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Cutting of Cake

UCC School of Agriculture Launches 50th Anniversary

17 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a call on government and stakeholders to prioritise agriculture as a strategic tool for national development. 

The event, themed “Sustaining Ghana’s Agriculture: 50 Years and Beyond,” brought together a cross-section of dignitaries including government officials, faculty, alumni, students, security agencies, and farmers.

The 50th Anniversary cake

Delivering the keynote address, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. John Nelson Buah, underscored the need for sustainable agricultural policies beyond partisan influence. He highlighted challenges such as climate change, land tenure systems, food insecurity, and post-harvest losses, adding that while various governments have initiated interventions, most of them failed to achieve their objectives. 

Prof. Buah called for the establishment of a dedicated national fund to support agricultural research and advocated for a binding national policy that transcends political transitions.

Prof. John Nelson Buah, speaking at the function

The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, emphasized the importance of investing in universities and research institutions to develop solutions backed by evidence and innovation. 

“We cannot continue to depend on policies that are not research-based, as they have consistently failed at the implementation stage,” he noted. 

Central Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere

He also commended UCC for the acquisition of 419 acres for commercial farming and expressed the Regional Coordinating Council’s readiness to collaborate with the School of Agriculture to make agriculture attractive to the youth.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, praised the School’s achievements in research and extension, noting its instrumental role in the development of crop varieties such as cassava, cowpea, and soybean. 

He added that through the Sasakawa Fund for Extension Education, the School has trained over 80 percent of Ghana’s Agricultural Extension officers, solidifying its place as a leader in agricultural education and innovation.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, lauded the School’s longstanding contributions and expressed optimism for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Provost of CANS, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan

Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, reflected on the School’s legacy in producing agricultural professionals who have significantly shaped policy, advanced scientific research, and led agribusinesses. 

He highlighted the School’s resilience in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.  Dr. Acquah reaffirmed the School’s commitment to future-focused growth, including modernising curricula, expanding research initiatives, and fostering inclusive partnerships to drive sustainable agricultural transformation.

Senior citizens of School of Agriculture being recognised at the launch

The event also featured goodwill messages from key partners including the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), alumni, and the Centre of Awareness Research and Manufacturing Company Limited. 

Special recognition was given to retired staff of the School for their invaluable contributions over the years.

 

Career Forge 1.0: Empowering Students for the Job Market through Practical Career Development Training

17 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

A one-day career development seminar dubbed Career Forge 1.0 has been held at the University of Cape Coast, bringing together students from the Department of Business to engage with industry-focused strategies to enhance their employability.

The event, an initiative of Dr. Joana Eva Dodoo, formed part of the project work for Level 300 students offering the ‘Training and Development’ course in the Department of Business at the College of Distance Education (CoDE).

Themed, “From Campus to Marketplace: Enhancing Students’ Employability for the Job Market,” the programme sought to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace demands through interactive sessions.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Joana Eva Dodoo explained that the programme was designed based on a needs assessment of the students and was intended to provide practical tools that would stay with them for a lifetime.

Dr. Joana Eva Dodoo

“If we make our courses practical enough, students will engage better, understand it more deeply, and we can begin to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” she stated.

A Senior Lecture at the School of Business, UCC, Dr. Edward Nii Amarh Amarteifio, delivered a presentation focused on employability preparation. He stressed the need for students to take ownership of their career journey and begin preparing for the workplace long before graduation.

“We have to be intentional about ensuring student employability,” he said, urging students to see interviews, internships, and networking as essential training grounds. He emphasized the importance of personal branding and digital presence, advising students to "have a digital footprint" and "optimize their LinkedIn accounts."

Dr. Amarteifio walked participants through practical job readiness steps, covering the pre-interview, interview, and post-interview stages. He highlighted the importance of knowing the job on offer, having an effective elevator pitch, and avoiding common distractions such as excessive use of social media.

Dr. Edward Nii Amarh Amarteifio

He also emphasized self-awareness as a foundation for career success. “Know yourself, understand your temperament and personality,” he said, adding that these insights would help students align their strengths with job roles that fit.

Ms. Linda Otoo, who spoke on the topic, ‘Enhancing AI and Digital Literacy’, urged students to align themselves with current digital trends.

“Education is no longer confined to textbooks and lectures. Digital literacy is your career currency,” she remarked.

