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

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.  

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.

The Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Johnson Boampong explained that the lecture series was instituted by the School to acknowledge the selfless and outstanding services of Prof. Eyeson  to the UCC and the nation.