The schools include the University Basic School, Creative Academy International, Penuel International School, West End International School and University Practice Senior High School.

 The rest are Tarkoradi Technical University, University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) and UCC.

 In his address, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Lu Kun, commended the winners and expressed gratitude to the teachers and volunteers of the Confucius Institute, who supported the students to achieve the enviable feat.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Lu Kun

He explained that over six thousand (6,000) Ghanaian students were studying in China and gave assurance that the Embassy would offer assistance to students who express interest in studying in China.

Ambassador Lu Kun observed that the Confucius Institute at UCC had made huge contributions towards Chinese language education in Ghana and lauded Prof. Ou Yamei, the Chinese Director at the institute at UCC, for her transformational leadership and devotion to Chinese education in Ghana.

He explained that Ghana was amongst the oldest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China.

He, therefore, used the occasion to highlight extensively the enormous benefits Ghana had reaped from China, citing the $ 2 billion Synohydro project, the constructions of the Cape Coast stadium, Bui dam, Atuabo Gas and the National Theatre, amongst others.

Ambassador Lu Kun hailed Ghana for always supporting the interest of China and thanked Ghana for its relentless support for the One China Principle.

“Ghana supports China in its core issues. Ghana has always adhered to the one China Principle. We are grateful,” he said, referring to Ghana’s acknowledgement that there is one China and that Taiwan is a part of China.

 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, encouraged Ghanaian students to take the Chinese language seriously.

VC-UCC (3rd from left) in a group photo with some dignitaries at the event

 That, according to him, would provide “the keys to unlock the door to a world of opportunities.”

Prof. Boampong, who shared a handshake with the awardees, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the continued support to Ghana and UCC. He called for further assistance to improve teaching and learning as well as research activities in the University.

In a brief remark, the China Director at the CI at UCC, Prof. Ou Yamei, advised the award winners not to allow the current success to get into their heads because the recognition was only the beginning. She encouraged them to strive to work hard in order to maintain their standards.

 

For his part, the Ghana Director at the CI at UCC, Prof. Ishmael Mensah,   said the essence of the award was to motivate the students and propel them for further success. He urged the awardees to eschew complacency and vainglory and do their level best in their studies.

Some pupils in a performance at the awards ceremony

The gathering was treated to good music and a rich display of Chinese culture by the students at the Confucius Institute.

 

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC, Kristo Asafo Mission Sign Agreement to Boost Research

20 Sep, 2022 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast, UCC, and the Kristo Asafo Mission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage multi-disciplinary research into science, technology, innovation, engineering, organic agriculture, amongst others. This is to enhance the mutual growth and development of the institutions.

The agreement will enable UCC liaise with Kristo Asafo Mission and its training centres for assessment, training and award certificates.

The collaboration will enable UCC participate in the Technology Exhibition organized by the Kristo Asafo Mission annually.

The MoU will also allow UCC to make available research findings and new technologies to Kristo Asafo Mission to improve upon their agricultural activities.

According to the MoU, the Mission will compile a list of workers and trainees for training and certification at UCC and the Mission will avail UCC research team of its forest reserve.

Furthermore, the Mission shall assist UCC to institute Reality Shows for farmers on organic agriculture, as well as provide funding for the programmes agreed on upon shared consent by the parties.

At a brief signing ceremony at UCC, the Provost of the College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, said the two institutions had collaborated in the past and underlined that UCC was happy to go into the partnership with the Mission.

He described the collaboration as a “win-win situation” stressing that “They will win by bringing in their expertise and we will also win by giving them certification and also sharing ideas with them in terms of science.”

Prof Eghan emphasised that the agreement would promote sustainable development and reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country in the foreseeable future.

For his part, the General Secretary of the Kristo Asafo Church, Lawyer Owusu Badu, who initialed on behalf of the Mission, conveyed the warmest greetings of Apostle Emeritus Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo, the Founder of the Kristo Asafo Church, to the Vice-Chancellor, staff and students of the University.

He added that the partnership would bridge the yawning gap between academia and industry, as well as enhance the cordial relations between UCC and the Mission.

Lawyer Badu stated that the MoU had got “a lot of potential for development... Together, we can team up and form a very strong front that we will turn out products that, I am sure, will be the envy of the entire nation”.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC@60: Staff and Students Walk for Healthy Lifestyles

20 Sep, 2022 By DIS

Scores of staff and students of University of Cape Coast (UCC) have embarked on a health walk through the principal streets of the University to enhance the health of participants.

The walk forms part of events for UCC@60 anniversary celebrations which started on April 3, 2022 to be climaxed on October 20, 2022.

The walk afforded staff and students the platform to fraternise and socialise, as well as promote healthy lifestyle amongst them.

Dressed in their UCC@60 T-shirts, the participants in the walk, led by the Registrar, Mr. Jeff Onyame, commenced at the Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng Administration Block through the University Practice Senior High School and ended at the forecourt of the Emmanuel Adow Obeng Administration Block.

Some participants engaged in aerobics session after the walk

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Onyame explained that the event was to improve the health of staff and students and to create awareness of the forthcoming anniversary of the University.