She advised students to identify digital skills relevant to their field, such as typing, using Google Meet, and managing digital documents to build professional portfolios.

 “Let AI be your teammate, not your competitor,” she added.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RUFORUM_TAGDev 2.0_visit

RUFORUM Executive Secretary leads strategic visit to UCC to deepen TAGDev 2.0 partnership

16 Jul, 2025 By DIS

The Executive Secretary of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Prof. Patrick Okori, has led a level three-member delegation on a five-day working visit to the University of Cape Coast (UCC). 

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme in Ghana.

Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and RUFORUM, TAGDev 2.0 is a flagship initiative being implemented in 12 African universities, with UCC as the host institution in Ghana. 

The programme is designed to equip young people with relevant skills for employment, foster agricultural innovation, and position universities as strategic drivers of national development.

Welcoming the delegation, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, expressed the University's commitment for hosting TAGDev 2.0, citing UCC’s long-standing expertise in agricultural training and research. 

He noted the University’s dedication to the programme’s success, evidenced by the provision of dedicated office infrastructure, and dedicated support from management.

Prof. Aheto indicated that work transition was the central focus of the University’s programme and aligned seamlessly with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of transforming the University into an entrepreneurial institution.  The Pro Vice-Chancellor stated. “It’s about equipping our graduates not just for jobs, but to become innovators and job creators themselves.” 

Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto (right) with Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori

Prof. Okori lauded UCC for its readiness and commitment to the TAGDev initiative, describing Ghana as a strategic country with strong institutional capacity, a stable governance environment, and a dynamic youth population. 

“TAGDev is more than just training. It is about transitioning graduates into productive employment and transforming universities into engines of policy innovation and national development,” he stated.

Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori and Manager Skilling, Engagement for Community Development, Prof. Anthony Egeru

He added that RUFORUM has already supported the training of over 6,000 PhDs across Africa and aims to train 100,000 PhDs under the Agenda 2063.

Speaking at the event, TAGDev 2.0 Programme Coordinator at UCC, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong, explained that UCC’s selection followed a rigorous due diligence process. He highlighted that since December 2024, the University has rolled out key activities aligned with the programme’s objectives, laying a strong foundation for impact.

Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong speaking at the meeting

Prof. Anthony Egeru, another member of the RUFORUM delegation, emphasized the transformational agenda of TAGDev 2.0 and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, local ownership, and strong institutional leadership. 

He praised UCC’s infrastructure and preparedness, describing it as a benchmark for other partner institutions.

Throughout the five-day visit, the RUFORUM team is expected to engage with university leadership, implementation teams, and key stakeholders to deliberate on issues of institutionalization, financing, and the long-term sustainability of the TAGDev programme.

TAGDev 2.0 is envisioned as a game-changing initiative that will contribute significantly to Ghana’s agricultural transformation, particularly through skills development, community-based research, and inclusive, climate-resilient growth.

UCC, University of Cincinnati, and Tulane University meet to Deepen Academic and Research Partnerships

16 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has welcomed high-level delegations from the University of Cincinnati and Tulane University, USA, as part of efforts to foster collaboration in research, public health, and academic development.

The courtesy call, held at UCC, marked a significant step toward strengthening international ties through academic exchange, collaborative projects, and institutional development.

The delegation from the University of Cincinnati was led by Ms. Elizabeth Kiscaden, Dean and University Librarian, while Tulane University was represented by Prof. Thomas LaVeist, Dean and Weatherhead Chair, and Prof. Samuel Kakraba, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics and Data Science.

As part of the visit, UCC and Tulane University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines collaboration in curriculum development, joint research, faculty and student exchange, and shared resources, particularly in public health and information science.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Kiscaden highlighted the broad goals of the partnership.

“We have a plan to exchange through our libraries, and also to seek funding. I’m looking forward to a successful partnership,” she commented.

She noted that their plan includes mutual exchange of expertise, resource sharing, and joint funding proposals, especially in digital accessibility and AI-enhanced library systems.

On behalf of Tulane University, Prof. Thomas LaVeist expressed confidence in the collaboration.

“We’re excited about this partnership and the opportunity to collaborate in the area of public health and beyond. This is the beginning of a long-term relationship that we believe will produce impactful results.”, he stated.

