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Faculty of Arts reward 92 Students at Maiden Dean’s Award

16 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The Faculty of Arts of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held its maiden Dean's Award Ceremony, honouring the remarkable achievements of its top students. 

The efforts of these students, from levels 100 to level 300 who aggregated a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 3.6 and above were acknowledged with the presentation of certificates.

Overall, 92 students received awards with the breakdown as follows; 40 level 100 students, 22 level 200 students and 30 level 300 students.

In his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantanka, explained that the purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate the remarkable achievement, dedication, and perseverance of students, who have worked hard in their academic journey to set themselves apart as exemplary scholars by attaining First Class Honours. He emphasised the importance of the humanities in cultivating critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Prof. Sarfo-Kantanka (left) in a tete-a-tete with the MP for Cape Coast North, Dr. Mintah Nyarku

"In a rapidly changing world, the humanities remain essential in nurturing thoughtful, informed, and well-rounded individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society," he noted.

The guest speaker, Prof. Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, Vice-Chancellor of Methodist University Ghana, spoke on the theme, "The Arts and the World of Work: Prospects for Today's Arts Students." He highlighted the value that the Arts bring to the table and urged the awardees to consider pursuing further studies in the various academic disciplines to enhance their career prospects.

"Notwithstanding, the Arts, is a fertile opportunity for employment and self-employment. The purpose of every education is to prepare and equip us to be functional and useful members of society so that we can render service and produce goods that will provide value in building economic value for society and self," he said.

Prof. Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson presenting a certificate of honour to an awardee

The Chairman of the ceremony, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng, Provost for the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, congratulated the faculty for their dedication to training highly qualified human resources for the country. He encouraged the awardees to maintain their focus and determination to complete their programmes successfully. "If you want to add value to your achievement, be focused and determined", he advised.

Present at the awards ceremony, were the honourable Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwamena Mintah Nyarku, some Deans, Heads of Department, faculty members and students from the faculty.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Hundreds attend UCC for Christ Crusade

16 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The Protestant and Pentecostals Chaplaincy Committee (PPCC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Christ Apostolic Church International (CAC Int), has climaxed the UCC for Christ Crusade.

Broadcast live on wireless networks, the three-day event on the theme, “Arise and Shine” (Isaiah 60:1) had the Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International, Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong, as the Special Guest.

The Crusade brought Christians of various Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations on campus to thank God for His abundant grace and the gift of life with good health.

The non-denominational pro­gramme, which is a biannual event on the PPCC’s calendar, had worshippers who could not hold their joy but dance to the ecstatic moment with medleys such as ‘Defe Defe’, ‘Kadosh’, ‘Nyame W’adom’ among others.

Some members of the Congregation dancing to the medleys at the event

The President of the NUGS-G UCC Local, Mr. Samuel Osei Bledu, opened the Service with the first bible reading, while the Secretary of First Love-UCC, Miss. Ewuraba GyaGye Smith, and the GRASAG-UCC President, Mr. Kwabena Agyapong, read the second and third bible readings, respectively.

Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong, who delivered the sermon, preached on the need for peace on all fronts in the daily lives of people, particularly when 2024 was an election year.

He urged Ghanaians to love one another equally and said all must do their bit to sustain peace in the country. He entreated Christians and religious organisations to intensify their prayers for a peaceful election. He further called on Ghanaians not to take the peace the country was currently enjoying for granted.

Apostle Frimpong encouraged believers to be very discerning to ensure they vote for a God-fearing leader who would have the interest of the citizenry at heart. He spoke extensively on the need for all young people to harness their talents and also contribute to the development of society.

Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International, Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong

The Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International expressed worry at the rising spate of energetic unemployed youth loitering in the country and urged them to do undertake ventures to contribute to nation-building.

Additionally, he mentioned that “The church should be praying for the leaders of the nation specifically, the President”.  

He noted that constructive criticism was not bad, but criticism alone would not yield the desired results.

“Instead of citizens constantly backlashing their leaders, they should rather pray and support them wholeheartedly because the success of leaders was ultimately the success of all.

The Patron of AGCM-UCC, Prof. Samuel Kyei led the congregation to pray and ask for God’s blessings upon UCC, staff, students and the country.

A section of the clergy at the service

Apart from prayers, the service was full of praise and worship song ministrations by various groups in the church, including the Crusade Mass Choir, Trinity Music Crew, Rev Cynthia Macauley, Minister Elvis Bentil and Minister Rachael Akoto.

