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18 Jan, 2016

USAID/UCC FISHERIES AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT PROJECT

 Call for Proposals for Short-Term Technical Assistance Towards the Development of a Relational Database On Fisheries and Coastal Management in Ghana

BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENT The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS), University of Cape Coast, to develop a database on marine and coastal fisheries in Ghana. The goal of the project is to organize historical scientific data, new field observations and experimental results on the marine/coastal environment and fisheries in Ghana into a comprehensive database that can easily be accessed by researchers, students, marine and coastal environmental as well as fisheries managers in the country and elsewhere. OBJECTIVE FOR THIS CALL                                                                                                     This call aims to procure the services of an IT specialist to develop an application software for relational database for the management and online distribution of critical scientific data to support fisheries and coastal resource management and research in Ghana. The consultant specialist is therefore expected to assist DFAS

  • Secure a domain name for hosting the database and website
  • Secure a server for the proposed database and website
  • Develop a safe and secure website and database with security features for the management of fisheries and coastal research data
  • Establish a front-end of a website that will interface with the database
  • Develop a user-friendly website with navigation system that allow for privileged access to the public, decision-makers, and other scientists
  • Export data to excel and other formats for additional analysis
  • Create a back-end of the database by customizing a Drupal or WordPress content management application
  • Staff easily and cost effectively update content and modify site design after launch
  • Easily update and expand the platform as the case may be 

   EXPECTED OUTCOMES The following outputs are expected at the end of the assignment:  

  • A domain name for hosting the proposed database and website registered
  • A server the proposed database and website secured
  • A user-friendly website and database for the management of fisheries and coastal research data is developed 
  • The assignment is expected to be completed between 4-6 months from inception. The proposed inception date is February 15, 2016.          

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • An IT expert with proven abilities in application software development
  • Excellent understanding of web-based database design, development and management
  • Proven ability to translate technical needs into database specifications
  • Proven ability to develop a fully functional and user friendly database application
  • Knowledge and experience with Web-based applications development and languages
  • Excellent communications skills 

SUPERVISION AND REPORTING The consultant will report to the Manager of the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project, with direct supervision by the leader of DFAS marine and coastal fisheries database team.   OWNERSHIP AND FUNDING All database tools and information products and applications will belong to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).   APPLICATION Proposals detailing how a project of interest will be undertaken with clear goals, activity timelines, methods to achieve the set targets, a budget and curriculum vitae must be submitted alongside the application. Applications MUST be delivered via email or courier by close of work Friday 5th February, 2016 to:   The Project Manager USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences University of Cape Coast, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana Email: daheto@ucc.edu.gh

fishcom_tor_18012016.pdf

18 Jan, 2016

USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management  Capacity Building Support Project Call for Proposals for Short-Term Technical Assistance Towards the Operationalization of the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENTS As part of the operationalization of the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) of the University of Cape Coast, the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project is seeking for short-term technical assistance services from reputable organizations or experts (preferably PhD holders or practitioners with requisite long-standing experience) to provide various services in the following areas: i) Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) ii) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) The outputs will be used to support capacity strengthening and training of various stakeholders - planners, disaster managers, District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies, environmental officers, fisheries officers, fishermen, fishmongers and community-based management groups and NGOs. These activities are intended to support the quest of the Government of Ghana for sustainable management of its coastal zone and resources. Furthermore it will complement the commitment of the Ghana Government to the Feed the Future Program of the US Government’s global hunger and food security initiative. ASSIGNMENT 1: DEVELOPING TRAINING MANUAL AND MATERIALS ON INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (ICM) Humans have always had a close relationship with the coast. Traditional uses of Ghana’s coastal space include trade, industry, mining, fishing, oil and gas, and settlement. Indeed, the coastal zones is not only abundant in diverse ecosystems but also accounts for a considerable share of the country's economic activities often undertaken on the narrow coastal strip. Different local and national government agencies are responsible for different aspects of the management but their mandates often overlap due to inharmonious objectives, competing interests and conflicts. This activity therefore seeks to develop Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) training modules (e.g. guidebook and toolkits) for public agencies and civil society groups to enable them prioritize coastal management on a local scale for long-term planning and limit the largely sectoral management strategies.  The objective of the assignment is therefore as follows: a) Develop an ICM training manual with modules tailored to the Ghanaian context to be delivered within a period of five days highlighting the coastal environments found in Ghana, methods of assessing the condition of coastal environments and their resources, integrated management approaches, and coastal management instruments (regulatory and economic instruments, and conflict resolution) b) Prepare an instructor’s guide (including field and laboratory work) on the training manual as an Annex spelling out what is expected of the trainer c) Produce ICM materials including PowerPoint presentations of the modules, videos, charts and other relevant material d) Test the manual on a stakeholder group in the Cape Coast area Expected Outputs The key product of this technical assistance is an ICM training manual with PowerPoint presentations, videos of interactions of the coastal zone and human activities and other relevant materials. ASSIGNMENT 2: DEVELOPING TRAINING MANUAL AND OTHER SERVICES ON THE USE AND APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT This activity is aimed at providing immediate access for PhD and MPhil candidates within the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) and scientists at the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) to pursue relevant research agenda towards coastal environmental management, coastal planning, community resilience and social vulnerability to be facilitated through the setting up of an Environmental and Geographic information systems (GIS) Data Hub within CCM. The objective of the assignment is as follows:

  • Conduct GIS Capacity Needs Assessment for CCM
  • Determine the viability and usefulness of GIS technologies to CCM and the way that the CCM should conduct business relative to geographic information systems and applications for coastal management
  • Determine the set-up of a GIS computer workstation within CCM
  • Identify types of information and data needed and how they can be shared and used between UCC departments, government agencies and other stakeholders
  • Identify the range of potential GIS applications for coastal management in Ghana  
  • Determine computer usage, level of expertise and requirements for students and staff of DFAS and CCM
  • Determine internet usage, software, knowledge and fundamental technical capacity requirements
  • Develop GIS course curriculum and training materials for a five-day training course for coastal management practitioners to provide direct technical skills and  concepts in GIS
  • Identify relevant state and non-state actors not limited to Department of Town and Country Planning and specific private entities
  • Suggest ways the products could be integrated into an overall Environmental Data Hub to be established within CCM
  • Develop a case study or framework for developing a coastal spatial plan potentially for Cape Coast or Elmina areas. 

Expected Outputs The key product of this technical assistance is that knowledge and skills for the application of spatial information technologies within CCM assessed; Proposals for GIS capacity strengthening outlined; Curriculum and materials for short-term GIS training developed and tested; and a framework for conducting business in GIS for coastal management established. The assignments are expected to be completed by July 31, 2016.         Proposals detailing how a project of interest will be undertaken with clear goals, activity timelines, methods to achieve the set targets, a budget and curriculum vitae must be submitted alongside the application. Applications MUST be delivered via email or courier by close of work Friday 5th February, 2016 to: The Project Manager USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences University of Cape Coast, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana Email: daheto@ucc.edu.gh   FUNDING AGENCY: United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

icm_and_gis_consultancy.pdf

18 Jan, 2016

USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management  Capacity Building Support Project

Call for Proposals for Short-Term Technical Assistance Towards the Operationalization of the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENTS
As part of the operationalization of the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) of the University of Cape Coast, the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project is seeking for short-term technical assistance services from reputable organizations or experts (preferably PhD holders or practitioners with requisite long-standing experience) to provide various services in the following areas:
i) Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)
ii) Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The outputs will be used to support capacity strengthening and training of various stakeholders - planners, disaster managers, District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies, environmental officers, fisheries officers, fishermen, fishmongers and community-based management groups and NGOs. These activities are intended to support the quest of the Government of Ghana for sustainable management of its coastal zone and resources. Furthermore it will complement the commitment of the Ghana Government to the Feed the Future Program of the US Government’s global hunger and food security initiative.