Prof. Samuel Kakraba indicated that their team was enthusiastic about joint research and innovation with UCC in addressing emerging public health challenges.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, affirmed the University’s dedication to such global partnerships.

“We are proud as a university to welcome you and partner with you. Our University is student-centered; that is why over the past five years, we have championed entrepreneurship and innovation,” he highlighted.

Prof. Aheto added, “We hope that the collaborations will expand beyond the faculties you are already working with, and that the activities in the MoU will not be left on the shelf.”

The Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq), encouraged both institutions to “Work together and learn from each other.”

The UCC Librarian, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, added that UCC and the University of Cincinnati have begun collaboration to exchange library resources, and were committed to the success of the MoU.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Students complete STEM-Pulse Workshop

16 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology has organised a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pulse capacity building workshop to equip students with employability and STEM leadership skills.

The two-day workshop was held in collaboration with the British Council and Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom.

The workshop, which also aimed to advance gender-inclusive initiatives, covered a range of topics, including Practical AI tools for empowering women in STEM, AI skills for equity, Employability, and others.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Anderson Akponeware, a Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, emphasised the need to foster female participation in STEM.

 He called on institutions in Ghana to bridge the gender gap in STEM-related fields as part of a broader push to cultivate female talent across Ghana and beyond.

While underlining the need for industry partnerships to empower young women pursuing STEM careers, Dr. Akponeware also challenged women to embrace opportunities in STEM and break systemic barriers that limit their access to economic independence.

Dr. Sandra Obiora and Dr. Anderson Akponeware at the capacity-building workshop

He said many women hesitated to enter STEM fields, not due to a lack of ability, but because of deeply ingrained societal norms. He, therefore, urged women to be confident, step into leadership roles and mentor, support, uplift and advocate for fellow women.

The Principal Investigator of the STEM Pulse Project, Dr. Regina Esi Turkson, who spoke on the Strategies for Promoting Early STEM Engagement for Girls, charged corporate Ghana and stakeholders to invest in creating opportunities for young girls and women who are in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

She indicated that STEM remained a critical tool for driving socio-economic and inclusive growth, calling on stakeholders to be intentional about pushing STEM and encouraging more young women to explore careers in the field.

“To achieve this, we have to show them that their dreams are possible, provide mentoring opportunities for them, and get them to engage with women who have excelled in the world of STEM,” he said.

A section of participants in a practical session

She admonished participants at the workshop to be courageous and curious about technology.

Dr. Turkson charged women to stand up and act to have equity at the table.

For her part, a Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Dr. Sandra Obiora, speaking on the topic: “Understanding Employability, Comprehending Job-Market Dynamics Strategic Career Path Mapping,” urged the students in the technology industry to develop soft skills to be competitive in the sector.

She said most employers wanted candidates with added skills like leadership potential and creativity to add value to their operations.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

Innovate UK delegation pays familiarisation visit to UCC

09 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

A delegation from Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) has paid a courtesy visit to the management of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The delegation, led by the Knowledge Transfer Adviser, John Clayton, was in UCC to familiarize themselves with the projects of researchers funded by the KTP in UCC.

Mr. Clayton said the delegation was also in Ghana to officially launch the Farmsense project and explore ways to transfer the knowledge and innovations developed during its implementation to the wider university community.

Receiving the delegation, the Pro Vice-Chancellor , Prof. Denis Aheto, welcomed the visitors and commended them for supporting researchers in UCC.

He said he was happy that two faculty members – Prof. Ernest Teye and Prof. Robert Sarpong Amoah – had their projects under the KTP.

He indicated that the Technology Transfer Office of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) would be happy to collaborate with KTP so that researchers in UCC would undertake research projects that benefit society.

Prof. Aheto stated that he was optimistic that KTP would partner with other sectors in the University.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC holds Maiden Sociological and Anthropological lecture

08 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology has hosted its maiden public lecture aimed at creating a platform for Sociologists and Anthropologists to address the country’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to national policy dialogue.

It also aimed to raise awareness on the importance of Sociology and Anthropology across sectors.  

The lecture, organised in partnership with the Du Bois Museum Foundation in Accra, was themed, “Reclaiming the Narrative: W.E.B. Du Bois – Race, Slavery, Pan-Africanism and Our Heritage.”