Rev. Dr. Benjamin Amoani, Chaplain PPCC UCC, blessed the Congregants and wished them well for the novel year. 

Officiating Ministers at the Convention included Reverend Prof. Kankam Boadu, Chaplaincy Chairman, and leading pastors from CAC Int.

Members of UCC Mass Choir processing at the Service

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence: UCC Primary School Raises Funds for School Improvements

16 Jul, 2024 By DIS

In anticipation of its 60th Anniversary celebrations in September 2024, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Primary School has hosted a vibrant cultural exchange and fundraising event.

Through the display of the rich Ghanaian cultural heritage, the event aimed to raise funds to support ongoing developmental projects at the school.

Headteacher of UCC Primary School, Mrs. Georgina Aglobitse

 

In her welcome address, Headteacher, Mrs. Georgina Aglobitse expressed her excitement: "As we prepare to celebrate six decades of quality education, we are thrilled to host this event that allows us to share the beauty of Ghanaian culture with our community. Not only will this celebrate our heritage, but the funds raised will directly benefit our students by enhancing their learning environment."

A display by students of the Confucius Institute-UCC

 

The event which was graced by parents and some directors of the University also saw a presentation by a lecturer from the Department of Music and Dance, UCC, Dr. Amos Darkwah Asare. Speaking on the theme, "Cross-Culturalism," Dr. Asare emphasized the importance of integrating arts and culture into the academic curriculum. 

 Dr. Amos Darkwah Asare

"In an era where discussions have been heavily focused on STEM subjects, we must not forget the value that arts and culture bring to the table," Dr. Asare remarked.

"By incorporating STEAM - where the 'A' represents Arts and Culture - we can foster mutual understanding, stimulate innovation, and create new art forms that celebrate the diversity of our Ghanaian heritage."

 Some teachers and pupils at the event

The event featured captivating cultural performances by the UCC Primary School students, the UCC Cultural Troupe, and the Confucius Institute. Attendees were treated to a vibrant display of traditional Ghanaian music, dance, and storytelling, which showcased the school's commitment to preserving and celebrating the nation's cultural legacy. 

Pupils of Basic One performing the Apatampa dance of the Fantes

 

The highlight of the event was a performance by learners in Basic One who displayed the Adowa dance of the Asantes, Apatampa of the Fantes, and Kundum of the Nzemas which are all within the Akan tribe of Ghana. 

Two Basic One learners dressed in traditional Fantse clothes with the ‘tekua’ headpiece. Assisting them is a tutor at the school.

The Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Oduah Kwesi Sampson, shared the event’s fundraising goal of 500,000 Ghana cedis. These funds will be used to complete the construction of a multipurpose playground and a washroom complex, as well as to support the organization of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.

Chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Oduah Kwesi Sampson

"The completion of these projects will greatly improve the learning environment for our students," Mr. Sampson explained.

"The new washroom complex will provide clean, hygienic, and accessible facilities, while the multipurpose playground will offer a safe and engaging space for our students to play and explore."

 

 

Pupils of Basic Six in a drama

As the school prepares to commemorate its 60th anniversary, this event served as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in education and the preservation of the nation's rich cultural heritage.

 Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC wins GUSA cross-country competition

16 Jul, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has won the gold medal in the women's division of the 27th Ghana Universities Sports Association-(GUSA) Inter-University Cross-Country Race Competition held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

 Mariamma Aidoo, a level 200 student of the University, emerged first with 42 points in the 10-kilometre race.

 The University of Ghana took the second position with 53 points. The University of Energy and Natural Resources – Sunyani (UENR) and the University of Education (UEW) placed third.

A member of the UCC Team with the UCC flag

The University for Development Studies (UDS), the host KNUST, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), and the Ghana Communication Technology University placed 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th respectively.

In the men's division, the University of Ghana placed first UCC and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) took the second position.

The rest of the participating universities earned deserved positions.

The President of GUSA, Mr Tanko Shaibu Ibrahim, commended the participants for the excellent display of skills and endurance during the competition.

