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UCC TAGDev 2.0 Programme Holds Workshop to Develop and Review Educational Policies

20 Jan, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) TAGDev 2.0 Programme has held a two-day workshop to discuss the development and review of essential educational policies to ensure students' success and improve overall academic outcomes.

The collaborative effort aims to ensure that UCC and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions remain responsive to the evolving needs of students and the broader community. This will be achieved through the adoption of policies on safeguarding, gender inclusivity, experiential education and learning, engagement strategy/farm attachment, and entrepreneurship education.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Registrar, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, some Deans, Heads of Department, Principals of Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and female staff from selected TAGDev 2.0 programmes.

Opening the workshop, the Registrar of UCC, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq.) underscored the importance of policies in shaping the academic environment and guiding resource allocation. 

Mr. Abbeyquaye underscored the essential role higher education institutions play as catalysts for transformation and sustainable development. 

The Registrar indicated that effective policies and strategic implementation were crucial for driving institutional change, enhancing academic quality, and fostering social responsibility.

UCC Programme Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong, noted that the goal of the programme was to empower African youth and institutions, enabling them to drive inclusive and climate-resilient changes in agriculture and agrifood systems. 

He noted that an evaluation of the University's existing policies revealed a lack of framework in critical areas such as institutional safeguarding and gender inclusivity.

Prof. Annor-Frempong said TAGDev 2.0 programme focused on supporting the development of new policies and the review of existing ones at UCC and TVETs in Ghana. 

He noted that the initiative aimed to strengthen the educational framework, ensuring it effectively meets the needs of students and the broader community.

Facilitators and participants at the workshop engaged in a comprehensive analysis of needs assessment and awareness creation. The workshop also focused on the implementation of policies that relate to safeguarding, gender inclusivity, experiential education, community engagement strategies, and entrepreneurship education.

The discussions at the workshop highlighted the need to develop actionable steps for policy adoption by the University, alongside training for faculty to effectively integrate these policies into teaching and learning frameworks and create an enabling environment for students.

 

Prof. Aheto_Spotlight

Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto has been ushered into office as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast (UCC) for a three-year term from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

 At a hand over ceremony, the immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, whose term of office had ended  handed over to Prof Aheto.

 Speaking at the function, Prof. Aheto noted that his vision was to provide strategic leadership to foster a transformative, inclusive and diverse academic environment that empowers excellence in research, teaching and outreach for wider impact on society.

He indicated that his vision was inspired by the strategic vision of the University (Corporate Strategic Plan, 2023-2027), and that of the Vice-Chancellor (2020-2024), which were aimed at transforming the UCC into a world-class entrepreneurial university.

Prof.  Aheto pledged to support the Vice-Chancellor and management to create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and to promote a sense of community and belonging among students, faculty, and staff.

“I will prioritise the development of our faculty and staff, recognising that they are our most valuable assets. I will work to create opportunities for professional development, postgraduate education, mentorship, and global recognition, and will ensure that our faculty and staff have the resources and support they need to excel in their roles,” he added.

He paid glowing tribute to Prof. Boohene laying a solid foundation adding that “I pledge to build upon the successes you have achieved. Your leadership and dedication to the university have been exemplary, and I will strive to emulate your example.”

 In her remark, Prof. Boohene noted that her term as Pro Vice-Chancellor had been one of the most fulfilling chapters of her career and indicated that “As I reflect on these past three years, I am filled with gratitude for the collective efforts that have shaped our journey.”

 

 Prof. Boohene noted that together with management, new programmes had been introduced, the University received wide visibility through high impact rankings and strengthened industry collaborations.

“These achievements are the results of teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” she elaborated.

 She was confident that Prof. Aheto would bring his wealth of experience, fresh perspective, and a passion for excellence that will undoubtedly propel University of Cape Coast to greater heights.  “I am confident that under your leadership, the university will continue to flourish and expand its impact locally and globally” she averred.

 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko-Boampong commended Prof. Boohene for her dedicated services to the University and indicated that management would continue to tap into her experience as the University continued to strive for excellence in all facets of the institution.

While congratulating Prof. Aheto on his appointment, Prof. Boampong was optimistic that his new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor would elevate UCC, promote a culture of innovation and inclusivity that reflects the University's vision.

 

 A former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC. Prof. John Nelson Buah, advised the new Pro Vice-Chancellor to always consult the Vice-Chancellor in taking decisions as far as the University was concerned.

He urged him to be humble and approachable and also listen attentively to everyone who reaches out to him.

 

Staff Spotlight
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

UCC Collaborates with Huawei Technologies to Provide Smart Campus Solutions

20 Jan, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast is collaborating with Huawei Technologies to introduce smart campus solutions to enhance teaching, research and extension services.

To this end, Huawei Technologies will work with the University to provide customised design solutions, as well as data integration, scenario integration, infrastructure, training, and maintenance services, through world-class project management solutions.

Speaking at a meeting with officials of Huawei Technologies, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, noted that UCC was exploring avenues to deploy smart solutions to create a seamless platform for carrying out its administrative and academic operations. He welcomed Huawei Technologies for showing interest to collaborate with UCC to achieve that objective. 

“We want to create the best experience for faculty, staff and students to play their roles effectively and efficiently to reaffirm UCC’s status as a university with global recognition” he noted.

The leader of the Huawei delegation, Mr. Ian Zhu, said his company had a wide range of services including smart classrooms, smart campus, and research innovation. 

He noted that the solution offered customizable solutions such as hybrid learning, collaborative classroom, digital classroom, intelligent collaboration, safe campus, school connectivity, smart and campus network.

Mr. Ian Zhu making a presentation at the meeting

Mr. Zhu indicated that Huawei offered student-centered hybrid learning and digital classroom solutions for both lecturers and students.

He said Huawei was actively working on cultivating qualified talent in the field of higher education to promote the integration of education with hands-on industry practice by encouraging students' practical learning that will prepare them for the markets.

Present at the meeting were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto and Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq.); Director, Directorate of Research Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), Prof. David Teye Doku, and Director, Information, Communications and Technology Services (DICTS), Dr. John K. Edumadze and other office holders of UCC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

Pro Vice-Chancellor pays working visit to Directorates

14 Jan, 2025 By DIS

The newly-appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Aheto, has paid a day’s visit to familiarize and formally introduce himself to some administrative Directors of the University.

Prof. Aheto, who was accompanied by the Director of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah Bentum (rtd), visited the Directorates of Human Resource, Public Affairs, Information and Communication Services, Consular and General Services, and the Legal Office.

At the meetings, the Pro Vice-Chancellor interacted with the directors and assured them of his unflinching support during his tenure in office.

Prof. Denis Aheto explaining a point in one of the meetings

He used the occasion to outline his vision to help the Vice-Chancellor to enable the University to mobilize resources from development partners. 

“We cannot build a university solely with school fees,” he continued

He emphasised the critical role of staff development and ensured that he would use his good offices to build the capacities of staff in the University.

“The development of the human resource capital is a crucial issue in all organizations. The greatest asset of every organisation is the staff. As such, we need to invest the required resources to regularly update the knowledge, skills and competencies of staff, the most important resource in the University,” he said.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor said Graduate School was on the front burner of his vision and said he would do his possible best to improve the fortunes of the School to woo more students.

For their part, the Directors congratulated Prof. Aheto on his appointment and elevation and gave their fullest assurance that their directorates will ensure he succeeds.

They told the Pro Vice-Chancellor about the challenges militating against their directorates and asked him to address those challenges to ensure efficiency in their operations.

The Senior Assistant Registrar at the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Alfred Ghartey, was present at the separate meetings.

Directorate of Human Resource

The first port of call for the Pro Vice-Chancellor  was the Directorate of Human Resource.

He was welcomed by the Director of the Directorate of Human Resource, Mr. Adom Konadu, who congratulated  Prof. Aheto on his appointment and elevation.

The Director indicated the readiness of the Directorate  to employ new staff to replace staff on retirement immediately its get clearance from government.

For his part, Prof. Aheto promised to work with staff of the Directorate  to achieve his vision for the University.

Directorate of Public Affairs

At the Directorate  of Public Affairs, the Director, Major Kofi Baah Bentum (rtd), congratulated Prof. Aheto on his appointment.

He used the opportunity  to tell Pro Vice-Chancellor some of the challenges militating against the Directorate  and asked him to use his good offices to address them to ensure efficiency.

On his part, Prof. Aheto asked that the Directorate  conducted needs assessment and assured the Directorate  of his support.

Directorate  of Consular and General Services

The Pro Vice-Chancellor also met with the senior officers  of the Directorate  of Consular and General Services. He was received to the Directorate by the Head of Immigration Section, Dr. Mary Obimpeh.

