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UCC mounts exhibition in Morocco

24 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has showcased its brand to more than 500 African university leaders, partners, and sponsors who have gathered at the 16th Quadrennial General Conference of the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Rabat, Morocco.

 The exhibition was part of the University's brand reinforcement agenda being championed by the Directorate of Public Affairs, UCC.

 Items on display included photos, academic programmes, achievements, and other historical memorabilia of the University. 

 A major highlight of the exhibition was the visit of partners, collaborators, and alumni, to the UCC booth. They commended UCC for being the only Ghanaian University participating in the exhibition. 

 The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko-Boampong, the Registrar, Mr Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, and the Dean of the Office of International Relations, Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, were also there to interact with those who visited the UCC booth.

 The Vice Chancellor, in his interaction with patrons, noted that UCC's participation in the exhibition had further exposed the University's brand to the academic world.

 The official in charge of the UCC booth, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, said he was impressed with the number of patrons who visited the UCC stand and stressed that it was a good opportunity for UCC to leverage on its brand recognition as; the number one university in Ghana and West Africa and among the topmost 20 ranked universities in Africa, for more strategic collaborations in the academic community.

 He distributed UCC paraphernalia to the patrons, some of whom expressed academic interest in UCC.

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

VOTEC Marks World Youth Skills Day

24 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The Vocational and Technical Education Department (VOTEC) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), together with UNESCO-UNEVOC, has commemorated the 2025 World Youth Skills Day.  

The event brought together educators, students, and industry players to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies were shaping the future of skills training, employment, and innovation - particularly for Africa’s youth.

Coordinator for UNESCO-UNEVOC at UCC, Dr. Mrs. Christina Boateng, emphasized the need to prepare young people not only for today’s job market but also for the evolving digital economy. 

According to her, “We give AI education to individuals so they can be productive. Further, if we are preparing people for economic development, we cannot leave out AI because that is where the world is going.”

Coordinator for UNESCO-UNEVOC at UCC, Dr. Mrs. Christina Boateng

Highlighting the urgency of equipping the next generation with future-ready skills, she called on lecturers and facilitators to embrace the opportunity to blend manual skills with digital competence. 

“We are developing our youth for the future,” she said. “Your future is in your own hands and at your fingertips.”

Delivering the keynote address, a former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, offered a compelling vision of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “It is not in the distant future—it is here. AI and tech are already transforming industries,” he said. 

He warned that while AI will create millions of new jobs, it will also make many existing ones obsolete. “What we teach and what the job market demands don’t match. Brilliant students are being taught like it’s still 2015,” he cautioned.

 

Prof. Ampiah urged educators and students to understand AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative partner. “I use ChatGPT to plan lectures. It’s not just about using it—it’s about harnessing it,” he explained. 

Former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah

He distinguished digital skills (knowing what and how to use tools) and digital literacy (understanding why, when, and for whom the tools should be used). He stressed that in the AI age, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking were more important than ever.

Another speaker, Dean of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment at Takoradi Technical University, Prof. Gladys Quartey, shared her journey in Wood Science and how AI supported her academic research.

 “AI helped me analyse the mechanical properties of wood fibers,” she noted, urging participants to develop both digital literacy and caution. “AI never forgets. Be careful what you post online so it doesn’t come back to haunt you.”

 

She encouraged students to learn basic computing, use search engines wisely, and be aware of AI errors or "hallucinations." She also called for urgent digital and AI training for teachers, emphasizing that vocational training should be future-oriented. “Vocational jobs are not low-skilled—they are different skills that must collaborate with technology,” she said.

Dean of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment at Takoradi Technical University, Prof. Gladys Quartey

The event also showcased innovation through a mini business launch by Level 300 VOTEC students. Two startups—Denim Revival, focused on sustainable fashion, and Dine with Gem, a food services concept—demonstrated the practical application of vocational training and entrepreneurial thinking.

 

The celebration of World Youth Skills Day at UCC reaffirmed the University’s commitment to future-ready education. The message was clear: digital transformation is no longer optional - it is essential. To prepare Africa’s youth, every curriculum must include AI, coding, and digital literacy, empowering learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

One of the stands at the exhibition displaying a petrol injectrion system

There was an exhibition also held to display the creative prowess of students. On display were clothes, footwear, and artifacts, among several others.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

UCC Hosts Inaugural Women in Vision Conference and Launch

24 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with their partners from Cardiff University, UK has held the inaugural Women in Vision Conference and Launch under the theme “Supporting and Empowering Women Aspiring to Undertake Academic Roles in Ghana.”