Team UCC ahead of the competition

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

ADMISSION OF MATURE CANDIDATES INTO FIRST DEGREE PROGRAMMES FOR THE 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

Academic Year: 
2024

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Mature Candidates for admission into first degree programmes of the University of Cape Coast for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Applicants are to buy application E-Vouchers which are up for sale at the Centres listed below:

 

1.0      SALE CENTRES    

(a)      Cash Office, University of Cape Coast (Mode of payment – CASH)

(b)      Ghana Post Offices at the Regional Capitals (Mode of payment – CASH)

(c)      University of Cape Coast Accra Office, Tesano, Accra (Mode of payment –CASH)

 

APPLICATION FEE - GHS 450.00 (covers cost of e-vouchers, examination fee and preparatory classes fee)     

The deadlines for the sale of application e-vouchers and the submission of completed application forms are Friday, 16thAugust, 2024 and Wednesday, 21st August, 2024 respectively.

2.0       ONLINE APPLICATIONS

a.       Online applicants should visit apply.ucc.edu.gh then click on apply for programme, then click on Regular Mature Application and proceed with the application process.

b.      All applicants are required to provide the following information at the back of a large brown envelope: (a) application reference number (b) names in full – no abbreviations accepted (c) postal address (d) first choice programme and (e). label boldly MATURE.

 

3.0       ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MATURE CANDIDATES

            Applicants seeking admission as Mature Candidates must;

 

I.      be, at least Twenty-Five (25) years old by 31st December, 2023.  A copy of applicant’s birth certificate issued not less than five (5) years from the day of completing the application form should be enclosed with the application materials.

ii.    have any one of the following:

§  Minimum of Senior High School Certificate

§  Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’

§  NVTI Certificate

§  NABPTEX Certificate

NB. Applicants who do not have credit passes in English and Mathematics at either SSSCE/WASSCE or GCE ‘O’ Level would be required to register for and pass special examinations in those subjects after payment of a fee of GHS 80.00 per subject.

 

4.0       ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

4.1       Main Papers

            The main examinations for candidates will comprise;

i.        General Paper

ii.      Aptitude Test

 

4.2       Special/Practical Papers

i. Special examinations in Mathematics and English Language for candidates who do not have credit passes at G.C.E. ‘O’ Level (grade 6 or better) or WASSCE/SSSCE (grade C6/D or better).

ii. Practical examinations will be conducted for candidates applying for the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Health, Physical Education & Recreation) programmes on a date which will be communicated to successful applicants.

 

4.3       Dates for Examinations

 

i.    Monday, 16thSeptember, 2024     -  General Paper and Aptitude Test

          ii.   Tuesday, 17th September, 2024    -  Special Papers in Mathematics and English   

 

4.4       Preparatory Classes

PREPARATORY CLASSES WILL BE RUN FOR ALL APPLICANTS BY THE UNIVERSITY from Monday, 26th August, 2024 to Friday, 13th September, 2024 on selected topics to enhance their chances of passing the entrance examination. Applicants are expected to report to campus on Saturday, 24thAugust, 2024. An orientation programme will be held for all applicants on Sunday, 25thAugust, 2024 at 3:00 pm prompt in the C. A. Ackah Lecture Theatre 2 (CAALT 2) before the start of the preparatory classes. All applicants are expected to participate in the orientation programme.

 

4.5       Accommodation

Applicants are encouraged to make their own accommodation arrangements with the Halls of Residence at the North campus of the University (New Site) for the period of the preparatory classes and the examinations.

 

4.6       Placement of Successful Applicants

Successful applicants will, on admission, be placed at Level 100 of their respective programmes of choice.

 

5.0       SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION FORMS

 

(a)   Copies of completed online application forms (confirmation pages) accompanied by photocopies of results slip(s), birth certificate, payment slips or receipts, transcripts (where applicable) and other relevant documents should be sent to the Director, Directorate of Academic Affairs, UCC by POST and NOT delivered by hand not later than Friday, 21st August, 2024. 

 

A change of programme after the submission of application form would NOT be allowed.

 

6.0       PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE FOR 2024/2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

 

Mature candidates are advised to select only programmes that are listed below.

