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Participants of the Project Meeting on FruitBunch sitting around a table

Project Meeting on Building Vegetable farmers' Resilience to Climate Change (FruitBunch) held at UCC

14 Jun, 2022 By DIS

A two-day project meeting on Building Vegetable farmers' Resilience to Climate Change (FruitBunch) has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The meeting was held from June 9 to 10, 2022.

The FruitBunch project seeks to help vegetable farmers adapt to climate change and enhance vegetable production through research on heat, drought and disease tolerant vegetable varieties, soil health, irrigation and water management in vegetable production systems in Ghana.

The project is a collaboration among the University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana, Technical University of Denmark and Aarhus University and is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and administered by Danida Fellowship Centre.

 

The project is coordinated by Prof. Mathias Neumann Andersen from Aarhus University. Speaking virtually at the event, Prof Andersen said the project would investigate using local organic resources such as oil palm empty fruit bunch to improve soil fertility and increase carbon sequestration.

He added, "The project will screen and select vegetable varieties to adapt to increasing temperature, drought, and pest and disease incidence.” Prof Andersen stressed the project would also analyse and identify inclusive and sustainable business models for vegetable production.

A group photo of participants after the meeting

 

The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, whom Prof Julius Hagan represented, opened the meeting. In the address read on his behalf, the Dean observed that vegetable production in Ghana was declining, despite the increased cultivated area. He identified poor soil quality, droughts, heat, pests and disease stress, all worsened by climate change as some factors causing the decline.

He said most of the country's soils were acidic due to farmers' continuous application of inorganic fertilisers. Therefore organic amendments such as oil palm biochar will be instrumental in remediating these soils. He said the production and use of biochar would help manage and handle waste, produce rich organic fertiliser for the soil, and serve as economic empowerment for farmers.

Prof Acquah noted the fruits and vegetable industry has enormous prospects to widen the country's foreign exchange earnings and commended the researchers for embarking on this research. The Dean also called on all stakeholders, including government and development partners, to invest by providing adequate research funding into the vegetable sector.

Three departments from the School of Agriculture, UCC, participated in the FruitBunch Project. They include; the Departments of Crop Science (Profs Michael O. Adu and Paul A. Asare), Soil Science (Prof Kwame A. Frimpong and Dr Kofi Atiah) and Agricultural Economics and Extension (Dr Alexander T. Nuer).

At the event, post-graduate students on the project from UCC, University of Ghana and Aarhus University presented their research. Introducing these presentations, the project coordinator at UCC, Prof Michael O. Adu, said the Fruitbunch project was designed to train five (5) PhD and over ten (10) MPhil students during the project's five-year span.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Cape Coast, June17, 2022: The Director-General of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, has been appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the “National Convenor” for the 2022 United Nations/UNESCO Transforming Education Summit (TES). His appointment was contained in a letter to the Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, dated 8th June 2022.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom is expected to support the Ministry of Education to provide leadership for a successful planning and implementation of the Transforming Education Summit’s (TES) Pre-Summit in Paris in June and the Main Summit in September in New York City.

Ghana’s National Convenor to the United Nations/UNESCO Transforming Education Summit (TES) is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, organizing, executing, monitoring, preparing and presenting the final outputs of national consultation(s). The Convenor is also encouraged to establish a support team – or make use of existing structures – who will be responsible for managing the design, planning, organization, and monitoring of one or more consultations at the national and/or sub-national levels.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom had this to say when congratulations reeled in: “I see this as an IEPA appointment and I am humbled by the President’s and the Minister for Education’s confidence in my leadership. As a team, we will deliver as expected. I count on the support of all stakeholders, especially staff at the Ministry of Education, development partners, civil society, the private sector and NGOs. I am excited about our collective enthusiasm and commitment to make Ghana proud”.

The Transforming Education Summit aims to accelerate progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 and forge a common vision for education, building on the forthcoming work of the International Commission on the Futures of Education. The Summit will bring together Member-States, teachers, the academia, NGOs, and the private sector with the firm objective to include the youth as co-creators of the Summit. The TES expects commitments of the government of Ghana to implement concrete initiatives at country levels as the Summit seeks to employ three primary intersecting and reinforcing workstreams for advancing preparations: (1) National Consultations, (2) Thematic Action Tracks, (3) Public engagement and Mobilization.

Not too long ago, the IEPA was appointed by the Ministry of Education to coordinate the reporting of SDG4 activities in Ghana geared towards tracking the achievement of targets and indicators.  The appointment of the Director-General of IEPA as  Ghana’s National Convenor for the Transforming Education Summit confirms the key role IEPA is playing as a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence.

SIGNED

Major Kofi Baah-Bentum (Rtd.) Psc APR

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

-END-

Green Ghana Project: UCC to plant 60,000 trees to mark 60th anniversary

13 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast, UCC, will plant a total of 60,000 trees seedlings this year to mark its 60th anniversary celebration.

This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, when he led a tree planting exercise -Green UCC- which formed part of the Green Ghana Project.