The event brought together leading academics, researchers, and students in the field of Vision Science, especially women to inspire, empower, and foster collaboration among women in academia.

Delivering the keynote lecture on Myopia Progression, a lecturer with the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Sylvia Agyekum, highlighted the alarming global trend in visual health.

She noted that, “By 2050, one out of every two people will have myopia. Fifty percent (50%) of the world population is expected to be affected by then.” Her presentation stressed the urgency for proactive research and interventions in the field.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto

Prof. Barbara Ryan, Director of Vision Service Research at Cardiff University, encouraged participants to remain resilient in the face of challenges. She advised them to learn to always pick and dust themselves up when faced with challenges in life.

The Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UCC, Prof. Stephen Ocansey, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting female participation in academic leadership. He said the conference provided an opportunity to learn from the journeys and insights of women who have made strides in academia to inspire the next generation of women leaders in vision science.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, who chaired the event, described the occasion as “not only a launch but a call to action.” He added that the Women in Vision initiative aims to “explore barriers facing women, provide capacity building and training, and empower students and staff.” He praised the collaboration between UCC and Cardiff University, describing it as “very beneficial to the university.”

Panelists during the discussion

There was a panel discussion which featured distinguished academics including the keynote speaker, Dr. Sylvia Agyekum, Prof. Barbara Ryan, Director of Vision Service Research at Cardiff University; Dr. Genevieve Adukpo, a former Director of the Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD-UCC), and Prof. Angela O. Amedo-Kwarteng, the first female professor of Optometry in Ghana. The panelists shared their experiences on balancing academic work with family responsibilities and navigating the challenges in academia as women.

The official launch of the Women in Vision Network in Ghana was performed by Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, Dean of the UCC Office of International Relations (OIR) and the President of the Ghana Optometric Association, on behalf of the Pro Vice Chancellor.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC, Carleton University sign MoU

24 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and Carleton University, Canada, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost interests of the two institutions.

The partnership agreement is expected to ensure exchange of programmes and students for their mutual benefit.  

The agreement was signed at the 16th Quadrennial General Conference of the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Rabat, Morocco. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, and the President of Carleton University, Prof. Wisdom Tettey, signed on behalf of their respective institutions.

This agreement follows discussions initiated during a UCC delegation's visit to Canada in early 2025. 

Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (2nd from left), signing the agreement with President of Carleton University, Prof. Wisdom Tettey (2nd from Right). With them are the Registrar-UCC, Mr. Abbeyquaye(L) and Provost and Vice President, Academic, Carleton University, Dr. Ranklin (R).

The signing ceremony was held at UCC's exhibition booth, where the University showcased its brand to African university leaders, partners, and sponsors. 

Prior to the signing of the MoU, Prof. Tettey said he was happy with the relationship established between the two universities.

Responding, Prof. Boampong expressed gratitude for what the partnership ahead would bring, describing the agreement as a strategic collaboration that marks a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving the strategic objectives of UCC. 

In attendance were the Registrar, Mr. Gideon Abbeyquaye, Dean of the Office of International Relations, Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, and Head of University Relations, Mr. Felix Adu Poku. 

Dr. Pauline Rankin, Provost and Vice President, Academic, represented Carleton University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC participates in 16th Quadrennial General Conference of AAU

24 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has participated in the 16th Quadrennial General Conference of the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Rabat, Morocco.

It was under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”

UCC showcased its brand to African university leaders, partners, and sponsors participating in the event. Items displayed included photos, academic programmes, and other historical memorabilia of the University.

A major highlight of the exhibition was the presence of Azzedine El Midaoui, Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, at the UCC booth.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko-Boampong, who opened the UCC exhibition, stated that UCC welcomes international students to study in Ghana, particularly at UCC, which is the number one university in Ghana and West Africa, as cited in the 2025 World University Rankings.

He added that the University would support the academic pursuit of international students who study at UCC.

He said the University’s participation in the exhibition had helped position its brand in the academic world.