The Headmistress University Primary School, Mrs. Georgina Aglobitse, told the Pro Vice-Chancellor that the school was understaffed  and contract staff teachers were inadequately remunerated.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, for his part, promised to do his best to address the  issues.

Legal Affairs Office

The Pro Vice-Chancellor  ended his visit at the Legal Office, where he was welcomed by Mr. Solomon Gyesi, a legal officer.

 

 

POJOBA congratulates Pro Vice-Chancellor

14 Jan, 2025 By DIS

The Cape Coast branch of the Pope John Old Boys Association (POJOBA) has congratulated Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto on his recent appointment as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.

According to the group, Prof. Aheto, who is an old student of the School and for that matter a member of the association, by his elevation deserved every bit of commendation for making himself and POJOBAs across the world proud.

The Pope John Senior High School and Junior Seminary Old Students group, which was led by the patron, Mr. Douglas Frimpong Nuroh, said the association was “proud of you for having come this far to assume this position in your academic career”.

“We congratulate you on your hard-earned success. You are proof that good things come to those who are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals. Words can’t express how proud members of the association are,” he told Prof Aheto. 

He added that the Pro Vice-Chancellor was an embodiment of  his alma mater's motto, "Vela Damus – We Set Sail," 

Prof. Denis Aheto(middle) receiving a citation from an executive member of POJOBA

He assured him of the association's unwavering support, stating, "POJOBA is rallying behind you and is ready to help out in any way possible to ensure a successful term in office."

According to him, Prof. Aheto's achievement had inspired POJOBAs and current students to work hard in their fields of endeavour to achieve heights wherever they found themselves.  

“We urge the current generation of students to emulate you for what you have achieved for yourself," he continued.

In his remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor expressed his profound appreciation to POJOBA, especially the Cape Coast branch for the honour done him.

He said: "I am surprised, humbled, and lost for words because I did not expect this visit." He added, "I am extremely happy for the reminder that POJOBA colleagues are ready to support me."

He recounted his days at the Pope John Senior High School and Junior Seminary  as a student, and said that period shaped his love for academics.

The  Pope John Senior High School and Junior Seminary Old Students presented a citation to the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Members of the association in the company of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, later visited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in his office.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

 

UCC releases Four New Yellow-Fleshed Cassava Varieties

10 Jan, 2025 By DIS

The Department of Crop Science of the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has released four new yellow-fleshed cassava varieties. 

The varieties, Hewale Duade, Adom bankye, Taah bankye and Atsike gbeli, were developed through a collaborative effort between the BINARI-GAEC and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

Purpose

These varieties are designed to be high-yielding, rich in beta-carotene, resistant to major biotic stresses, particularly CMD, and possess farmer-preferred traits such as high dry matter content and mealiness. This project aims to improve food security, enhance nutrition, and contribute to Ghana’s agricultural resilience by introducing these nutrient-dense varieties. Adopting these new varieties is anticipated to support public health goals and drive sustainable growth within Ghana’s agricultural sector, benefiting local communities and the expanding cassava-based industries.

A Renowned Cassava Expert and Lecturer at the Department of Crop Science, Dr. Emmanuel Ogyiri Adu, who presented the varieties before the body in charge of officially releasing varieties, that is the National Varietal Release and Registration Committee (NVRRC) for consideration and approval, said the varieties were high-yielding, rich in beta-carotene, and above all possessing farmer preferred traits such as high dry matter content and mealiness which makes them easy poundable into fufu and eaten as ampesi. 

Dr. Emmanuel Ogyiri Adu explaining a point during the field inspection

“The introduction of these nutrient-dense varieties will improve food security, enhance nutrition, reduce malnutrition in children and above all contribute to Ghana’s agricultural resilience,” he continued. 

Dr. Ogyiri Adu urged stakeholders to adopt these new varieties rich in vitamin A for gari production, particularly for Senior High Schools, where gari is widely consumed.

Commercialization 

The Cassava Expert said the Department of Crop Science and the School of Agriculture had plans to scale up production by cultivating over 30 acres of cassava at the University’s 419 acres at Twifo Wamaso. “The purpose is to supply planting material to farmers nationwide and also to process and sell vitamin A biofortified gari to the University community and especially students at a very affordable price,” he added.

He also noted that the next phase involved training of farmers on cultivation techniques, good agronomic practices and also providing planting materials for large-scale replication.

Field inspection and exhibition 

At the field, Dr. Emmanuel Ogyiri Adu (Lead Investigator) explained the unique characteristics of the four yellow-fleshed cassava varieties to the team members. There was an exhibition on various products such as cassava flour, cassava cake, cassava pie, cassava doughnut, gari, kokonte, agbliklakro, fufu and ampesi. 

Keystakeholders at the exhibition

Research

The proposed varieties were mutants developed by Dr. Godwin Amernope, a Principal Research Scientist at BNARI-Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and IITA collaboration from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, these promising genotypes were distributed to the Department of Crop Science, UCC as part of the doctoral thesis of Emmanuel Ogyiri Adu for Advanced yield, Multi locational, On- and Off- Farm Trials aimed at varietal release. After seven years (2017 -2024) of advanced yield trials and farmer-field testing by the Department of Crop Science under the School of Agriculture of the University of Cape Coast these cassava genotypes were evaluated  for their stable yields (33–45 t/ha), high beta-carotene content (6–10 µg/g), high dry matter (27–36%), low hydrogen cyanide levels (30–40 mg/100 g), mealiness and resistance to CMD.

Commendation

The Director, Crop Services MoFA and Chairman for NVRRC, Dr. Solomon Gyan Ansah, lauded the collaboration between UCC, the BINARI-GAEC, and the Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Dr. Gyan Ansah confirmed that the varieties were high yielding, elevated carotenoid content, mealiness, resistance to CMD and high dry matter content.

Chairman of NVRRC, Dr. Gyan Ansah addressing the gathering

Recommendation of the four yellow fleshed cassava 

After inspecting the crops on the field and assessing the presentations on each of the proposed varieties, the Chairman of NVRRC, Dr. Gyan Ansah, said the four yellow- fleshed cassava had been recommended for release considering their substantial benefit to the nation and the agriculture sector.

In a closing remark, the Head of Department of Crop Science, Prof. Michael Osei Adu, expressed gratitude to the NVRRC for accepting all the proposed varieties. He asked for more collaborations between MoFA and the University to ensure proper sanitizing and multiplication of the varieties to farmers.  

Project Support

The project received substantial support from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with Dr. Elizabeth Parkes of IITA-Zambia playing a pivotal role in securing funding. Other key contributors include Peter Ilelubey of IITA, Dr. Godwin Amernope, Principal Research Scientist at BINARI-GAEC and the Vice chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare Bediako, who initiated the collaboration with UCC. 

Appreciation 

Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-graft Acquah, the Vice Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Paul Agu Asare, the Head of the Department of Crop Science, Prof. Michael Osei Adu, former Head of the Department of Crop Science, Prof. Kingsley Taah, James Nyarko Amoah, a Technologist and all farmers that were involved in the on-farm trials. 

The event was chaired by Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-graft Acquah.

A group photograph of officials from the School of Agriculture, BINARI-GAEC and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Current Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Coast

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NGO presents 50,000 tablets to Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre

08 Jan, 2025 By DIS

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Good Neighbors Ghana, has presented 50,000 tablets of Praziquantel valued at $5,750 to the Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to support the treatment of Schistosomiasis in communities within the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly.

This gesture follows earlier interactions between Good Neighbors and the Centre, during which the two organisations engaged with communities relying on the Kakum River as a water source. 

These engagements revealed significant pollution of the river, contributing to the high prevalence of Schistosomiasis in the Cape Coast area.

The donated tablets

The Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Elvis O. Ameyaw, who represented the Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS), lauded the NGO for its kind gesture and thanked them for coming to ease the challenges of the people within the affected communities.

“The donation is a testament to the fact that UCC conducts impactful research that yields positive results. We can assure you that the drugs will get to the intended communities,” he continued.

Speaking on behalf of Good Neighbors, Naumun Heo, said that the initiative marked the  first project of the NGO in the western part of Ghana.

Naumun Heo making remarks at event

He used the occasion to express gratitude to UCC for the impactful research and added that the NGO would continue to partner with the Centre to alleviate the plight of communities.

“This is the beginning of our partnership, and we are looking at expanding our collaboration beyond this donation,” he said.

The Centre’s Director, Prof. Samuel Kyei, on his part, expressed appreciation to Good Neighbors for its humanitarian gesture. 

He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the “Schisto” project.

Prof. Samuel Kyei

“This is not an isolated project; that is why we want to get all stakeholders on board,”he remarked.

Prof. Kyei further expressed hope for a lasting partnership with Good Neighbors and other stakeholders, such as the Ghana Health Service, to ensure the continuity of the project.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

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