The Head of the Department of Social Sciences at Central University, Dr. Joseph Ocran, who delivered the keynote address, called on Africans to prioritise internal unity as a foundation for the success of the Pan-Africanism agenda.  

He stressed that efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora would be futile without strong internal cohesion among Africans on the continent.  

“If we cannot mend our ties within our African space, we have no business looking at connecting with those on the outside. Pan-Africanism must start from home,” he explained.  

Dr. Ocran indicated that Pan-Africanism should extend beyond the US and the Caribbean to all parts of the world where people of African descent live, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where many Africans face hardship and marginalisation.

The keynote speaker also urged Africans to overcome linguistic barriers that limit unity and collaboration.

 “We must look beyond our linguistic comfort zones to reach those places we have traditionally ignored,” he said.  

Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro with members of the newly launched W. E. Du Bois and Pan Africanism Club

Speaking at the event, Prof. De-Valera N.Y.M. Botchway of the Department of History and Diplomacy, UCC, lauded Du Bois for using intellectual activism to fight racial injustice in America, despite not having personally experienced slavery.  

According to him, Du Bois’s efforts to educate people of African descent urged the youth to follow his example. 

A Senior Lecturer at the Sociology and Anthropology at UCC, Dr. Brempong Osei-Tutu, condemned attempts to downplay the atrocities of slavery. He stressed the importance of preserving this historical memory to guide future development.  

“We live in an age where we are not dreaming. We speak of Nkrumah and other great leaders, but who are the new torchbearers?” he asked. “It is our responsibility as a department to help shape the next generation of African visionaries,” he added.

The Head of the Department of  Sociology and Anthropology , UCC, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, underscored the relevance of Sociology and Anthropology to modern society.  

She noted that the disciplines were often misunderstood or underappreciated but are deeply connected to all facets of life, including agriculture, health, environment, gender, politics, education, media, culture, and even the study of witchcraft.  

Prof. Oduro said the focus on Du Bois was deliberate - to honour his enduring legacy in shaping African identity.

“Du Bois’s intellectual contributions offer a framework for current conversations on slavery, Pan-Africanism, and our collective heritage,” she stated.  

The chairperson for the occasion, the incoming Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Rofela Combey, emphasised the essence of preventing racial discrimination to address educational disparities and promote justice globally.

The event also saw the launch of the W. E. Du Bois and Pan Africanism Club, which focuses on empowering Africa.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

WASH Fair Promotes Community Health at Amamoma

08 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The National Science Foundation (USA), under the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Scheme, has funded a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Fair at Amamoma - one of the surrounding communities of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

This forms part of a collaborative project between UCC, the University of South Florida, and Shippensburg University.

Organised by UCC’s Department of Geography and Regional Planning and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the the School of Sustainable Engineering of UCC, the WASH Fair brought together researchers, students, community leaders, and international partners to address critical issues of water access, sanitation, and hygiene in local communities.

The chairperson of the event, Safohenpanyin of Amamoma, Nana Kofi Sheburah, welcomed the initiative and encouraged community members to make the most of the knowledge being shared. He praised the collaboration for bringing practical knowledge to the grassroots.

Giving the purpose of the gathering, Prof. Peter Appiah Obeng, Dean- elect for, explained that the event formed part of a three-year international research project.

He said the University had a responsibility towards its surrounding communities to educate them and also to interrelate with other universities.

Safohenpanyin of Amamoma, Nana Kofi Sheburah (in cloth), with some dignitaries who graced the fair

Prof. Obeng explained that, this is the second year of receiving foreign students with their UCC counterparts to come together for research.

“We aim to educate the community on how to protect our water bodies and also provide safe drinking water,” he explained.

The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Mrs. Juliette Dufie Otami, the Central Regional Director of Education, expressed concern about the poor state of water and sanitation facilities in schools. She was also concerned about how inadequate water supply and toilet facilities contribute to absenteeism in schools.

Dr. Otami called for a long-term approach to solving these issues: “Let us take this opportunity to think beyond short-term fixes and work towards long-term community development. Let us prioritise clean water and toilet facilities in schools and homes.”, she added.

Dr. Otami further emphasised the need to work towards ensuring that clean water and toilet facilities were not privileges for a few, but a guaranteed right for all.