He reinforced the University’s commitment to providing students with the opportunity to showcase their skills and connect with industry leaders.

He told patrons that UCC was on the brink of becoming an Entrepreneurial University and presented some photos of UCC's inventive projects, cutting-edge research, and visionary ideas to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation.

The Head of University Relations, Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, who was in charge of the UCC booth, said he was overwhelmed by the number of patrons who visited the UCC stand, stressing that it was a good opportunity for the University to grow its brand in the academic community.

He distributed UCC paraphernalia to the patrons, some of whom expressed academic interest in UCC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

Pro Vice-Chancellor interacts with ACECoR students

22 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, has advised students to make the most of their time while in school, emphasizing the importance of discipline, time management, and focus during their academic years.

This call comes as there are growing concerns over student distractions, including excessive use of social media, poor time management, and declining academic performance.

Prof. Aheto reminded students that the school environment offers a unique window of opportunity to build the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for future success.

He insisted that excellence was not reserved for a select few in society but attainable by anyone, anywhere who strived for it.

While urging the students to plan towards the attainment of their goals, he also implored them to manage their time properly while in school, since that would offer them a positive step to excel in life.

Prof. Aheto with some of the postgraduate students

The Pro Vice-Chancellor advised while interacting with postgraduate students from the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) at the University of Cape Coast.

The students were at the office of Prof. Aheto to congratulate him on his ascension to the office of Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Aheto seized the chance to caution students against engaging in violent activities in school. 

Rather, he said they should obey rules and regulations and endeavour to engage school authorities on issues they had misgivings about.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor took the students through the administrative hierarchy of the University so that the students would be abreast of the top positions in the University.

He thanked them for the visit and promised to work hard in his new position to justify the confidence placed in him by the University Council.

The leader of the students, Ogechukwu Iwu, an MPhil Integrated Coastal Zone Management student, presenting a customised clock to the Pro Vice-Chancellor urged him to work selflessly to leave an indelible mark in the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

AI Expert sounds alarm on AI’s job displacement potential

22 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Stephen Moore, has contributed to the growing debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence’s influence on the job market, indicating the potential for AI to automate tasks that human workers previously performed. He believes that widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence could lead to both job losses and the creation of new ones. 

According to him, while some experts predict a bleak future with mass unemployment, others remain optimistic about AI’s potential to create new jobs and boost productivity.

Dr. Moore was speaking at a public lecture organised by the School of Business on the theme: "Artificial Intelligence and Business Solutions."

He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was transforming the way organizations operate worldwide.

He mentioned firms such as Juma, Flutterwave, Addbook, Mpharm, among others, were leading the charge in AI adoption.

Giving statistics, he said the Global AI market would be $16.4 trillion by 2033 and called on industries to adapt AI to improve efficiency.

A section of student participants at the lecture

Continuing, he also highlighted how AI could help solve real-time local challenges in agriculture, human resources, security, finance, trade, and governance.

He observed that most AI tools and machine learning models currently in use were developed with a Western focus, which leaves Africa significantly underrepresented in global AI advancements.

He called for fairness, transparency, and regulation as the panacea to the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development.

Dr. Moore entreated the School of Business to integrate AI courses into its curriculum so that students could get basic skills in the use of AI.

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwane Osei Kwarteng, dispelled public fears of job displacement, stressing that AI catalyses job creation and economic growth.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence would replace only those who were not in place.

 

"By this I mean that the wave of AI will threaten only those who are not weaving AI into whatever they are doing already," he added.

Some dignitaries who participated in the lecture with faculty of the SoB-UCC

The Acting Dean of the School, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Agyei, said the summit represented a critical turning point for Ghana and the continent at large.

According to him, “We are in the fourth industrial revolution, which is the age of cyber-physical systems. AI is advancing towards autonomy, and it will soon surpass human intelligence in all domains, so we should be ready”.

In a brief remark, Emeritus Prof. Awusabo Asare of the Department of Population and Health, said it was time for the youth to challenge themselves and take deliberate actions that would shape their futures positively.

“Every dream is achievable. Giving up should not be an option,” he said.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, who chaired the event, emphasised the urgent need for industries to reskill and upskill their workforce to take advantage of emerging AI-driven opportunities.

He encouraged young people to take advantage of AI and adopt a mindset focused on growth and discipline to remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

UCC Hosts Two-day Summit on Leadership and Literacy

21 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

A two-day summit to discuss leadership and literacy has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The event, which was on the theme "Empowering Visionary leaders, Transforming Education, and Shaping the Future", was attended by participants, mainly academics, politicians, and students, as well as virtual participants.

The summit, organised by UCC in collaboration with Legacy Library, USA, discussed topics including technology integration and cybersecurity, literacy and the science of reading, Artificial Intelligence, students with disabilities, and educational leadership.

Delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony, Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts, from the National University, USA, said leaders must demonstrate empathy, honesty, accountability, and trustworthiness.

He said people must find in the educational leaders a model of respect, trust, reliability, fairness, and consistency.

According to him, a clear and strategic vision for transformation was essential to driving meaningful change in the education system.

Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts from the National University, USA

He insisted that AI plays a vital role in transforming education by providing personalised learning experiences tailored to individual student needs.

He said AI platforms allowed students to receive customized lessons, practice materials, and feedback, enhancing their understanding of subjects at their own pace.

He advised students to use their social media handles responsibly and not to use them to spread fake news.

The CEO of Legacy Library, Dr. Gigi Darko, in her speech, said literacy remained one of the transformative tools that empower humanity to take advantage of opportunities.

She urged parents to provide a better literacy learning environment for children to improve and sharpen their learning skills for a brighter future.

Dr. Darko said that in a world where knowledge is power, books are the key that unlock endless possibilities, and the spirit of reading and learning should be inculcated in children at a tender age.

CEO of Legacy Library, USA, Dr. Gigi Darko

She further indicated that the gift of literacy was a treasure that had the potential to change lives and shape a brighter future for all.

She added that by sharing the gift of literacy, one would sow the seed of unity, understanding and empowerment, and urged the public to support initiatives that promote education and to be ambassadors of hope in a world that often feels divided.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, who chaired the event, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between the UCC and the Legacy Library, USA.

He urged cross-pollination of ideas that could inform policy and shape educational policies.

A section of participants in the leadership summit

“As a university, through our Vice-Chancellor, we are also committed to implementing the outcomes of this summit. We will ensure that lessons learnt are integrated into our leadership training programmes and community outreach activities,” he said.

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

17 Jul, 2025

INVITATION TO TENDER - NATIONAL COMPETITIVE TENDERING (NCT)

 

1. The University of Cape Coast intends to apply part of its Budgetary Allocation of Funds and Internally Generated Funds where applicable, for payments under the following contracts through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (Ghaneps)

DESCRIPTION

QTY

CR/UCC/WK/0004/2025

Rehabilitation of Registrar’s Bungalow No.6 

1

CR/UCC/WK/0006/2025

Re-roofing of Educational Foundations Building

1

CR/UCC/WK/0007/2025

Rehabilitation of Bungalow No.16 Kobina Sekyi Road and No.9 Carl Reindof 

2

CR/UCC/WK/0008/2025

Rehabilitation of Bungalow No.2 and No.4 Kwesi Plange Close 

2

CR/UCC/WK/0009/2025

Rehabilitation of Bungalow No.5 Yaa Asantewaa Road and No.1 Ekem Ferguson Road

1

 

2. The University of Cape Coast invites Tenders from eligible contractors (D2, K2) for the above works. Tendering will be conducted through the National Competitive Tendering (NCT) procedures specified in the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as Amended and the Guidelines of the Public Procurement Authority of the Republic of Ghana.

 

3. Interested eligible Tenderers may obtain further information from the Procurement Office, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast. They can also download the tender document electronically through the GHANEPS website and pay a non-refundable fee of GH¢200.00 for each of the tenders above. You may reach the Public Procurement Authority Ghaneps team on 0302738148, 0551858588, 0551858858, 0551858855 for direction on how to pay for the tender. 

 

4. Prospective tenderers must log on to www.ghaneps.gov.gh with their respective user name and password to access the Tender.

 

5.  Tenders shall be valid for a period of 90 days after the deadline for Tender submission. All tenders must be accompanied by a Tender Security of not less than 2% of the tender price from a reputable Bank in the format attached to the tender documents.

 

6. Tenders must be submitted through the GHANEPS at or before 11:00am, on Tuesday, 5th August, 2025. Late Tenders will be rejected. Tenders submitted offline will not be accepted. Tenders will be opened electronically through GHANEPS.

 

7. All tenders must be accompanied by:

Valid Business Registration Certificate, VAT Certificate, Valid Tax Clearance Certificate issued for the purpose of transacting business with University of Cape Coast, Valid SSNIT Clearance Certificate, Ministry of Works and Housing Certificate, Labour Certificate, PPA Registration Certificate and other Relevant Certificates.

55 UCC Optometry students begin clinical studies

17 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (SOVS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised its maiden white coat ceremony for 55 level 400 students to commence the clinical phase of their training to become eye care professionals.

The ceremony, which was on the theme: “Visionaries in White: Illuminating the path for optometric excellence,” involves a formal robing of the students in an Optometrist’s traditional wear, the white coat, which symbolises professionalism and compassion in patient care.

The students took the Oath of Optometry, pledging a lifetime of service in prioritising patient welfare, ethical conduct and continuous professional growth to relieve suffering and also protect patient information.

The Acting Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council, Dr. Daniel Atta-Nyarko, administered the oath to the students.

The occasion also witnessed an alumni homecoming and the launch of the 25th anniversary celebration of the school.

The ceremony brought together UCC leadership, government officials, faculty and staff, alumni, students, health professionals, and practitioners.

The Deputy Chief Optometrist at Somanya Polyclinic and one of the founding students of the SOVS-UCC, Dr. Rita Essien Danso, who was the guest speaker, congratulated students on the completion of the basic science aspect of optometry and advised them to show respect and compassion towards their patients.

She admonished the students to treat all patients equally and not on the basis of their wealth or social standing.

Acknowledging the significance of the White Coat Ceremony, she emphasised its role in preparing students to handle real-world cases and interact with patients.

She singled out Prof. Alex Azuka Ilechie of the School of Optometry and Vision Science for his immense contribution towards optometry at the University of Cape Coast.

She eulogised the late Dr. Francis Kojovi Morny, who is credited with the introduction of the study of optometry in Ghana and the establishment of an OD programme at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), which started with five students. She added that his life's work remains a beacon for future generations of Optometrists.

Four of the pioneering five students of the SOVS with Prof. Alex Ilechi (middle)

Consequently, Dr. Essien Danso described the students as trailblazers to build on the solid foundation laid by the pioneers in optometry.

"Illuminate the path not only for yourself but also those coming after you, " she advised.

She emphasised that it was important to provide healthy eye care for those in need, no matter their geographical area.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, who was the chairperson for the event, challenged the students to build on the frontiers of knowledge and congratulated them on their journey to clinical studies.

He said UCC would continuously focus on training health professionals who were not only knowledgeable in their various disciplines but also adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare.

He admonished the student optometrists to be humble and ready to learn from every member of the health-care structure and to identify mentors and learn from them.

The Provost, College of Health and Allied Sciences of UCC, Prof. Martins Ekor, on his part, said the investments in their education required reciprocity of goodwill by staying to support the betterment of healthcare delivery in the country.

"As you don this coat, remember that it represents not only your identity as optometry students but also your responsibility to uphold the values of empathy, integrity, and excellence in health care," he added.

Some members of UCC management, with faculty members and mentors of the SOVS in a photo

He advised them to embrace all experiences and challenges during the clinical training, saying these would help mould them into skilled practitioners and compassionate caregivers.

In an address read on behalf of the President of Ghana Optometric Association (GOA), Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, by the Student Liaison Officer of GOA, Dr. Fiifi Hope,  described the students as "Stewards of sight and ambassadors of empathy."

Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi said the white coat marked a journey they must embrace, honour in their practice, humility in their interactions, and unwavering adherence to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and empathy.

The President encouraged them to embrace innovation and research to improve their effectiveness.

The Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Prof. Stephen Ocansey, in his remarks, congratulated the students.

He indicated that the School had produced 250 students since its inception in 2002.

A section of students after being robed

He said the School would be 25 years old in 2027 and there was a need to put up an edifice to mark the anniversary. He, therefore, entreated all alumni and other corporate entities to support the School in achieving its set target.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

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