The Directorate of University Health Services (DUHS) has marked the 2025 World Hearing Day (WHD) on the theme; ‘Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself. Make ear and hearing care a reality for all.”
The event was to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss by promoting ear and hearing care across the world.
World Hearing Day is celebrated annually on March 3 as an advocacy platform to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
By 2050, the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
WHO further warns that over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
A Licensed Audiologist at DUHS, Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah, explained that the celebration was in line with the calendar month of the WHO.
Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah addressing the gathering
Ms. Saah advised against the frequent use of cotton buds and match sticks to clear dirt from the ears as the practice was dangerous.
She said the frequent use of earpieces and headphones on high volumes for prolonged hours could cause hearing loss, especially when the sound level is above 80 decibels.
The Audiologist said it was necessary for people who use earpieces to take breaks in between and keep the volume of the gadget below 60 per cent.
She urged the public to visit the hospital twice a year for screening to prevent hearing loss.
Ms. Saah said the ear must be preserved and taken care of through regular checks, avoiding activities that would harm it such as inserting objects into the ear, and reporting to the hospital when unusual things were observed in and around the ear.
For her part, an Ear and Nose Nurse at DUHS, Ms. Patricia Assabil, warned the public against the use of earbuds to remove wax from the ears, adding that it was unsafe and could lead to hearing impairment.
According to her, the ear wax, also referred to as cerumen, plays an important role in the ear by helping to lubricate, prevent infection, and trap dirt and insects from entering the ear.
The event was chaired by the Nurse Manager at DUHS, Mr. Thomas Tamag.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Department of Ghanaian Language and Linguistics, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has commemorated the 2025 International Mother Language Day (IMLD) celebration with a talk on "Bible Translation as a Shaper of Language and Theology: Some 18th Century Case Studies from the Gold Coast (Ghana).
Observed annually on February 21, IMLD promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity. It was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 and first celebrated in 2000. The day honours the 1952 sacrifices of language activists in Bangladesh, where students in Dhaka protested for Bengali to be recognized as a national language.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Department, Dr. Vincent Erskine Aziaku, highlighted the significance of the day in raising awareness about language preservation. He stressed that IMLD "helps to foster inclusivity and encourage multi-lingualism."
Dr. Aziaku also called on the government to facilitate the employment of new members of faculty for the Department since many Twi lecturers had retired without replacements.
"There is a decline in academic staff in the Department, but new lecturers are not employed because of a lack of clearance from the government," he stated.
Very Rev. Prof. John D. K. Ekem, Superintendent Minister, Cape Coast West Circuit-Methodist Church Ghana
The event featured a presentation by the Very Rev. Prof. John D. K. Ekem, Superintendent Minister of the Cape Coast West Circuit of the Methodist Church Ghana and Immediate Past Translation Consultant of the Bible Society of Ghana. Speaking on the topic, "Bible Translation as a Shaper of Language and Theology: Some 18th Century Case Studies from the Gold Coast (Ghana)”. Prof. Ekem discussed the impact of Bible translation on Ghanaian languages such as Mfantse, Ga, Bono, amongst others.
He highlighted the contributions of 18th-century scholars Joannes Elisa Jacobus Capitein (1717-1747) and Christian Jacobus Africanus Protten (1715-1769) in translating sections of the Bible into Mfantse.
"Capitein translated Dutch to 'Mfantse' and also the Greek text of Matthew 6:9a to 'Mfantse' text," he noted.
Prof. Ekem further explained that Capitein and Protten "employed basic linguistic skills to adapt Dutch and Danish orthographies to 'Mfantse' and 'Ga' sounds, respectively." He emphasized that they were not merely passive translators of catechism material but "dynamic interpreters of texts contextualized in the local setting via the limited resources at their disposal."
A section of participants
Concluding his presentation, Very Rev. Prof. Ekem noted that "Protten’s work most likely influenced Hanson’s theologizing efforts in the nineteenth century, and Capitein laid a solid foundation for groundbreaking mother tongue biblical interpretation, using relevant African symbols."
He further asserted that "together with their promotion of indigenous languages on the Gold Coast and their direct engagement of biblical texts with African worldviews or epistemological systems, they were true torchbearers of mother tongue theologies brewed in an African pot."
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) recently held a two-day workshop for the University's maintenance technicians and facility managers. The event, which took place at the Old Academic Board Chamber, was centered around the theme, "Effective Maintenance of University Property: The Role of Maintenance Technicians and Facility Managers of The University of Cape Coast (UCC)."
The workshop aimed to provide training for maintenance technicians and facility managers, ensuring the proper management of university buildings and properties to prevent wastage and deterioration. During an interview, the Ag. Deputy Director of DPDEM, Mr. Ebenezer Ekow Sackey, highlighted that the initiative was designed to equip technicians with essential maintenance skills. "Well, the programme is basically to keep the staff of DPDEM, particularly the technicians, abreast with current issues on maintenance performance," he stated.
Mr. Sackey further explained that the training's benefits are twofold.
“The individual has been developed for their personal gain and the performance that a person would achieve for the University because we are employed to provide such services," he explained.
According to Mr. Sackey, maintenance goes beyond simple tasks like painting and involves much more that technicians need to learn.
"It's standard in practice normally, they call it continuous professional development. It's training so that though you are practicing from time to time, you also expose yourself to current trends, current issues, and current standards and procedures," he said.
Mr. Hayford R. Wilson, who facilitated in the workshop, gave insightful presentations on "The Definition of Routine Maintenance" and "Scoping of Maintenance Activity." He clarified that building maintenance generally involved regular activities that must be carried out consistently. Mr. Wilson discussed two types of maintenance: Corrective and Preventive.
"Corrective maintenance is to rectify and repair faulty systems and equipment. The response to systems that have broken down. And preventive maintenance is proactive. Proactive maintenance anticipates the problem," he said.
Emphasising the importance of proactive maintenance, Mr. Wilson urged technicians to avoid procrastination and neglecting their duties. He also encouraged trainees to prioritize safety protocols, quality control planning, and proper scheduling to ensure effective maintenance practices.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Centre for Teacher Professional Development, in collaboration with the Montessori Foundation Ghana and the Department of Basic Education, has organised a two-day workshop on the “Montessori Approach" for basic school teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis to upgrade their teaching skills to ensure a standard-based curriculum.
The workshop was designed to provide educators with essential skills and practical tools to enhance their teaching methods grounded in the Montessori philosophy, which encourages independent learning and holistic development.
The Department of Basic Education is set to introduce a certificate course in Montessori education in the forthcoming sandwich academic year.
The President of Montessori Foundation Ghana, Miss. Katherine Akua Akoto Bamford said the Montessori method allowed children to learn in a gradual process through visualising and identifying sounds.
She said that practical life was the first curriculum area of Montessori to make children thrive in the classroom.
President of Montessori Foundation Ghana, Miss. Katherine Akua Akoto Bamford facilitating the training
Unlike the traditional system, she added, children in Montessori schools learn in a more flexible atmosphere, where each child gains an understanding of what they study at their own pace.
"They are designed to help children master skills over time through their self-directed practice”, she said.
Miss. Bamford, who is the Managing Director at Coco's Montessori School, also indicated that Montessori materials were often practical with child-sized furniture in classrooms and children were usually taught in mixed-aged classrooms.
"The same teacher generally stays with children for their entire time in one grouping, to get to know the students very well and help guide their learning”, she continued.
She added that the focus of Montessori education was not on the number of children trained but the quality of education given.
In a remark, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Bernard Yaw Sakyi Acquah, said the Ghanaian education had moved from an objective-based curriculum to a standard-based curriculum, which required learners to be actively involved in the process of knowledge creation, with teachers taking on a facilitation role.
He noted that the era where teachers taught students from their level of understanding was over and urged teachers to guide learners to the concept they were learning.
Participants in a practical session at the training
A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Basic Education, Dr. Mrs. Joyce Esi Tawiah-Mensah, said the sensitization workshop would be beneficial to early grade teachers to incorporate practical activities based on Montessori approaches.
She urged teachers to take advantage of the course to make their classrooms interesting for their pupils.
Participants were given certificates of participation.
This workshop was the first of two capacity-building workshops to be held this year. The next is scheduled for August this year at UCC.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Directorate of Human Resource (DHR) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a three-day orientation programme for newly appointed Academic Office Holders and 2024 study leave returnees.
The Academic Office Holders comprised newly appointed Deans, Acting Deans, Vice Deans, Acting Academic Director, Deputy Directors, Heads of Department, and School Coordinators. The 2024 Study Leave Returnees consisted of faculty members returning from study leave and newly appointed faculty members.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Human Resource, Mr. Isaac Adom-Konadu, welcomed the newly appointed staff and returnees, emphasizing the importance of the orientation to equip them for their roles in the University.
He stated, "This programme is designed to provide you with the necessary insights and tools to effectively contribute to the development of UCC. We believe that through this orientation, you will gain valuable knowledge that will enhance your performance."
A section of participants in the orientation
The Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq.), in an address, encouraged the participants to be actively involved in the sessions.
He further highlighted the significance of the orientation, noting that it played a crucial role in preparing staff for their responsibilities.
He added, "In the end, you will be well-equipped to work in the University and help improve the University."
Mr. Abbeyquaye also urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the programme in their professional conduct.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has officially inaugurated the HSWU Tertiary Club at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The event marked the club's establishment on campus to equip students with knowledge about union activities before transitioning into the job market.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Central Regional Youth Chairman for HSWU, Mr. Prince Tony Lokko, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences for supporting the initiative. He described the formation of the club as a crucial step toward the growth of HSWU.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting journey of growth and excellence,” he emphasized, encouraging students to take an active interest in unionism as it plays a vital role in shaping their professional lives.
The Central Regional Chairman of HSWU, Mr. Joseph E. Anowie, officiated the induction ceremony, swearing in the newly elected executives of the club. Addressing the students, he underscored the importance of understanding unionism and its impact on their future careers.
“It is important for students to understand unionism and to be empowered before they enter the job market,” he stated.
He further advised the newly inducted leaders to be diligent in their responsibilities and serve as exemplary ambassadors of the union.
The Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Desmond Omane Acheampong, congratulated the newly sworn-in executives and commended HSWU for extending its reach to tertiary institutions.
“We are happy to receive you and give you all the necessary support to work,” he assured. He further encouraged the club members to take full advantage of the platform to develop leadership skills and gain insights into labour rights and professional advocacy.
The inauguration of the HSWU Tertiary Club at UCC marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between students and unionized labour, fostering early engagement in union activities to prepare them for the professional world.
The newly inducted executives of the HSWU Tertiary Club at UCC are Lewis Ajabu as chairperson; Adeporka Awinibota Peter – Vice-Chairperson; Noah Sunkwa – Secretary and Jessica Araba Mensah – Deputy Secretary. The rest include Sheriff Adam Suraj as 1st Trustee, Janet Amesi – 2nd Trustee and Jessica Esaba Ampah – Organizer.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has signed an agreement with private security firm, Possibility Security Services Limited, to provide security services on campus.
Personnel of Possibility Security Services Limited will work collaboratively with the regular UCC security to protect lives and property.
The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, signed on behalf of UCC, while the General Manager of Possibility Security Services, Mr. Moro Danladi, initialed for his firm.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Boampong advised the new security personnel to take good care of students and staff in the discharge of their duties.
VC of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in a handshake with the GM of Possibility Security Services, Mr. Moro Danladi after the signing of the MoU
He also called on staff and students to offer the security personnel the maximum support and respect for them to deliver on their mandate effectively.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the security officers to abide by the channel of communication in the University to make their work efficient.
For his part, Mr. Moro Danladi expressed gratitude to the management of UCC for the confidence reposed in Possibility Security Services and for recognizing the importance of their services in ensuring security.
He promised that his firm would provide adequate security on campus to enable students and staff to go about their normal duties.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