The Green Ghana Project is aimed at speedily retrieving and revamping degraded lands and restore the country's lost green environment.

Last year, during the maiden exercise of the Project, more than 30,000 tree seedlings were planted across the University.

This year's exercise was on the theme "Mobilizing for a Greener Future."

The exercise had some high-profile personalities including the Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Provost of the College Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof  Moses Jojo Eghan as well as officials from the Forestry Commission and security agencies participating.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Boampong explained the initiative was in line with his vision of greening the University campus.

"The initiative will help us to populate the entire campus with seedlings," he added.

VC-UCC, Prof. Boampong (in nose mask) leading the Green UCC exercise.

He lauded the enthusiasm shown by staff and students to participate in the Green Ghana Project on campus.

He noted that the University would use the initiative to inculcate in both staff and students the habit of planting, nurturing and maintaining trees to serve as shades, relaxation centres and to beautify the environment.

Highlighting the relationship between trees and human existence, the Vice-Chancellor reminded Ghanaians the Green Ghana initiative was not only about planting the trees, but making sure the trees grow to achieve the expected results in the country.

 Some participants planting tree seedlings during the Green Ghana Project

To that end, Prof. Boampong promised to ensure that all the trees planted on campus would receive adequate care to ultimately protect the environment.  

The seedlings planted comprised of coconut, mullberry, orange, mango

soursop, ofram, mahogany and cedrela.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC signs MoU with Affiliated Colleges of Education on E-Library Resources

UCC signs MoU with Affiliated Colleges of Education on E-Library Resources

13 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the sixteen (16) Colleges of Education affiliated to the University on the use of UCC’s E-Library Resources.

The E-library is a storehouse that archives and disseminates digital copies of intellectual output of an institution.

The agreement allows the Colleges to access the intellectual repository of the University, through the Sam Jonah Library, to enhance teaching and learning at the Colleges.

Giving the opening remarks at a brief ceremony, the Provost of the College of Education Studies-UCC, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, said giving access to the Colleges with regards to UCC’s intellectual repository was to support them deliver high quality degree programmes culminating into quality graduates being produced.

Provost of College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest Davies giving his opening remarks

He noted that the MoU will further strengthen the already cordial relation between the University and the Colleges.

On her part, the Director of the Institute of Education, UCC, Prof Christine Adu-Yeboah indicated that the agreement was to encourage the culture of independent learning among students; enable tutors enhance their knowledge base and also improve teaching and learning.      

She added, the E-Library would generally advance research.

Director, Institute of Education, Prof. Christine Adu-Yeboah (in shot) speaking at the ceremony

“The rationale for the MoU is to offer a free training session for students to help them become intellectual learners and also help lecturers to improve on their empirical research” she added.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong who chaired the ceremony, in his comments said as a highly ranked University, UCC was poised to upgrade its affiliated Colleges in the area of research and access to literature to support this course. He charged the Colleges to take advantage of the opportunity to improve on teaching.

Some invitees at the MoU signing

The Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of UCC signed on behalf of the University while the Principal for Offinso College of Education, Very Rev. Joseph Nkyi-Asamoah, signed on behalf of the Colleges.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC Vice-Chancellor inaugurates Simulations and Clinical Skills Laboratory

UCC Vice-Chancellor inaugurates Simulations and Clinical Skills Laboratory

13 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has inaugurated a Simulations and Clinical Skill Laboratory to enable students from the Department of Physician Assistant Studies acquire clinical skills and training.

 

The Laboratory, fitted with state of the art equipment, is located on the last floor of the New Lecture Theatre (NLT), adjacent the College of Distance Education (CoDE).

The Vice Chancellor-UCC, Prof Nyarko Boampong leading a delegation to commission the lab

Some sections within the lab include a Surgical Skills room, Nursing Skills room, a Procedure room, Basic Life Support Lab and an Examination room. Others are Simulation Room and a Debriefing Area.

 

Inaugurating the Laboratory, the Vice-Chancellor said the facility would help students of the Department learn clinical skills that would make them competent professionals to ensure expanded access to quality health care across Ghana.

Registrar-UCC, Mr. Jeff Teye Onyame, being supported by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong to commission the lab

He advised students to take their clinical studies seriously because the training they were receiving at UCC was in line with international best practices.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Department of Physician Assistant Studies procures new bus

Department of Physician Assistant Studies procures new bus

13 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Cape Coast has procured a 30-seater Toyota Coaster Bus to aid effective running of the Department.

The bus, valued at GHS 524,514.00, would also facilitate the transportation of students for their clinical sessions at health facilities in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, at a brief commissioning event, charged the Department to make good use of the bus to improve teaching and learning and also make the bus available to students when needed.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, being assisted by the Vice-Chancellor to cut the tape to commission the bus

 

He stressed the need for the Department to ensure that the bus was properly maintained to prolong its lifespan.

Prof. Boampong pledged management’s unwavering commitment to support the Department to ensure students get the best medical education to help them achieve their professional ambition and goals in life.