FACULTY OF ARTS

B.A. (Arts)

B.A. (African Studies)

B.A. (Music)

B. A. (Communication Studies)

B.A. (Theatre Studies)

B.A. (Film Studies)

B.A. (Dance)

B.A. (Chinese)

 

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

B.Sc. (Tourism Management)

B.A. (Population & Health)

B.A. (Anthropology)

B.A. (Social Sciences)

B.Sc. (Hospitality Management)

 

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Bachelor of Commerce (Management)

Bachelor of Commerce (Procurement & Supply Chain Management)

Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing)

Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management)

 

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES EDUCATION

B.Ed. (Arts)

B.Ed. (Accounting)

 

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

B.Ed. (Health, Physical Education and Recreation)

B.Ed. (Computer Science)

B.Ed. (Mathematics)

B.Ed. (Home Economics)

B.Ed. (Communication Design)

Bachelor of Fine Art Education (Painting and Sculpture)

 

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS

B.Ed. (Junior High School Education)

B.Ed. (Primary Education)

B.Ed. (Early Childhood Education)

B.Sc. (Psychology)

 

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE

B.Sc. (Agriculture)

B.Sc. (Agribusiness)

B.Sc. (Agro-Processing)

B.Sc. (Animal Production)

B.Sc. (Agricultural Extension and Community Development)

             

REGISTRAR

Entrepreneurship, the Solution to Graduate Unemployment – UCC Pro VC

12 Jul, 2024 By DIS
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Rosemond Aboagyewa Boohene, has said graduate unemployment is a threat to the country’s security.
 
To wardoff the looming danger, she counselled Ghanaian youths to explore the rich opportunities in entrepreneurship to fight unemployment, saying that was the only solution to the graduate unemployment situation in the country.
 
Former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. D. D. Kuupole and the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong robing Prof. Boohene after her lecture
 
" Remember I always say that if we have a lot of graduate unemployment, it is a national security issue. And therefore, entrepreneurship can come to the rescue," the Pro Vice-Chancellor added.
 
Prof. Boohene was speaking at her inaugural lecture on the topic: "Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development in Practice: Tracking the Pathways."
 
She identified Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as the engine of economic growth and job creation in any economy.
 
The Pro Vice-Chancellor said she had developed a two-stage model for entrepreneurship training for both second cycle and tertiary institutions.
 
According to her, high school students would have to acquire skills in military training, agricultural training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship training, among others to  succeed in the model for entrepreneurship training.
 
She pointed out the initiative that would equip tertiary students with essential entrepreneurial skills crucial for succeeding as future nation-builders.
 
Prof. Boohene explained  she had worked on a lot of projects aimed at  fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students of the UCC, including university wide entrepreneurship course, Business incubator, among others.
 
Prof. Boohene receiving a citation from the Dean of the School of Business-UCC, Prof. John Gatsi. Others on stage are staff members of the School of Business
 
These projects, she added, were empowering  students to unleash their potential as future business leaders and change-makers.
 
Prof. Boohene called on government to put in place sustainable policies targeted at small businesses in the country to help them grow.
 
The Pro Vice-Chancellor underlined the need  to support persons living with disabilities (PwDs) to undertake business ventures, pointing out that PwDs had special skills and talents, which if given the needed support, could be unleashed to better their lot and  contribute more to the development of the country. 
 
Prof. Boohene admitted that the entrepreneurship sector was fraught with problems and recommended the creation of specialised agencies, financial support programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and policy reforms, to revamp the sector.
Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (in suit) at one of the stands of the start-up business exhibition
 
Ahead of the lecture, the Sam Jonah Library of the University mounted an exhibition for Professor Boohene displaying her works in academia.
 
There was also an exhibition by start-up businesses displaying the entrepreneurial agenda Prof. Boohene is championing.
 
 
Prof. Rosemond Boohene: 22 Quick Facts
 
•Born on 11th August, 1967
 
• Hails from Larteh Akwapim in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
 
• Started primary education at Accra New Town Experimental School, and later attended Aburi Middle Girls Boarding School.
 
• Attended Wesley Grammar School in Accra for her Ordinary Level Certificate and completed Winneba Secondary School with excellent grades in her advanced Level Examination in 1988.
 
• Graduated University of Cape Coast with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in Education concurrently
 
•Appointed as Principal Research Assistant between 1995 and 1997
 
• Obtained MCom, Accounting, from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1999
 
• Served as Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer at the UCC from October 2007 to April 2012.
 
• Earned Diploma in Small and Medium Enterprise Development from Galilee College, Israel, in 2008.
 
• Appointed as Visiting Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2008, where she taught Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation in the Executive Master's programme.
 
•Served as Head of Department of Management in UCC from 2008 to 2012.
 
• Appointed Vice-Dean at the School of Business-UCC between 2009 and 2011.
 
• Assumed the role of Dean of Faculty of Arts from 2012-2016
 
• Appointed Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED) at UCC from 2013 to 2016.
 
• Appointed Dean of the Centre for International Education, now Office of International Relations at UCC.
 
• Served as Visiting Professor in the Department of Business Administration of Bonn Rhein- Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Germany,from 2019 to 2020.
 
• Appointed as the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED) at UCC from 2020 to 2022.
 
• Currently serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC from 2022 to date.
 
• Married to Mr. Kwame Akonnoh Boohene, with a son and two daughters.
 
• Hobbies: dog breeding, watching films, cooking and singing
 
• Staunch Christian with UCC Interdominational Church.
 
• Delivered inaugural lecture on the topic: "Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development in Practice: Tracking the Pathways." on Thursday, July 11, 2024
 
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
 
 
Signing of UKCEH MoU

UCC, UKCEH Sign MoU to boost Research

12 Jul, 2024 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the United Kingdom Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the interests of the two institutions.

Under the terms of the MoU, both UCC and UKCEH will collaborate on various initiatives, including biosphere-atmosphere exchange and effects, and hydrological forecasting

The agreement, which is for a period of five years, also covers areas such as heavy metal pollution in coastal ecology, and biodiversity monitoring and management in coastal ecology.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, signed on behalf of UCC, while the Chief Executive Officer of UKCEH, Dr. Stuart Wainwright, signed on behalf of the Centre, at a short ceremony held at the Council Chamber of UCC.

 Exchange of MoU between CEO of UKCEH, Dr. Stuart Wainwright and Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

During the meeting, Dr. Wainwright expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead and the dedication of UKCEH to working closely together with UCC to achieve shared goals contained in the MoU. He noted that the Centre had now established its West African Office in Accra to extend its research activities to address major environmental challenges in the region.

Dr. Wainwright also indicated that UKCEH would join ties UCC’s Africa Centre on Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) to boost coastal ecology in Ghana and West Africa adding that “the achievement of this project will be replicated in other countries”.

Chief Executive Officer for UKCEH, Dr. Stuart Wainwright

Prof. Boampong, on his part, was optimistic that the collaboration, aside from the research activities would significantly influence policy to address environmental issues affecting Ghana and West Africa. He added that the collaboration would also contribute significantly towards producing world class students to fit into the global market.

“Through this collaboration we will be able to empower the next generation of scientists to contribute meaningfully to develop lasting solutions to environmental challenges we face as a people,” Prof. Boampong stressed.

Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

He said the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) and the Department of Physics of UCC were strategically positioned in the execution of issues of coastal ecology.

Prof. Boampong thanked officials of the UKCEH for the fruitful discussions during the meeting and gave the assurance that the UCC would play its role to ensure the purpose of the MoU.

In a highlight, the Director of ACECoR, Prof. Denis Aheto, recounted the genesis of the relationship between ACECoR and the UKCEH. He noted that there were a number of areas the MoU would be covering including marine pollution, hydrological forecasting among others.

 Director of ACECoR, Prof. Denis Aheto

Prof. Aheto indicated that ACECoR was well positioned to partner with UKCEH on research projects to address coastal and marine issues.

As part of activities preceding the launch of UKCEH West Africa Office in Ghana, there was a joint seminar with presentations from researchers at UKCEH and ACECoR. The seminar was to provide a platform for researchers from the two centres to share expertise in coastal ecosystem science and environmental management.

Participants in the seminar

Topics for the seminar were “Pollution research at the UKCEH for Ecology and Hydrology by Dr. Stephen Lofts; Promoting Estuarine and Mangrove Ecosystem-based Conservation and Livelihoods through Participatory Research by Dr. Isaac Okyere; Large-scale hydrological and coastal research applications by Dr. Steven Cole; Coastal Erosion/Geomorphology Project by Dr. Julia Drewer; Africa Research and Innovation Partnership by Prof. Kirk.

The UKCEH delegation with the ACECoR team

The delegation from UKCEH included, the Independent Crossbench Peer in the United Kingdom included House of Lords Select Committee for Natural Environment and Rural Communities, Lord Ewen Cameron; Associate Director of International Research and Development of UKCEH, Prof. Harry Dixon; Head of UKCEH West Africa Office, Ms. Adelaide Asantewaa Asante; International Relations Coordinator, Ms. Maria Jarquin; Group Leader, Hydrological Forecasting;Deputy Science Area Head, Hydro-climate Risks, Dr Steven Coles;  Senior External Communications Manager, Gill Ormrod.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Project to Revive Taro Production in Ghana launched at UCC

10 Jul, 2024 By DIS

A research project has been launched to revitalise taro production in Ghana.

