School of Graduate Studies Award Research Grants to Graduate Students

04 May, 2016 By louis Mensah

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) as part of its mandate of promoting quality and timely research that contributes to national development has awarded nine postgraduate students with research grants to complete their research work.

Out of the nine postgraduate students who received the grant, seven (7) were Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) Candidates whilst two (2) were pursuing Master of Philosophy (M. Phil.) degree. Each of the grantees received an amount of GH ¢ 4,000 as small grant to support their research work.

The SGS established a Research Grant to provide financial support to qualified second year postgraduate research students (M.Phil/MCom/MN/Ph.D) to enable them produce high quality research and complete on time. The SGS Research Grant is aimed at supporting research students to collect research data for timely completion and/or publish their scholarly articles in recognised local and international journals.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro, praised the SGS for the novelty in establishing the award and stated that “this research grant will motivate graduate students to come out with cutting edge research work”. He urged the School to organise subsequent events on a large scale and also intensify publicity to encourage more postgraduate students to apply for the grant.

Prof. Oduro also challenged the SGS to embark on outreach activities to increase the number of postgraduate admissions to help in the mobilisation of internally generated fund (IGF) for expansion of the infrastructure of the School. He further entreated them to seek sponsorship packages to enhance the grants presented to students. He assured the SGS that management of UCC is committed towards providing a permanent structure for the School to carry out its mandate as required.

On behalf of the grantees, Mrs. Mary Aku Ogum expressed gratitude to the School of Graduate Studies in particular and the University in general for the support. She gave the assurance that they would use the money judiciously to complete their work within the stipulated time.

The ceremony was chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro. In attendance were the Registrar, Mr. John K. Nyan and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ernest L. Okorley. The others include Prof. John A. B. Afful (Vice Dean, SGS), Prof. Fred A. Odoi, Prof. Joseph Kwesi Ogah, Mr. Isaac Adom Konadu (Assistant Registrar, SGS) and GRASAG UCC Executives.

The award winners and their corresponding programmes are as follow;

John-Doe Dordzo Ph.D. (Music Education)

Albert Sackitey Lanor Ph. D. (Mathematics)

Selorm Akaba Ph. D. (Agricultural Economics)

Charity Kusi Ph. D. (Analytical Chemistry)

Andrews Quashie Ph. D. (Chemistry)

Charles Lloyd Amoah Ph. D. (Physics)

Agnes Donkoh Ph. D. (Mathematics)

Mary Aku Ogum M. Phil. (Health Education)

Ronald Osei Mensah M. Phil. (Sociology)

End of Academic Year Dinner

04 May, 2016 By Anonymous (not Verified)

The Centre for International Education organised a dinner to celebrate the end of the 2015/2016 Academic year. The dinner was for all international students, Friends of Internationals Volunteers, Exchange Students, and Exchange Alumni. Awards were presented to deserving students for academic excellence and recognition for hardwork and excellent leadership.

For all the photos from the event, please click here...

CIE Honours Deserving International Students

03 May, 2016 By louis Mensah

The Centre for International Education (CIE) has organised the maiden awards ceremony to honour deserving international students of the University of Cape Coast.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Dean of Students, Prof. Koawo Edjah commended CIE for instituting the award ceremony to award hardworking international students. He urged the students to put the knowledge and experience they have acquired to help in the development of their respective countries adding that “You have been trained to contribute meaningfully towards the advancement of society.” He further congratulated the awardees for the hardwork and advised the other students to put in more effort to merit the award in the subsequent ceremony.

In her remarks, the Director of CIE, Prof. (Mrs) Rosemond Boohene thanked the international students for selecting UCC out of the numerous universities in the Ghana for their tertiary education. She entreated them to take advantage of their studies at UCC to learn the diversity of the Ghanaian culture. She noted that CIE would continue to offer them the needed support to make their studies on UCC very comfortable.

A total of 11 international students received a plaque for distinguishing themselves in academic work and extra curriculum activities.

The exchange pupils and headteachers of the University Basic Schools with the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Kwamina Duncan

Problem Based Learning Challenges Students to Meet Demands of the Job Market-Prof. Amuquandoh

03 May, 2016 By louis Mensah

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Francis Amuquandoh has stated that Problem Based Learning (PBL) as a method of teaching and learning prepares students to meet the demands of the job market.

He indicated that employers would always want to engage the services of highly skilled graduates capable of meeting organisational goals and set targets.

Prof. Amuquandoh made these statements at the close of a four-day training on Problem Based Learning for some selected lecturers in the College of Humanities and Legal Studies. Problem-Based Learning is part of a number of teaching and learning methods that are collectively referred to as student-centred methodology. The training was therefore aimed at building the capacity of lecturers to acquire the knowledge and skills to engage the methodology for teaching of their respective courses.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences noted that higher education play a vital role in transforming society adding that “the world is becoming knowledge based so lecturers have to take the centre stage to produce functional students to solve problems confronting society”.

Participants were taken through topics such as Essentials of PBL, Curriculum Development, Design of problems, Manual Construction and Seven Jumps.

Others were Organisation and Workings of the Tutorial Group, ICT Enabled PBL and Management of PBL Assessments.

The Resource Persons for the training were Dr. E. K. Ekumah, Dr. F. Enu-Kwesi, Dr. E. Y. Tenkorang, Prof. F. Koomson and Ms. Paulina Nana Yaa Kwafoa.

News

DRIC Organises Maiden Research Awards and Grants Ceremony

27 Apr, 2016 By louis Mensah

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) has organised the Maiden Research Awards and Grants Ceremony to honour seven faculty members for demonstrating excellence through their research work.

In all, five faculty members were awarded research grants whilst two received research awards. The winners for the research grant were Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako of the Department of Crop Science who conducted a research on “Incidence of Viral Diseases of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) in the three Agro-ecological Zones of the Central Region and Identifying Resistant/Tolerant Varieties.”

Dr. Samuel Acquah of the Department of Medical Biochemistry also worked on “A study of Insulin Resistance in Rat Malaria” whilst Dr. Patrick Osei-Kufour of the Institute for Development Studies conducted a study on “Mapping of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) involved in Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR) work in Ghana.

The research topic for Dr. Simon Mariwah of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning was “What has Poverty Got to do with it? Asset-based Approach to Household Access to Improved Sanitation in Ghana” while Dr. Baah Sefa-Ntiri of the Department of Physics, worked on the research topic “Application of Nanotechnology to underground Water Treatment, Assisted by Laser Light Techniques.”

For the Research Awardees, Dr. David Teye Doku of the Department of Population and Health received the Best Evolved Research Award with his research topic “Measuring Adolescents’ Socioeconomic Status in Health Inequality Research in Developing Countries: The Development of Material Affluence Scale.” The Best Evolving Research Award went to Dr. Hope Pius Nudzor who conducted a research on the topic “Unmasking Complexities Involved in Operationalising Universal Primary Education Policy Initiatives: Using the ‘FCUBE’ Policy Implementation in Ghana as an Exemplar.” Each of the award winners received cash prize and citation.

Giving an overview of the event, the Deputy Director of DRIC, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim noted that the objective for instituting the ceremony was to provide a platform for the two categories of beneficiaries, thus the grantees and awardees to share their research findings. He noted that the ceremony was intended to instigate and influence public discourse, inform national policy and engender the conduct of wide-scoping and multi-disciplinary research to help address challenges confronting the world. He indicated that the platform would bring to the fore novel ideas, robust strategies and sustainable solutions. “It is also anticipated that policy-makers, industrialists and the general public will make use of the findings, recommendations and experiences of the researchers for national socio-economic transformation and development, he added.

The Vice-Chancellor who chaired the ceremony encouraged faculty members of the university to work towards producing quality research work stressing that “Universities are being assessed by the quality of research output.” He urged senior academic staff not to hide their research work.

“UCC prides itself as a university with world-wide acclaim, however, we can only be recognised as such if we contribute meaningfully to impact the livelihood of people through our research”, Prof. Kuupole noted. He commended the awardees for the hard work and exhibiting excellence through their research work. He also encouraged other senior academic staff to apply for the research grants and awards of excellence in research.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro who also spoke at the ceremony said members of the university community should consider DRIC as a university wide office with the mandate of co-ordinating research activities. He stressed that we need to use DRIC to propel the visibility of UCC.

It would be recalled that the University through DRIC created an equal opportunity platform for faculty members to apply for limited research grants to undertake high-class evidence-based research in areas of relevance to national development. Following a competitive bidding process, five faculty members benefitted from the research grants and have submitted their research reports and policy briefs to the University.

To further promote the conduct of rigorous research that is of national and global relevance, DRIC opened another bid for a call for awards of excellence in research. Three categories of awards were made available, namely: Outstanding Research Award (ORA), Best Evolved Research Award (BEdRA) and Best Evolving Research Award (BERA) out of which two members of faculty emerged winners for BEdRA and BERA.

World Malaria Day Observed in UCC

27 Apr, 2016 By louis Mensah

The Department of Entomology and the Ghana Science Association, Cape Coast Branch, have organised a lecture on campus to commemorate the 2016 World Malaria Day Celebration on the theme “End Malaria for Good”. Speakers at the function admitted that globally there have been a decrease in the incidence of malaria, however, a lot of effort can be made to totally eradicate the disease.

Speaking on the topic “Malaria Control in Troubled Environment” the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. David Kofi Essumang advocated for the need to tackle the environmental factors that contribute to the spread of malaria in Ghana. He expressed worry that there was no environmental component in the National Malaria Programme in Ghana. The current malaria policy- in Ghana focuses on improving multiple prevention, improving access to prompt and effective treatment, strengthening health systems at all levels, distribution of treated bed net, creating and sustaining partnership, he said.

Prof. Essumang noted that poor environmental practices and indiscriminate use of pesticides have contributed largely to breeding of mosquitoes that were resistance to insecticide spray. “Mosquito breeding sites often contain dissolved plant chemicals or plant particles from which larvae may feed on”, he stressed.He recommended that environmental health officers should be given their right role with the needed support. He further indicated that environmental education should be intensified and also incorporated properly in the Ghanaian educational system.

Making a presentation on the topic “Global malaria reduction: What is the situation in Cape Coast? The experience of UCC Hospital” a senior medical officer at the University of Cape Coast Hospital, Dr. James Prah said malaria control required an integrated approach, including prevention and prompt treatment with effective antimalarial drugs. He noted that a number of factors have contributed to the decline of malaria. He said some of the factors contributing to the decline include the policy to test suspected malaria cases, effective use of anti-malaria drugs, campaign by Ministry of Health on the use of insecticide treated net (ITN) and indoor residual spraying. He reported that from 2011-2015, cases of malaria continue to decrease at the UCC Hospital adding that “malaria death in UCC Hospital has also reduced to zero in 2015.”

Dr. Prah called for more education in the use of ITN and proper record keeping and reportage of suspected cases of malaria.

A lecturer at the Department of Entomology and Wildlife, Dr. Andreas A. Kudom, who spoke on “End Malaria for Good: Is Ghana Ready?” pointed out that the devastating effect of malaria has not been overhyped noting that “malarial is a real problem that needs serious attention.” He noted that countries that have successfully eradicated malaria did so through the commitment of their leaders. He recommended the criminalization of mosquito breeding in Ghana and enforcement of public health laws.

The function was chaired by Prof. Kobina Yankson, a former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UCC. Other dignitaries at the function were the Provost, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Samuel Yeboah Mensah; Head, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, Prof. B. A. Mensah; President, Ghana Science Association (Cape Coast Branch), Dr. Victor Y. A. Barku

27 Apr, 2016

POSITION: ACCOUNTANCY CHAIR

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with The Institute of Charted Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), is looking for an experienced, results-oriented and motivated individual for the position of CHAIR OF ACCOUNTANCY. The successful candidate is expected to provide professional, research advice and mentorship to promote UCC and ICAG.

Key Responsibilities

Facilitate the development of programmes in Accountancy to the highest international standards.
Develop innovative graduate and undergraduate programmes in Accountancy including doctoral programmes.
Teach and supervise graduate students in Accountancy.
Conduct research jointly approved by the ICAG and the UCC.
Develop case studies in Accountancy in collaboration with industry and commerce which is of relevance to business in Ghana.
Disseminate research findings through high-quality publications in refereed journals and participation in local, international and ICAG conferences.
Develop a strong Accountancy research group at UCC.
Forge strong links between UCC and ICAG.
Submit Annual Report on activities through the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast to ICAG.
Deliver, at least, two public lectures in a year.

Qualification and Experience

Candidates must be internationally acclaimed scholarsof professorial status. They must be individuals of stature and integrity with exemplary leadership, interpersonal and communications skills, zeal, energy and the capacity to carry the responsibilities outlined above. They must also have a Ph.D in Accounting or related discipline.

Candidate must also show evidence of the following qualities:

Demonstrated capacity to manage a Chair.
Ability to foster and promote good internal and external relations;
Proven capacity to provide strong, visionary leadership and innovation;
Devoted and able to commit full-time attention to the business of the Accountancy Chair.

Tenure of Office

The appointment, which is full-time, shall be for two (2) academic years in the first instance and may be renewed after evaluation of performance.

Conditions of Service

Salary and fringe benefits attached to the position are attractive and will be specified in the instrument of appointment.

Mode of Application

Interested persons who meet the condition above should submit copies of their application and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae to :

The Acting Director, Directorate of Human Resource, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast

Candidates should request three (3) referees to submit reports of them directly to the above address.

The closing date for submission of application is, Friday, 20th May, 2016.

REGISTRAR

University of Kassel Explore the Posibility of Establishing Graduate School in UCC

26 Apr, 2016 By louis Mensah

Three faculty members from the University of Kassel (UK), Germany have visited the University of Cape Coast to seek further collaboration in the area of graduate education. The Kassel team who are in UCC under the auspices of the International Center for Development and Decent Work (ICDD) will also explore means of establishing a graduate school at the university. The ICDD’s Graduate School awards scholarships for Ph.D candidates at its partner-universities. At a meeting with the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. G. K. T. Oduro and some Provosts and other officials of UCC, the leader of the team from UK, Prof. Dr. Aram Ziai said the visit was aimed at deepening the already existing relationship and also explore new avenues for collaboration. He said they have no doubt that UCC was capable of running a Ph.D programme of the highest quality. He further indicated that UCC was already part of ICDD so it would not be difficult to run a split-programme and promised that “UCC will not be left out.” Prof. Oduro in a remark said education was fundamental in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and since UCC has carved a niche for itself already in the education entreprise, it was well -positioned to be made part of the graduate school component. He also mentioned that UCC has diversified its programmes to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and therefore urged the ICDD not to hesitate to call on UCC for inputs to sustain the programme.

IEPA ORGANIZES MAIDEN STUDENT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION EXPO

26 Apr, 2016 By louis Mensah

The IEPA Student Research and Innovation Expo 2016 offered a platform for both graduate and post-graduate students of the University of Cape Coast to showcase their research findings, innovation and creativity. The Expo is a forum for students to present their original work to members of the University Community and the general public. This annual event will demonstrate the results of student research, scholarship and creative activities inside and outside of the classroom. Prof Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, the Provost of the College of Education Studies, in his opening address emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in our times. He appreciated the initiative by IEPA in mounting this Expo and hoped that this will spur others on into coming up with more creative and innovative research. On his part, the Pro Vice-Chancellor-Prof. G. K. T. Oduro, who deputized for the Vice-Chancellor as the special guest of honor, conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s appreciation of this initiative to the gathering. He recounted that the IEPA was born at a time when the Ministry of Education (MoE) and for that matter Ghana was finding it difficult to get planners and administrators to handle educational issues in the country. UNESCO created the opportunity to address this challenge leading to the birth of IEPA. Since its inception IEPA has been influencing educational policies through research. Prof. Oduro cited the Leadership for Learning, an in-service training program for headteachers adopted by the MoE, as one example. Prof Oduro further stressed the need for letting the public know of what UCC does. He appealed to the dean of graduate studies to ensure that all graduate students participated in subsequent Expos. In ending his address Prof Oduro expressed his delight in IEPA adopting poster presentation as a means of disseminating research findings, a phenomenon that is not common in Ghanaian universities.

Industry and Academia Must Collaborate to Solve National Problems

25 Apr, 2016 By louis Mensah

A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw has called on academia and industry to forge long lasting relationships to find solutions to challenges confronting the nation.

Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw noted that this relationship can be possible if universities strategically position themselves to access opportunities available in the quest to produce the quality human resource for the nation. He also said universities need to update skills in conducting research, and engage in activities that would ensure an educational system that would remain relevant at all times.

The former Vice-Chancellor of UEW made this call when he delivered the 2nd K. N. Eyeson Lecture of the School of Biological Sciences on the theme “Academia-Industry Synergy: the Way Forward” at the Main Auditorium.

Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw observed that establishing a beneficial working relationship between Universities and Industries has proven to be difficult and appears not to be rewarding to either side. He explained that there was the need for faculty and students to be involved with real problems and to share in providing solutions stressing that “We in academia need to bring our contributions to the classroom.” He explained that when university and industry find a common ground to meet each other’s needs, both partners achieve substantial mutual benefits.

In order to forge a long-standing relationship with industry, Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw recommended changes to the current regulations by academia to reduce red tape that has over the years impeded collaboration with industry. He also called for restructuring of academic programmes and added that “missions of universities should be redefined and resources should be provided to meet industry needs. Another way to strengthen the relationship is to encourage talented personnel from industry to work with students as part-time adjunct faculty.

Areas which he said universities and industry could consider in the future for such collaborative venture include short-term, stop-gap consultation, trouble shooting and professional advice by experienced well seasoned faculty. He also mentioned long term joint research activities aimed at resolving chronic problems of industry and finding long lasting solutions.

Touching on the benefits of collaboration between Academia and Industry, the former Vice-Chancellor of UEW said “Joint collaboration can provide Academe with additional revenue and access to industrial equipment and setups that are not available on campus.” He noted that such ventures would also help overcome the complaints about education which according to him include “lack of hands-on experience, not enough teamwork, and textbook problems rather than real-world applications.”

In spite of the benefits of this collaboration, Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw cautioned that Universities would be in danger of becoming no more than the Research and Development sections of large companies through close partnership with Industry. Nonetheless, he said the benefits of this collaboration outweigh the dangers.