In its commitment to support academic excellence and financial accessibility, the Students' Financial Support Office (STuFSO) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held its annual scholarship awards ceremony.
The event celebrated the exceptional achievements of three hundred and fifteen (315) students who received various forms of scholarships, ranging from partial to full tuition supports.
The scholarship award scheme, which provides financial assistance to brilliant but needy students, saw a significant increase in applications this year. The office received one thousand six hundred and forty-six (1,646) applications, indicating a 5.3% increment compared to the one thousand, five hundred and sixty-four (1,564) applications received in 2023. This overwhelming response underscores the profound need for such initiatives and the University's commitment to ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder academic aspirations.
Prof. (Mrs) Rosemond Boohene, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC and chairperson of the Students’ Financial Support Committee
In her welcome address, the chairperson of the Students’ Financial Support Committee (SFSC), Prof. (Mrs) Rosemond Boohene, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, expressed her delight at the remarkable achievements of the 53 awardees who attained first-class honours.
She emphasized that the scholarships were distributed equitably across the University's Colleges, Faculties/Schools, and Departments, based on the students’ financial circumstances and the attainment of a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or better.
The scholarship program at UCC draws financial support from a diverse range of sources, including the Central Administration, the Office of the Dean of Students' Affairs, the Students' Representative Council, the Graduate Students' Association of Ghana, the Distance Students' Association of Ghana, the Junior Common Room Council, and the University's esteemed alumni.
A photo of some dignitaries who graced the occasion
This collaborative effort ensures the sustainability and broader impact of the scholarship initiative. For the 2023/2024 academic year, contribution from the School of Business was increased by GHC 150, 000, further expanding the financial resources available to support deserving students.
The break-down of awardees is as follows:
College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences – 78
College of Education Studies - 85
College of Health and Allied Sciences – 57
College of Humanities and Legal Studies – 95
The ceremony was graced by; the Oguaa Omankorahen, Nana Kojo Krah (I), the Manwerehen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kweku Enu III, Provosts, Deans, Directors, and a section of the University's student body.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
As part of efforts to improve teaching and research in their alma mater, members of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) have donated laboratory and field equipment worth GHS 100,000 to the Department of Environmental Science of the University of Cape Coast.
This generous contribution is the first of its kind since the establishment of the Department in 2002.
GAYO was founded by two distinguished alumni of the Department, Joshua Amponsem and Desmond Alugnoa, from the graduating class of 2015.
The donation ceremony witnessed the presentation of various essential items including a Benchtop DOPH conductivity meter, a Turbidity meter, a Handheld PH conductivity meter, a distillation plant, an assortment of glassware, beakers of diverse volumes, and test tubes, among others. These state-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment will significantly bolster the department's capacity to conduct cutting-edge research and provide students with a comprehensive educational experience.
Members of GAYO in a group shot with some faculty of the Department
In a keynote address, a founder of GAYO, Joshua Amponsem, expressed the organization's commitment to supporting the advancement of education and research. He highlighted the importance of access to proper equipment and encouraged students to make the most of the newly donated resources.
He also revealed plans for the establishment of a Student Research Fund initiative soon.
"This initiative will be dedicated to supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research and project work, fostering a culture of academic excellence," he said.
Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Ernest Afrifa
Ahead of this donation, the Department of Environmental Science held a roundtable with executives of GAYO on the theme, “Tools of Transformation: Impact of Donated Equipment on Research and Education. During the meeting, the Head of the Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Ernest Afrifa, emphasised equipment's crucial role in empowering researchers.
He stressed that the availability of essential tools enhances technical competence, facilitates comprehensive training, and enables the generation of accurate and reliable research data. Dr. Afrifa appealed to corporate organizations and philanthropists to collaborate in formulating strategies to transform unused laboratories into fully equipped functional spaces that meet the needs of the department.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the department, the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Aaron Asare, commended GAYO for its remarkable contribution and assured that the donated equipment would be put to excellent use by the students.