Taro, locally known as ‘brobe, or ‘kooko’, is a traditionally underutilised but highly promising crop widely cultivated in Ghana. In 2022, its annual production was more than 1.7 million tons.

A Project, spearheaded by scientists from the School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has been launched to revive taro production and enhance the crop’s commercial value. This will ultimately contribute to addressing Ghana’s food security challenges and enhance agricultural sustainability. The team from UCC includes Prof. Paul A. Asare, Dr. Emmanuel Afutu, and Dr. Kwadwo K. Amoah - all from the Department of Crop Science.

The Project came to light after UCC and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed a letter of Agreement (LOA). The Project aligns with the FAO’s international treaty goals of conserving and sustainably utilising plant genetic resources while ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.

It is a collaborative effort of several key partners, including the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PGRRI-CSIR), which would play a pivotal role in germplasm conservation and distribution and the Crops Research Institute (CRI-CSIR).

The Project lead, Prof. Michael O. Adu, speaking at the inception meeting to launch the Project, emphasised the need for innovative agricultural solutions in the face of rising food insecurity, as well as untold poverty exacerbated by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

“The declining agrobiodiversity of staple food crops in Ghana has necessitated a shift towards more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. With its zero-waste potential and adaptability to various growing conditions, taro presents a viable solution,” stated Prof. Adu, an ecophysiologist and crop improvement scientist at UCC.

Head of the Department of Crop Science-UCC and the Project lead, Prof. Michael O. Adu, speaking at the inception meeting to launch the Project

According to him, the Project would focus on capturing, preserving, and evaluating taro's genetic variation through mutagenesis to develop novel, high-yielding germplasm.

“This includes enhancing tolerance to taro leaf blight disease and drought, thereby improving yields. Additionally, bespoke food processing technologies will add value to taro corms, benefiting small-scale farmers and processors,” he continued.

Prof. Adu indicated that the project would also leverage the expertise of hordes of faculty members from other Departments within the School of Agriculture.

He pointed out that representatives from the PGRRI-CSIR, including the Director, Dr. Daniel Ashie Kotey, and Ms Fuleratu Adams, would play key roles in germplasm conservation and distribution.

Prof. Adu added that Dr. Ernest Baafi of the CRI-CSIR would facilitate molecular studies and the determination of specific genetic traits.

“The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agricultural Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (BNARI-GAEC) will contribute expertise in mutation breeding and leveraging their Gamma Irradiation Facility. Drs Godwin Amenorpe and Nusrat Tsemah will assist from the BNARI-GAEC,” he told the gathering.

According to him, engagement with farmers and processors was a sine qua non for the Project's success.

He explained that: “On-farm trials, field demonstrations, and participatory research activities will ensure that the new taro varieties and products meet the needs of local communities. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the FAO will assist in disseminating information and promoting the Project’s outcomes locally and internationally.”

 

 Group photo of participants after the interactions

He observed that the Central Regional Director of Agriculture, Dr. Peter Omega, was fully committed to the success of the Project.

Prof. Adu indicated that the Project aligned with Ghana’s national plans and policies on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).

By improving taro productivity and resilience, the project will support several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending hunger (SDG 2), taking climate action (SDG 13), and fostering sustainable agriculture.

“We are committed to making a tangible impact on the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Ghana,” Prof. Adu remarked.

He noted: “Through this project, we aim to provide affordable, nutritious staples, reduce poverty, and enhance environmental sustainability.”

The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, welcomed the project partners, stating: “We are delighted to host such a revered group of experts and collaborators here at UCC. This Project embodies the spirit of innovation and cooperation that defines our School of Agriculture. We look forward to working together to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Ghana.”

He noted that this ambitious initiative would position UCC and its partners to contribute significantly to Ghana’s food security, agricultural sustainability, and rural livelihoods, setting a precedent for future agricultural innovations across the continent.

The project will train PhD and MPhil students, while offering capacity-building opportunities for extension agents, scientists, farmers and Agro-processors.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

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