He called on Ghanaians to prioritise their health by exercising regularly and thanked the participants for the massive turnout. The Registrar stressed the need for participants to exercise regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle that would give them a sound mind in a sound body.

After the walk, participants were engaged in fun activities including aerobics.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Tacoma Educational Foundation Pays School Fees of UCC Final Year Student

20 Sep, 2022 By DIS

A non-governmental organisation, Tacoma Educational Foundation, has supported a final year student of University of Cape Coast (UCC) to defray fees he owed the University.

The student, Francis Owusu Mensah, who is reading Forensic Sciences, was required to settle the fees as a precondition to proceed with his academics.

Presenting the cheque to Francis, the Chief Executive of the Foundation, Dr. Benjamin Aboagye, indicated that the gesture was to support the beneficiary to continue his education.

“Francis was on the verge of dropping out of the programme as a result of the dire financial situation of his family” he said.

Dr. Aboagye, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forensic Sciences, stated that his Foundation got wind of the plight of Francis and was touched to assist him realise his dreams through education.

In that vein, the Senior Lecturer indicated that he raised funds through his Foundation on social media, attracting benevolent social media users to support the worthy cause.

According to him, he was able to raise a substantial amount of money to settle the fees to enable him register for the second semester.

Dr. Aboagye expressed gratitude to the kind-hearted individuals who supported the cause for their timely intervention and appealed to other public-spirited organisations and individuals to support the Foundation to extend similar help to students from underprivileged homes and communities.

Receiving the cheque, an emotional Francis Mensah thanked the Foundation for the assistance which came in so timely to enable him register for his second semester courses.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Japanese Envoy Meets UCC Vice-Chancellor

20 Sep, 2022 By DIS

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, HE Mochizuki Hisanobu, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

 

The two held discussions on strengthening collaborations between UCC and universities in Japan as well as collaborative partnerships in the areas of research and long- term scholarships for staff and students of UCC.

 

HE Mochizuki Hisanobu highlighted the benefits UCC had enjoyed from Sasakawa Foundation and further restated his country’s commitment to enhancing its cooperation with the University.

 

"Sasakawa is a powerful Foundation in Japan and has been supporting UCC and we (the Government of Japan) are also determined to support you (UCC) and strengthen our cordial relations" said HE Mochizuki, who began his duty tour in Ghana in 2021.

 

He expressed his happiness at visiting UCC and thanked Prof. Boampong for the warm reception.

 

For his part, the Vice-chancellor hailed the Japanese government for supporting UCC through the provision of equipment and award of scholarships to faculty and students. 

"Through the establishment of this University, the Japanese government has been helpful. When we came to UCC, most of the equipment that we were using through UNESCO were obtained from Japan" he recalled.  "Besides that, the Japanese government has given scholarships for many people to pursue further studies in Japan of which I am one of the products" he added.

A group photo of all participants in the meeting

 

Prof. Boampong, who obtained a PhD in Tropical Medicine from Tokyo Women's Medical University in Japan, told the Ambassador that plans were afoot for UCC to establish a Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre and passionately appealed to the Embassy to broaden the base in medical research in Ghana.

 

" ...if you can also extend the partnership  you have  with the University of Ghana  also with us to begin our new research centre so that it can link up with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research," he implored.

 

The meeting saw in attendance the Registrar of UCC, Mr. Jeff Teye Emmanuel Onyame; Dean of the Office of International Relations, Prof. Kwaku Boakye; the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng; the Director of the Directorate of Research Innovation and Consultancy, Prof. David Teye Doku; his deputy, Prof. Dorcas Obiri Yeboah and the Director of Internal Audit-UCC, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu.

 

In attendance from the Japanese Ambassador's accompanying delegation were the first Secretary, Katsumura Ahitisa; Japanese Grants Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, Mr. Obeng David Aboagye, and Information, and cultural Assistant, Mr. Stanislaus Acquah.

 

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

group photo

Department of English Outdoors Literature Association of Ghana

16 Sep, 2022 By DIS

The Department of English has unveiled the Literature Association of Ghana to rally all scholars, writers, and researchers in literature, Ghanaian Language, French, and English among others.

A Senior Lecturer at the Department, Dr. Samuel Kwesi Nkansah, announced this at a conference to honour three distinguished scholars of the Department.

The scholars are Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Prof. Lawrence Owusu-Ansah and Prof. Kwadwo Opoku-Agyemang.

“I know Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang is well deep in literature. That’s what defines her. As for Prof. Kwadwo Opoku-Agyemang, he lives it and demonstrates it. Prof. Lawrence Owusu-Ansah claims that he is a man of language, but in shadow, you will see literature” Dr. Nkansah stated.

“As a nation, we have lost touch with the essence of literature. Though we study literature, we don’t see it growing. Today, as concerned teachers, lecturers, tutors, and researchers of literature, we are announcing the birth of the Literature Association of Ghana,” he continued.

Dr. Nkansah observed that the association would afford members the opportunity to meet and discuss literature.

For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Sarfo Sarfo Kantanka, entreated Ghanaians to offer a helping hand to their retired teachers and discard the notion that teachers’ reward was in heaven and not on earth.

“Gone are the days when it was said that the teacher’s reward was in heaven. This conference is a recognition of the fact that times have changed and that the teacher’s reward is no more in heaven but here on earth,” he noted.

Prof Kantanka used the occasion to congratulate the three scholars for their outstanding accomplishments and noted that present and future generations would be motivated and inspired by the event and emulate them.

He advised students to put in more effort to learn and to know that the sacrifices would pay off in the end.

The Dean, who shared fond memories of the scholars, called on other faculty to work harder to be recognised.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Retreat on-going

UCC: Management, Student Leadership Attend Retreat

16 Sep, 2022 By DIS

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, has presided over a three-day retreat between management and student leaders of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The retreat, which was held at Takoradi, was to review activities in the University for the past year and also devise strategies that would help create a sound academic environment for all members of the University.

The meeting also saw presentations from directors, hall masters and wardens, and the Dean of Students amongst others.

In her opening remarks at the retreat, Prof. Boohene said students were “one of the key stakeholders in the University’s ecosystem.”

She noted the meeting would afford participants the opportunity to deeply reflect and brainstorm on issues to move the University forward in the right direction.

 The Pro Vice-Chancellor encouraged “Cross-functional activities” to achieve the vision, mission, strategic goals and core values of the University.

She told the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of the University to implement the resolutions at the retreat.

Present at the retreat were the Registrar, provosts, directors of the various directorates, heads of halls of residence, the Dean and Vice-Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Head of Security; JCRC Presidents of the various halls of residence; Presidents of the Student Representative Council, Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana - UCC Chapter and Distance Education Students Association of Ghana (DESAG)-UCC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC Statutes Review C’ttee Submits Draft Report

UCC Statutes Review C’ttee Submits Draft Report

12 Sep, 2022 By DIS

The Committee tasked with the responsibility to review the 2016 Statutes of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has submitted its draft report to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

Chaired by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, the Committee was to, among other things, critically study the 2016 Statutes to improve the provisions and arrangements to ensure consistency and also identify grey areas contained in it.

Presenting the report on behalf of the twelve-member committee, Prof. Ampiah explained the rigorous processes the Committee went through before producing what he described as "a comprehensive draft report on the 2016 Statutes".

According to him, the Committee engaged all the relevant stakeholders in the University in pursuance of its mandate.

Highlights of the Draft Report

The Committee, Prof Ampiah noted, recommended for the appointment of Deputy Provosts for the Colleges and the appointment of Deans and Vice-Deans for Schools and Faculties.

The Committee further proposed that the term of office for provosts should be "a non-renewable four (4) year term and the tenure of the Registrar should be five (5) years renewable up to three (3) years”.

Additionally, the Committee underscored the need for the following directors’ tenure to be reduced to four (4) years, renewable up to three (3) years.

·         Director, Directorate of Finance

·         Director, Directorate of Internal Audit

·         Director, University Health Services

·         Director, Directorate of Physical Development

However, the Committee indicated that the following directors’ tenure be limited to four (4) years, renewable two (2) years.

·         Directors, Directorates of Academic Affairs, Information    Communication and Technology (ICT)

·         Directors, Directorates of Human Resource, Procurement

·         Directors, Directorates of Public Affairs, Consular and General Services

The Committee proposed that the Head of Legal Affairs’ tenure be six (6) years, renewable up to four (4) years only.

The Committee asked for the appointment of a Director of Basic Schools to ensure uniformity of the two (2) basic schools in the University.

 

Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Ghartey Ampiah (left)

presenting the Committee’s report to the VC, Prof. Nyarko Boampong

 

The Committee indicated that Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) be "equivalent or equated to a college".

To ensure consistency, the minimum number of years required for promotion in the University was proposed to be reduced to four (4) years.

The Committee noted that the interview requirement for promotion from Senior Assistant Registrar and analogous rank to Deputy Registrar and analogous rank should be abolished.

The Committee observed that the Chairmanship of the College of Professors should be limited to professors in active service who had delivered their inaugural lecture.

The Committee proposed that July 31 and December 31 be the scheduled dates for staff retirement in the fiscal year, depending on the dates of birth of staff.

Responding, Prof. Boampong congratulated the Committee on completing its work and submitting the draft report.

He stated that the draft report would be forwarded to the Academic Board, adding, “I know most of the things that you have proposed will be accepted...”

The Committee, which was inaugurated in 2021 by the Vice-Chancellor, comprised: Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah (Chairman), Prof. Peter K.T Grant (member), Prof. Augustine Tanle (Member), Dr. Theresa Patrine Ennin (Member), Dr. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi (Member) and Mr. Constantine Kudzedzi (Member).

 The rest include: Mr. Benjamin Andoh (Member), Mr. Solomon Faakye (Member),  Mr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu (Member) Mr. Emmanuel Aidoo (Secretary) Mr. Sandy Kumi-Sinatra (Member) and Mr. Benjamin Mensah-Gorman (Member).

The Registrar, Mr. Jeff Teye E. Onyame, was present at the meeting.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

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