A plaque at the ENNSA laboratory in honour of GAYO being unveiled
To commemorate this significant donation, the department unveiled a plaque at the ENNSA laboratory in honour of GAYO, recognizing their invaluable support and commitment to advancing environmental science education and research.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Ghana Chemical Society (GCS) has held its 20th Annual Conference and General Meeting at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The two-day conference was themed, "Chemistry Making the World a Better Place."
The event offered chemists in the country the opportunity to deliberate extensively on the problems facing the industry, in particular, and the country at large.
Addressing the conference, a Professor of Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Prof. James Darkwa, said the intermittent power outage situation in Ghana could be resolved through the storage of energy in large batteries.
He said the time had come to prioritise Africa's sustainable energy transition and unlock its vast potential.
Prof. James Darkwa, Professor of Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
To achieve that goal, Prof. Darkwa noted that the country was investing in wind, solar, and hydro projects, and had attracted significant international investment in its renewable energy sector.
He added that chemistry had served the country well in the health and allied industries, including food packaging, and polymers among others.
Prof. Dankwa pointed out that the role of chemists must focus on identifying ways to replace existing refinery processes and products with cleaner, safer and more efficient ones.
He, therefore, called on Ghanaians to engage stakeholders in the industry to make it more competent to respond to the needs of the nation.
President of GCS, Prof. David Kofi Essumang
The President of GCS, Prof. David Kofi Essumang, called for the enforcement of laws for every chemical shop or Agro shop to have a professional chemist.
He called on chemists to fight the rising spate of chemicals sold in the country without proper inventory by professional chemists.
Prof. Essumang, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University, further expressed worry about illegal mining activities, which harmed freshwater resources.
He said the wanton activities of the miners, especially near fresh water sources, had forced the Ghana Water Company to invest more in the purchase of chemicals for water treatment.
Some participants after the conference
He said many students despised the study of chemistry and called on members of the GCS to devise ways to whip students' interest in studying chemistry.
"I can say that chemistry is the easiest subject of all the science subjects. Chemistry uses formulas without assumptions. So, for Chemistry to make the world a better place, we need to have a better chemical education," he added.
The conference was chaired by the Provost of the College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
A day's seminar on the streaming industry has been held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The seminar, organised by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, was on the theme: "The Streaming Industry in Flux."
The resource persons included Prof. Bill William Lancaster of North Eastern University, USA, and Michael Krentzman of Redsummit Productions, USA.
Speaking to an audience of faculty and students at the Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang Auditorium, Prof. Lancaster said the streaming business was a changing marketplace where technology and consumer habits shift daily.
He said Africa was one of the fastest-growing continents on the planet and global streamers, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, had viewed the vast territory as the last frontier of growth.
Prof. Bill William Lancaster of North Eastern University, USA addressing the gathering
"Africa is expected to see significant growth in subscribers. This is encouraging news for global players established in Western and European countries," he added.
Prof. Bill William indicated that there had been growing concerns about the small number of Ghanaian movies on global movie streaming sites, particularly Netflix although filmmakers in Ghana have quality content.
He lauded the Department of Theatre and Film Studies for the collaboration and said the seminar also served as a platform for intellectual discourse, exchange of ideas, and the sharing of best practices.
Theatre and Film studies, he said, was not merely an academic pursuit but also a transformative force that opened doors of opportunities, offering young minds the skills needed to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century.
He encouraged students to let the seminar be a melting pot of diverse perspectives, among others, to address the challenges faced by the Theatre and Film industry on the continent.
A section of the participants
The Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Dr. Xornam Atta Owusu, in a remark, said Theatre and Film Studies was a catalyst for change, adding that it provided students with practical skills fundamental to industrial growth.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
Management of School of Graduate Studies, SGS, has ended its engagement sessions with the College of Distance Education (CoDE) postgraduate students at their designated study centres across the country for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The engagement sessions provided a platform for postgraduate students on University of Cape Coast distance programmes to connect with management of SGS, ask questions, and engage in insightful discussions regarding their academic journey.
The Management team that undertook the exercise were Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa; Vice-Dean, Prof. Ruphino Zugle; Coordinator for Postgraduate Programmes at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro; Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. John Linscell Yen; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku-Boadu and Assistant Registrar, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful.