The WASH Fair featured interactive sessions and practical demonstrations on safe water practices, hygiene education, and environmental conservation.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC SRC Week Celebration Ends with Grand Durbar

08 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has climaxed its Week Celebration with a grand durbar held on campus.

Themed “From Tradition to Transformation: The Impact of Student Leadership on National Development”, the well-attended durbar was graced by student chiefs and queen mothers, some diasporans, students and members of the general public.

Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, who was the Guest Speaker, lauded the SRC for preserving the tradition of intellectual engagement while inspiring a new generation of transformational leaders.

Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku

He advised students to imbibe and practice Ghanaian core values as a foundation to prepare themselves to become responsible adults and leaders of their communities and the nation. According to him, the country's core values were fading out of society, hence the need to revisit them.

The MP mentioned patriotism, justice, honesty, trustworthiness, peaceful co-existence, hard work, decorum in language, and respect for the elderly as some of the core values, which were gradually fading out of the Ghanaian society.

Some students at the event

The Board Chairman of the National Service Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Okai Mintah, urged young people to set and show good examples to others in all circumstances.

He said that in a time where sometimes adults were the ones who encouraged wrong, young people should strive to be good examples to lead others in truth and honour.

"A good leader sets a good example; a bad leader does the opposite. Sometimes, people don't like us for not following their bad example or for calling out bad examples, but in a good society, good examples are a reward," he said.

The Dean of Students, Prof. Daniel Apaak, stressed the importance of character development among young people as a foundation for navigating the real-world of responsibilities.

He said traits such as honesty, fairness, compassion, and respect were essential for nurturing effective and ethical leadership.

Prof. Daniel Apaak

"Don't focus on just academic growth, but on building ethical leaders. Leadership is not about the title one holds but the actions. Leadership is about service, not status,” he said.

In his address, SRC President Abraham Norman Nortey reflected on the journey of student leadership at UCC and its intersection with national development.

Mr. Abraham Norman Nortey

“The mantle of leadership in student spaces is not merely ceremonial - it is a call to action. From tradition to transformation, we are redefining what it means to lead,” he stated.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC SoB Launches 50th Anniversary Celebration

03 Jul, 2025 By louis Mensah

The School of Business (SoB) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebration under the theme, “University of Cape Coast School of Business @50: Expanding the Frontiers of Business Excellence.” The event brought together distinguished alumni, students, faculty, and stakeholders to reflect on the school’s legacy and chart a bold path for the future. 

Delivering the keynote address, Presidential Advisor on the Economy and former Minister for Finance, Hon. Seth Terkper emphasized the urgent need for innovation and relevance in business education.

“We cannot afford to rest. We have no option but to work hard,” he said, stressing that Ghana’s status as a middle-income country demands institutional resilience and excellence.

“Business education must go beyond textbook knowledge,” he emphasized. Hon. Terkper added, “We must be willing to expand the social frontiers in which we operate. Business cannot be separated from society.”

He indicated that the students are the next frontier, while faculty members remain the architects of the solution needed to change Ghana’s economic gains. He also asked faculty to make their impact affect policies and not only make an impact in journals.

A section of students at the anniversary launch

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, by the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, the Vice-Chancellor praised the School’s influence across sectors.

“UCC alumni are everywhere shaping government decisions, national and international policies,” he said, reaffirming the School’s relevance and growing global impact.

Prof. Samuel Kwaku Agyei, the Acting Dean of the School, expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the founders and the progress made over five decades.

“I believe we are living out the dreams of the founders of this School,” he stated. He noted that the School currently has over 6,000 students, including 20 foreign nationals.

The Acting Dean noted, “We aspire to provide reliable services through our commitment.” He called on University management, alumni, and stakeholders for continued support towards future endeavours.

Dignitaries at the launch

Advisor to the Bank of Ghana and immediate past Dean of the SoB, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsie, echoed the call for unity and sustained growth.

“Let us continue in the spirit of growth together,” he encouraged. He reminded attendees of the importance of unity in developing together.

Hon. Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, MP for Cape Coast North Constituency and a proud alumnus of the School, pledged his support for fundraising and development efforts.

The event marked the beginning of several activities planned to celebrate five decades of excellence in business education, including: Inter-SHS Business quiz, Public Lecture, Health screening, and Grand Durbar with a Fund-Raising.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

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