ASSIGNMENT 1: DEVELOPING TRAINING MANUAL AND MATERIALS ON INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (ICM)
Humans have always had a close relationship with the coast. Traditional uses of Ghana’s coastal space include trade, industry, mining, fishing, oil and gas, and settlement. Indeed, the coastal zones is not only abundant in diverse ecosystems but also accounts for a considerable share of the country's economic activities often undertaken on the narrow coastal strip. Different local and national government agencies are responsible for different aspects of the management but their mandates often overlap due to inharmonious objectives, competing interests and conflicts. This activity therefore seeks to develop Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) training modules (e.g. guidebook and toolkits) for public agencies and civil society groups to enable them prioritize coastal management on a local scale for long-term planning and limit the largely sectoral management strategies.  The objective of the assignment is therefore as follows:
a) Develop an ICM training manual with modules tailored to the Ghanaian context to be delivered within a period of five days highlighting the coastal environments found in Ghana, methods of assessing the condition of coastal environments and their resources, integrated management approaches, and coastal management instruments (regulatory and economic instruments, and conflict resolution)
b) Prepare an instructor’s guide (including field and laboratory work) on the training manual as an Annex spelling out what is expected of the trainer
c) Produce ICM materials including PowerPoint presentations of the modules, videos, charts and other relevant material
d) Test the manual on a stakeholder group in the Cape Coast area

Expected Outputs
The key product of this technical assistance is an ICM training manual with PowerPoint presentations, videos of interactions of the coastal zone and human activities and other relevant materials.

ASSIGNMENT 2: DEVELOPING TRAINING MANUAL AND OTHER SERVICES ON THE USE AND APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT
This activity is aimed at providing immediate access for PhD and MPhil candidates within the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) and scientists at the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) to pursue relevant research agenda towards coastal environmental management, coastal planning, community resilience and social vulnerability to be facilitated through the setting up of an Environmental and Geographic information systems (GIS) Data Hub within CCM.
The objective of the assignment is as follows:

  • Conduct GIS Capacity Needs Assessment for CCM
  • Determine the viability and usefulness of GIS technologies to CCM and the way that the CCM should conduct business relative to geographic information systems and applications for coastal management
  • Determine the set-up of a GIS computer workstation within CCM
  • Identify types of information and data needed and how they can be shared and used between UCC departments, government agencies and other stakeholders
  • Identify the range of potential GIS applications for coastal management in Ghana  
  • Determine computer usage, level of expertise and requirements for students and staff of DFAS and CCM
  • Determine internet usage, software, knowledge and fundamental technical capacity requirements
  • Develop GIS course curriculum and training materials for a five-day training course for coastal management practitioners to provide direct technical skills and  concepts in GIS
  • Identify relevant state and non-state actors not limited to Department of Town and Country Planning and specific private entities
  • Suggest ways the products could be integrated into an overall Environmental Data Hub to be established within CCM
  • Develop a case study or framework for developing a coastal spatial plan potentially for Cape Coast or Elmina areas. 

Expected Outputs
The key product of this technical assistance is that knowledge and skills for the application of spatial information technologies within CCM assessed; Proposals for GIS capacity strengthening outlined; Curriculum and materials for short-term GIS training developed and tested; and a framework for conducting business in GIS for coastal management established. The assignments are expected to be completed by July 31, 2016.        

Proposals detailing how a project of interest will be undertaken with clear goals, activity timelines, methods to achieve the set targets, a budget and curriculum vitae must be submitted alongside the application. Applications MUST be delivered via email or courier by close of work Friday 5th February, 2016 to:

The Project Manager
USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
University of Cape Coast, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana
Email: daheto@ucc.edu.gh
 
FUNDING AGENCY: United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Vice-Chancellor Leads delegation to the University of Rhode Island

18 Jan, 2016 By louis Mensah

High Level Visit by University of Cape Coast (Cape Coast- GHANA) To University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI-USA) Collaboration between UCC and URI (January 26- February, 1 2016)

  Objective of the visit:   The University of Rhode Island (URI) is presently hosting a high level delegation of five persons from the University of Cape Coast (UCC-Ghana) led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Domwini D. Kuupole. The purpose of the visit is to further expand the development of the existing formal partnership between UCC and URI in areas of marine fisheries, aquaculture and coastal resources. Other members of the UCC delegation are Prof. Ernest L. Okorley, Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, Director of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Johnson Boampong, Dean, School of Biological Sciences and Dr. Denis Aheto, Head, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and Project Director of the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Project. The delegation met with the President of URI, Prof. David M. Dooley and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Donald H. DeHayes, the Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Nasser H. Zawia and the Director of the Coastal Resources Centre (CRC) Dr. Anton Post as well as other Deans and faculty members at URI.   The two institutions have received funding from the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) to implement various programs in marine fisheries and coastal management and to offer opportunities for collaboration and exchange of expertise.   The CRC of the Graduate School of Oceanography is implementing a five year project in Ghana (2015-2019) funded by the United States Agency of International Development, named Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).   And   The DFAS of the School of Biological Sciences is implementing a five year project (2015-2019) funded by the United States Agency of International Development, named Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project (FCMCBSP).   The specific objective of the trip is to promote the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UCC and URI on March 5, 2015 and the subsequent MoU between the URI-Coastal Resources Center (CRC) and the UCC-Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) under review and consideration.     Program of the visit:   The delegation are discussing avenues of implementation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the following areas:  

  1. Development of a short term students exchange program between UCC and URI. The program will allow UCC graduate students currently enrolled in PhD programs in marine fisheries, aquaculture and coastal resources management to spend up to one semester at URI to audit classes and/or conduct research in specialised projects in their areas of studies. Similarly, a sister program will be developed for URI graduate students to do the same at UCC.
  2. Development of an undergraduate exchange program (J-term). The program will allow URI and UCC undergraduate students to visit Ghana and the United States respectively and to learn about the respective cultures and environments. The program will allow beneficiary students to explore marine fisheries and coastal management issues in West Africa and the United States and help them to better understand the challenges and successes of sustainable resources management within a global context.  
  3. Development of a short-term training for professional development of UCC faculty and staff. The professors and research scholars (post-docs) from UCC can attend short term trainings offered by URI (i.e. climate change adaptation training offered to UCC by URI-GSO-CRC).
  4. Development of joint research development and extension programs and exchange of information and access to peer-reviewed scientific material.
  5. Other areas of cooperation in the field of marine fisheries, aquaculture and coastal resources.

Source: DFAS, UCC

18 Jan, 2016

Meeting of Directors, Stage Managers, and Crew Heads  Date:    Monday, 18th January, 2016. Time:    4:PM Venue:  Dept. Library  

18 Jan, 2016

Meeting of Directors, Stage Managers, and Crew Heads  Date:    Monday, 18th January, 2016. Time:    4:PM Venue:  Dept. Library  

CoDE is the “Live Wire” of UCC

14 Jan, 2016 By louis Mensah

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. D. D. Kuupole has stated that the University of Cape Coast’s image has been enhanced as the leader of quality distance education in Ghana through the College of Distance Education (CoDE).

He therefore paid glowing tribute to the pioneers of Distance Education in UCC for the sacrifices they have made towards the realisation of what he described as “a big dream in the history of transformation of tertiary education in Ghana.”

Prof. Kuupole made these remarks when he chaired the handing-over ceremony at CoDE Conference Room. He commended Prof. George K. T. Oduro, the former Acting Provost of the College and Prof. John Nelson Buah, the incoming Acting Provost for championing the vision of the University in their previous portfolios. He urged them not to relent in their quest to spearhead initiatives that would propel UCC as a “Centre of Excellence”.

Delivering a speech at the function, Prof. Oduro recalled a remark he made when the then Director of CCE handed over to him. “Indeed, the shoes I am about to wear are very large adding, in spite of the arduous task ahead of me, I accepted the leadership mantle and its associated challenges” he stated.  He noted that his predecessor, Mr. Albert Koomson  had positioned CCE strongly for promoting access to distance learning in the country with 46 learning centres across the country with a student population of 36, 000.

Prof. Oduro indicated that in consultation with the Advisory Committee, the focus of distance education in the University was geared towards quality enhancement. “I envisioned to provide leadership that would create an enabling environment for making CoDE a College for excellence in promoting  quality distance education in Ghana and beyond through Scholarship, Expansion and Quality,”  he noted. To address the issue of quality, he said the Department of Quality Assurance and Enhancement has been created.

Under his leadership, Prof. Oduro said there has been an improvement in CoDE’s visibility nationally and internationally. He added that interaction with some students, personnel and stakeholders attest to improved relationship between students and staff. He said 13 staff and students were awarded scholarship to pursue various programmes in Ghana and abroad. 24 staff were sponsored to attend national and international conferences/seminars and workshops.

In terms of expansion, he said the number of study centres and the student population had increased to 74 and 51, 077 respectively in 2015 whiles Master’s Degree programmes by distance has been introduced. He said about 95% of server installation has been completed and therefore, the E-learning platform would soon been activated.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. John Nelson Buah gave the assurance that he would also work with the College Board and staff to consolidate the gains made by his predecessors. He called for the support of all staff to enhance the status of the college both locally and internationally, adding that “When we push CoDE to the highest height, our names would always be remembered in the history of the University and the country.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Interacts with Central Administration Staff

12 Jan, 2016 By louis Mensah

The newly appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. George K. T. Oduro has been formally introduced to staff in the various offices within the Central Administration. Addressing staff at the various offices, Prof. Oduro called for cooperation to move the agenda of the University forward. He asked staff to feel comfortable whenever he approached them for assistance noting that “As the new chief servant, I will need your help to be able to live up to expectation.” He also seized the opportunity to advise staff to exhibit a high sense of dedication as we begin a new year. Heads of the various offices he visited also introduced staff in their respective offices. The visit took him to the following directorates; Human Resource, Academic Affairs, Public Affairs, University Health Services, Finance, Audit , Legal, Consular and General Services. Some of the senior officers who accompanied Prof. Oduro were the Registrar, Mr. John Kofi Nyan; Ag. Director, Directorate of Human Resource, Dr. Kwaku Gyasi Badu and the Ag. Director, Directorate of Academic Affairs, Mr. Jeff Teye Onyame. Others were the Ag. Director, Directorate of Legal Consular and General Services; the Ag. Director, Directorate of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah-Bentum (rtd) and Junior Assistant Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Nasir Yaqub Entsie.  

Full Gospel Supports UCC Counselling Centre

12 Jan, 2016 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) has donated items to the University of Cape Coast Counselling Centre.

The items included a 32-inch LED digital television with an in-built decoder, installation package and a dish.

Donating the items, the President of the UCC Chapter of (FGBMFI), Mr. Victor Godwin said the donation was to express appreciation to the Centre for hosting their weekly meetings. He noted that the Fellowship celebrated its 20th anniversary and as part of the anniversary celebrations they decided to make the donation to the Counselling Centre and Ankaful Prisons.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Provost of the College of Education Studies, the Director of the Counselling Centre, Prof. Godwin Awabil said the Centre was most grateful to them for the support. He said the donation would enhance the work of the Centre to provide counselling, which is a lifeline to students.  He said, ‘the television will engage clients while waiting for their turns’.

Rev. Prof. J. K. Essuman of the Counselling Centre also thanked the FGBMFI for the gesture. He said the donation was timely.

Present at the short ceremony were Rev. Prof. K. O. Antiri and Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson all of the Counselling Centre. Other members of the FGBMFI team were Mr. Edward Kofi Akyea, Treasurer and Ms. Diana Ama Dogbatse, Deputy Secretary.

UCC Pensioners Praise Management of the University

12 Jan, 2016 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Pensioners Association has commended management of the University for the prompt payment of their medical expenses whenever they submit their bills for reimbursement.

The Vice-Chairman for the Association, Mr. F. M. Sam gave this commendation when the association held their annual get-together at the St. Peter’s Seminary, Pedu in Cape Coast. He indicated that the association was still in discussion with management of the University to put in place an arrangement that will enable pensioners to access health care without paying upfront.

He expressed gratitude to God for keeping most of their members alive to witness another year and also meet as an association to interact and have fun.

The Secretary of the association, Mr. Francis Darko, gave a recap of the activities of the year which included health screening and a talk on cervical cancer, facilitated by the University Health Services. He noted that five pensioners won awards at the Senior Citizens party held by the Central Regional Coordinating Council in 2015. 

Mr. Darko reported that the Association also hosted the Joint University Pensioners Association Conference at the University of Cape Coast to discuss issues of the single spine salary structure with participants from four Public Universities. He added that a communique was later sent to the appropriate authorities including the Vice-Chancellors Ghana, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education after the conference. He finally indicated that the association also attended funerals of some members who departed during the year.

The Chairman of the UCC Branch of the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), Mr. Daniel Egyir lauded the cordial relationship between FUSSAG and the UCC Pensioners Association. He noted that FUSSAG has been inviting the executives of the Pensioners Association to interact with senior staff who were about to retire every year. He commended them for always liaising and sharing their experiences with active staff of UCC.

For his part, the Chairman of the UCC Teachers and Education Workers Union(TEWU), Mr. Stephen Williams said he was glad to meet majority of the pensioners at the event. He entreated them to live lifestyles that would promote their good health.

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