The SGS Team
Wrapping up the exercise for this academic year at separate meetings with the postgraduate students at Accra and Tema Study Centres, the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to interact directly with distance students to gain valuable feedback to enhance the University’s services to them.
Prof. Darkwa noted that "Our goal for this exercise is to ensure that all students, regardless of their location, feel connected to our academic community and have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
The Dean of SGS commended the students for making the best decision to pursue their postgraduate education at UCC- the number one University in Ghana, West Africa and 7th in Africa.
Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa
In his remarks, the Senior Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. John Yen, said the University had a responsibility to provide quality academic services to students who form its major client. He said it was in that direction that Management of the School had travelled to interact with students to provide them guidelines on how to succeed as students of the University.
"Our goal is to create an environment where distance learners feel supported and empowered like their colleagues on campus,” Prof. Zugle noted.
Mr. Yen also took the opportunity to explain the structures of the University and mandate of SGS.
Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. John Linsell Yen
Mr. Yen advised the students to be responsible as junior members of the University. He drew their attention to the rules and regulations in the Students Handbook, Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies, Thesis, Dissertation and Project Work Guide among others.
“You will succeed in your academic endeavours at UCC if you acquaint yourselves with these documents” he noted. Mr. Yen informed the students that the University would continue to provide a congenial atmosphere to promote teaching, learning and research.
Speaking at the programme, the Postgraduate Coordinator at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro, explained that the engagement session marked the beginning of great things SGS and CoDE had in store for postgraduate students
“This engagement series has come to stay so you should feel free to bring out the challenges you have been facing with your academic work at UCC” he announced.
He encouraged them to take interest in the exercise to interact with officials of SGS and the University to get the right information to guide them to excel in their studies.
Postgraduate Coordinator at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro
In her presentation, the Accountant at SGS, Mrs. Mavis Opoku-Boadu prompted students of their obligation to settle their fees early to enable the University to continue to provide them with quality services.
“It’s essential for postgraduate students to manage their finances effectively and make timely payments to avoid any disruptions to your academic journey” she added.
Mrs. Boadu advised the students to make judicious use of their money and develop a saving culture to mobilise funds to pay their fees.
Accountant at SGS, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu
“We are very flexible with the payment of fees so you can pay it in instalments before the semester examination starts” she told them.
She said all payments must be made at the designated banks as well as the mobile short codes the University had communicated to students.
A student asking a question during the engagement session at Tema Centre
Making a presentation on aspects of the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful, noted that the pass mark at the graduate level was 60% and any student who score below that mark in any course would have to rewrite that course again.
He explained that students pursuing research masters but could not complete the thesis component of their programmes had the opportunity to step down to a lower masters’ degree in the same programme.
Another student asking a question during the programme at Papafio Centre
“Let me remind you that if you fail to meet the 2.0 minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average for non-research masters, then all your efforts have been in vain, you cannot graduate from the programme you’re pursuing. In the same way, those who want to continue with the research component of their programmes need a minimum of 2.5 minimum CGPA to progress or else the only option is for them to step down” he explained.
Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful
Mr. Nsaful took the students through channels of communication with SGS and urged them to follow the procedure when there was the need to reach out to the School.
He further explained the duration, mode of delivery and structure of postgraduate programmes; regulations for award of degrees; requirements for graduation
The team responded to questions and also noted down suggestions and recommendations from students during the interaction sessions.
The SGS Team with some lecturers and students at the Papafio Centre, Accra
The Vice President of Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG)-UCC chapter, Ms. Miriam Frimpong, noted that the Association, which was the umbrella body of all postgraduate students, would continue to ensure the welfare of members.
Ms. Frimpong said the executives had put in place measures to actively involve CoDE postgraduate students in the activities of the Association.
Vice-President of GRASAG-UCC, Ms. Marian Frimpong
Throughout the engagement the CoDE postgraduate students at the various centres the teams visited commended the team for the opportunity to interact with them and also respond to issues affecting their studies. The students believed that such initiatives highlight if sustain would help CoDE postgraduate students feel more integrated into the University of Cape Coast environment despite their remote status.