For his part, the Head of the Department, Dr. Stephen Ocansey, thanked management for the continuous support and assured the Vice-Chancellor the bus would be put to good use.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC inaugurates Internal Audit Committee

UCC inaugurates Internal Audit Committee

09 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast, UCC, has inaugurated a five-member Audit Committee to oversee activities of the University’s governance and internal control system for proper fund management.

Speaking at the inaugural event, the Chairman of the UCC Governing Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku, who swore in the committee members, congratulated the members on their nominations.

He said the Audit Committee was very crucial in the governance of the University and required the unalloyed support of management and all key stakeholders to make sure their mandate was successfully executed.

Chairman of the UCC Governing Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku speaking at the inauguration

Prof. Obeng Mireku advised members to be guided by the Public Financial Management Act (2016) and the Public Financial Management Regulations (2019) in the discharge of their duties.

The Council Chairman observed that UCC Management would benefit from the expertise of members and urged them to build a robust financial control mechanism for the University.

Some members of UCC Management in a photo with members of the Audit Committee 

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Edward S. Pinkrah, in a brief acceptance remark, called for support from all stakeholders to enable the Committee to discharge its responsibilities diligently.

He said the members of the Committee, drawn from the Internal Audit Agency and Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana, would work tirelessly to ensure that the University achieved its target financial goals.

Committee Members:

Mr. Edward S. Pinkrah – Chairman

Mrs. Cecilia Adzo Wofesor

Dr. Justus Deikumah

Mr. Moses Gyasi

Mr. Kwaku Nkrumah

Other members in attendance are Mrs. Gladys Atta Gyamfi (Secretary), as well as UCC Management.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

a group photo after the meeting

School of Nursing and Midwifery to develop Post Graduate Mental Health Programmes

08 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Cape Coast, Dr. Nancy I. Ebu Enyan, has met a Fulbright scholar from the School of Nursing, Salisbury University, USA, Prof. Tina Reid.

Prof. Reid is in UCC to assist the Department of Mental Health under the School of Nursing and Midwifery to develop MSC, MPhil and PhD in Mental Health programmes.

Dr. Enyan, welcoming Prof. Reid, indicated the School would tap into her expertise “to help shape the curriculum to reflect global standards.”

According to her, Prof Reid would hold seminars with clinicians to introduce them to some of the best practices and also share some of the experiences with them.

He disclosed that a faculty member of the School, Dr. Christian Makafui Boso, had gained Fulbright residence position to be in Salisbury for one year.

“So effective August 1, Dr. Christian Makafui Boso will leave for Maryland,” she added, as part of the collaboration the School had with Salisbury University.

She said the School was in touch with Salisbury University to explore research opportunities for both undergraduate and post-graduate training and noted that the arrival of Prof. Reid would further strengthen the collaboration with Salisbury University.

For her part, Prof. Reid, who will be in UCC for a month, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery for the warm welcome.

With her background in community and public health, she observed that she would do her level best to assist the School of Nursing and Midwifery to develop the Mental Health Programme.

The Provost of College and Allied Health Sciences, Prof Martin Ekor, as well as faculty and students attended the meeting.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC Basic School wins National Spelling Bee contest

UCC Basic School wins National Spelling Bee contest

08 Jun, 2022 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast Basic School has emerged winner of the 2022 Spelling Bee National Competition.

The School won both the Primary and Junior High School (JHS) categories of the contest organized by Edupro Concepts Ventures.

Shirley Laryea, Yussif Maltiti and Edem Segbenya – all in JHS form three –represented the School in the JHS category, whilst Sofia Goleku, Kobina Edu Ampah-Mensah and Othniel N. M. Djankpa represented the School in the Primary Category.

An award winner in a handshake with Pro VC-UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene. Looking on are the Vice-Chancellor (middle) and Registrar, Mr.Jeff Onyame (left)

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, speaking at a brief ceremony where the awards were presented to Management of the University, said he was justly proud of the students and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.

He expressed joy that the University Basic School was the first to win both the Primary and JHS categories of the contest, which started in 2006.

The Vice-Chancellor urged parents to keep supporting their children to imbibe the habit of reading and spelling to improve on their general academic work in school.

 

The Executive Producer of Edupro Concepts Ventures, Mrs. Christabel Botchey, said the University Basic School proved its mettle by lifting five (5) trophies out of ten (10).

Executive Producer of Edupro Concepts Ventures, Mrs. Christabel Botchey (standing) with Assistant Headmistress University JHS, Mrs. Eleanor Onyame

She pointed out the efforts teachers put in to encourage the pupils to inculcate the reading culture as one of the factors for the success story of the University Basic School.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow awardees, Ms Shirley Laryea expressed excitement over winning the competition at various levels, adding she was glad their hard work in preparing for the competition had paid off.

The Assistant Headmistress JHS, Mrs. Eleanor Onyame; Mr. Victor Addison (the Headmaster, North Campus Annex), as well as some staff members from University Basic School accompanied the awardees.

 

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

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