The SGS Team with students at Tema Study Centre
According to some of the students, sustaining the engagement sessions would go a long way to confirm the School of Graduate Studies' dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
In response to the growing demand for enhanced support and engagement for all postgraduate students of the University of Cape Coast, the Management of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has begun an engagement session with postgraduate students of the College of Distance Education (CoDE).
The third engagement session for the 2023/2024 Academic year was held with postgraduate students in Cape Coast and Takoradi Study Centres of CoDE.
Led by the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, the team took the students through an overview of UCC and academic structure, Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies and advised them on how they would succeed in their academic endeavours.
Postgraduate students of Cape Coast Centre at the Engagement Session
Other members of the SGS team were: Vice-Dean, Prof. Ruphino Zugle; Coordinator for Postgraduate Programmes at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro; Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. John Linscell Yen; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku-Boadu and Assistant Registrar, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful.
In her remarks during the separate meetings with the postgaraduate students in Cape Coast and Takoradi, Prof. Sarah Darkwa noted that the SGS Management decided to embark on this exercise to create a strong bond between the distance postgraduate students and the School of Graduate Studies in particular and the University of Cape Coast in general.
She noted that SGS recognised the unique challenges faced by students studying via distance mode and therefore, it was extremely important to prioritise regular communication and interaction with them irrespective of their geographical location in Ghana.
Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, speaking at the engagement session at the Cape Coast Centre
“We are aware that frequent interaction between students and their academic institutions will lead to improved student satisfaction, higher retention rates, and enhanced academic performance. We are here to listen to your challenges and suggestions to improve our services so you can sail through your academic journey at UCC,” she explained.
Postgraduate students of Cape Coast Centre at the Engagement Session
She congratulated the students on their successful admission to the number one University in Ghana, West Africa and among the best ten universities in Ghana.
The Vice-Dean of SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle noted that the School was responsible for coordinating postgraduate studies in UCC. He explained that the school liaised with the relevant Departments/School/Faculty/Colleges to deliver quality academic services to postgraduate students.
Vice-Dean of SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle speaking at the function
He said the core function of SGS included admission of students, regulations for postgraduate education at UCC, appointment of internal and external supervisors for students’ theses, approval of students results for the award of degrees among others.
“In essence, we handle your entry, stay and exit from UCC” he noted and advised the students to be committed with their studies.
Addressing the students, the Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro, told the students that the interaction session had now been institutionalised to draw the students closer to the University.
“Our visit underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment for all postgraduate students regardless of their physical location” he stressed.
Dr. Kumedzro called on the students to take advantage of the presence of the team to ask all the relevant questions on issues affecting their studies as postgraduate.
Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes at CoDE, Dr. Felix Kumedzro addressing students
The Senior Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. John Yen, told the students that the University would continue to fulfil its responsibility of providing quality academic services.
Mr. Yen reminded them to also reciprocate that by adhering to the rules, regulations and policies governing students’ activities in UCC.
Senior Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. John Yen speaking at the Engagement Session with postgraduate students at Takoradi Centre
“At the School of Graduate Studies, we will also perform our role to ensure that you have the best of experience and graduate successfully to achieve your dreams and aspirations in your career and life,” Mr. Yen noted.
On financial matters, the Accountant at SGS, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu, reminded the students to settle their financial obligations adding that, “this will enable the university to serve you better”.
Mrs. Boadu mentioned that the University relied on students’ fees to run most of its activities and infrastructural projects.
Accountant at SGS, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu speaking about financial matters
“Paying your fees will help you to avoid any difficulties and to stay focused on your studies without any distractions. You should always save and possibly seek financial assistance from family and friends to cover your postgraduate education” she advised.
The team with a section of students from the Takoradi Study Centre
The Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful, explained the general regulations for the award of higher degrees, duration, mode of delivery and structure of programmes and requirements for graduation.
Elaborating on channels of communication with SGS, Mr. Nsaful told the students to channel all issues through their Centre Coordinators to the Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies at CoDE then to SGS.
“Our doors are ready for you concerning issues of your postgraduate studies but we’ll encourage you to use the appropriate structures to reach us” he emphasised.
The President of Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), UCC chapter, Mr. Kwabena Adjepong, explained that the association was the mother body for all graduate students.
He noted that the association would continue to project the interest of students of all its members.
We are making efforts to actively involve CoDE postgraduate students in activities of GRASAG.
The team addressed concerns of students and also noted down suggestions from students during the interaction sessions.
Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The School of Physical Sciences under the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), University of Cape Coast (UCC) has rewarded 161 undergraduate students at the 2024 Dean’s Award ceremony for their remarkable academic performance in the 2022/2023 academic year.
The event celebrated students with a CGPA of 3.6 and above from levels 200 to 400.
All the awardees received certificates from the School.
In his address, the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Ernest Yankson, commended the awardees for their remarkable academic success and encouraged them not to rest on their oars.
A section of students at the awards ceremony
"I wish to congratulate all awardees on your achievements thus far. Your sleepless nights and long hours of studies have not been in vain. This is a moment of reflection and celebration of how far you have come. I encourage you not to be complacent but strive for greater heights," he added.
He encouraged students who did not receive awards, spurring them to improve their academic studies to earn slots on the Dean's list for the award ceremony next academic season.
Prof. Yankson paid glowing tributes to his predecessors for instituting the awards ceremony and promised the continuity of the event during his tenure.
For their part, the awardees pledged to study hard to justify the certificates presented to them.
Provost of CANS, Prof Moses Jojo Eghan presenting a certificate of honour to one of the awardees
The Provost of CANS, Prof Moses Jojo Eghan, who chaired the function also congratulated the awardees for the successes chalked up and admonished them against resting on their oars. He was optimistic the training they were receiving in school would adequately shape and prepare them to make the necessary impact needed to improve society.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The School for Development Studies (SDS), in collaboration with Global Partnership Network (GPN), has organised a five-day Writing Workshop aimed at enhancing the competencies of early career faculty in the area of developing manuscripts and best practices in writing and publishing a paper.
The topics for the five-day workshop, held at the School for Development Studies (SDS) Conference, included facilitation, mentoring, practical writing sessions and peer learning in plenary sessions.
There were two experts and a facilitator, along with 10 mentors for 20 participants
Pictures and story credit:School for Development Studies
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has received the Vice-Chancellor of the Management University of Africa (MUA), Kenya, Professor Washington Okeyo who is on a visit to UCC.
During the meeting, Prof. Okeyo said MUA was committed to enhancing its academic excellence by boosting its programmes and was keen on establishing academic collaborations.
According to him, MUA was granted a charter by Kenyan President William Ruto in May 2024, making it an independent degree-granting institution.
Prof. Okeyo, accompanied by the management staff of the University, said MUA had demonstrated its preparedness to nurture scholars, innovate in research, and contribute significantly to Kenya's intellectual and human capital.
To that end, he stressed that the MUA was ready to partner with UCC in joint conferences, faculty and student exchange programmes, and joint research among others.
Vice-Chancellor of UCC (middle) with the Pro VC-UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene (in red), Ag. Director of Public Affairs-UCC, Mr Kwabena Antwi Konadu (first from left) and the Kenyan delegation in a photo
In response, Prof. Boampong congratulated the MUA on attaining the Kenyan Presidential Charter and expressed the hope that the MUA would work hard to justify the Charter granted it.
He said that education knows no boundaries and international collaboration was essential for knowledge advancement and the development of societies.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, assured Prof. Oyeko and his accompanying delegation that UCC would collaborate with the MUA so it delivers value to its students.
Prof. Boampong used the occasion to tout the success chalked up by UCC in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and expressed his hope for continued development and growth in the academic relations between the two institutions to fulfill their mutual aspirations.
They also exchanged views on some educational issues of mutual interest.
Present at the meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of UCC were the Pro VC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene and the Ag. Director of Public Affairs, Mr Kwabena Antwi Konadu.
With the MUA Vice-Chancellor were Colans Maranga, Deputy Assistant Manager at MUA; Joya Thain, PhD candidate-MUA; Dr. Samuel Thiango Munga, Lecturer-MUA; Dr. Domeniter Naomi Konhula, Senior Lecturer-MUA, Nambui Njogo, Librarian-MUA, and some students.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC