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DRIC Builds Capacity of Intellectual Property Representatives at UCC

23 Apr, 2024 By DIS

As part of the activities to celebrate the 2024 World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, the Technology Transfer Office of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has organised a capacity-building workshop for IP Representatives from the five colleges of the University as well as the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub (D-HUB).

The programme aimed at building the capacity of the IP representatives from the various colleges, schools/faculties on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.

In his opening remarks, a Deputy Director at DRIC, Dr. Brandford Bervell, said the workshop aligned with the activities under the DLR 5.3 work plan of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR). He added that the session would allow participants to gain the knowledge and expertise needed to assist the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office at DRIC in executing the innovation agenda of UCC.

“Our gathering today is a testament to our commitment to understanding and safeguarding intellectual property in UCC. Together, we can foster an environment where innovation thrives and creativity flourishes,” he intimated.

Presenting on the topic: “Intellectual Property Policy of UCC-what researchers must know”, the founding Technology Transfer Officer, Mr. Isaac Nketsiah, highlighted that the purpose of UCC IP Policy is to educate members of the University community about their rights and responsibilities regarding intellectual property. He added that the IP policy describes how UCC faculty, non-teaching staff and students can protect their creations and exploit economic benefits from the creations as well as preserve the interests of the University and the general public.

He took the IP representatives through the legal issues concerning the status of researchers/inventors, IP ownership, identification, disclosure and commercialisation of IP, distribution of revenues and motivation for researchers/inventors/ innovators/creators, and issues of conflict of interest and confidentiality.

A Technology Transfer Officer, Mrs. Eunice Nartey, took participants through the essentials of making intellectual property work for researchers and the University. In her presentation, she highlighted the types of IP, IP case studies and the role of the UCC Technology Transfer Office. She remarked that the current UCC strategic plan 2023-2027 aims to encourage “responsible and impactful research in the form of prototypes of products and processes for socio-economic and environmental impact”. She emphasized the role of intellectual property in achieving this objective.

Dr. Brandford Bervell, a Deputy Director of DRIC, chaired the workshop.

Source: DRIC-UCC/Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Dept. of Geography and Regional Planning Launches Ghana Climate University Network

23 Apr, 2024 By DIS

The Department of Geography and Regional Planning of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched the Ghana Climate University Network.

The programme addresses the critical issues surrounding climate change while fostering entrepreneurship and providing valuable internship opportunities for participants.

It is a collaboration between the Department and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED) at UCC.

Speaking at the Launch, the Head of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Prof. Benjamin Kofi Nyarko, said the Department had secured €800,000  from the European Union to embark on a two-year project to find local solutions to climate challenges.

He said six students from UCC would be trained and supported with € 26,000  to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

Head of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Prof. Benjamin Kofi Nyarko

Additionally, Prof. Nyarko indicated that a section of students would undergo internship training at climate-friendly institutions in Ghana and would be supported with stipends.

As part of the programme, the Head of the Department announced the Department would run short courses on drone operation, environmental sustainability, disaster management, climate change and precision agriculture.

According to him, the programme would be supported by the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Copenhagen and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and fully funded by the European Union.

For his part, the Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, who launched the project,  said the project would be of immense benefit to students and faculty of the University.

He praised the Department for partnering with CESED to embark on the two-year project.

Director of CESED, Prof. Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah

The Director of CESED, Prof. Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the Department of Geography and Regional Planning and stressed that her outfit was ready to equip students with the requisite entrepreneurial skills.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

Matriculants

UCC holds Matriculation for Fresh CoDE Students

23 Apr, 2024 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has held a matriculation ceremony for fresh students of the College of Distance Education (CoDE) for the 2023/2024  academic year.

The hybrid ceremony saw a total of 10,210 undergraduate and postgraduate students matriculated.  A breakdown of the undergraduate students include

4,266 males representing 50.5% of the total number of undergraduate students and 4, 185 females representing 49.5%. The postgraduate students comprise 1, 057 males and 702 females.

Welcoming the fresh students into the University, the Provost of the College of Distance Education (CoDE), Prof. Mohammed Anokye Adam, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong extended heartfelt congratulations to the matriculants, expressing enthusiasm for the transformative journey that lies ahead.

He charged the students to refrain from actions that would jeopardise their academic journey while encouraging them to be guided by the regulations of the University.

“The University of Cape Coast, just like any other university in the world has rules and regulations. These rules and regulations, however, are not for punishment but are meant to bring order and harmony to the University to promote a healthy staying environment for the students... I urge you all to read these rules and regulations carefully and abide by them”, he added

He further cautioned the fresh students against indulging in activities that could potentially threaten the peace within the University community.

He said, “UCC has continually maintained a zero tolerance for all anti-social behavior such as occultism, examination malpractice, prostitution, and such other vices. The University has enjoyed peace over the years, and therefore, you're advised to keep to the matriculation oath and stay away from activities that will constitute a threat to the peace of this noble institution of learning.”

Prof. Adam indicated that the College is actively working on its service delivery charter to improve service delivery and address student concerns and complaints promptly.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Adam re-emphasized the need for the students to take their studies seriously to complete their programmes within the record time. He also gave an assurance that the well-experienced faculty members of the University, together with the administrative and other supporting staff, were equipped to make their stay fruitful.

Members of convocation present at the matriculation in a group photo

“The University of Cape Coast places a high premium on your education and so we expect that you attend face-to-face sessions regularly to tap knowledge from the pool of Professors, Senior lecturers, Lecturers, and Researchers. Take all academic exercises seriously because they contribute to your overall mark. The urge to engage in examination malpractices will not be there if you study hard”, he advised.

About CoDE

The College of Distance Education (CoDE) formerly known as the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), has been in existence since 1997 when the University of Cape Coast established a unit to serve the purpose of expanding access to tertiary education and addressing the professional needs of a large number of untrained teachers serving in the Ghana Education Service as well as accounting and secretarial personnel in the public and civil service.

The College runs programmes in the distance mode in Education and Business at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Currently, there are 92 study centres across the country. The College has divided the country into three zones namely: Northern, Middle and Southern Zones.

The Northern Zone is made up of study centres in the Northern, Savannah, North East, Upper East and Upper West Regions. The Middle zone consists of study centres in Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Eastern Regions while the Southern Zone comprises study centres in the Greater Accra, Western, Western North, Central, Volta and Oti Regions.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Muslim Chaplaincy of UCC Observes Eid al-Fitr Prayers

22 Apr, 2024 By DIS

The Muslim Chaplaincy of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has climaxed this year’s Ramadan celebration with Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. The Eid prayer session was led by Imam Abdul Razak Zakaria, and was attended by members of the Muslim Chaplaincy of the University led by Alhaji Prof. Issahau Adam as well as other members of the University and its surrounding communities.

This was testament to the unity and mutual respect that thrives among the Muslim community and other non-Muslims  within the University and its catchment area.

The occasion was also significantly graced by the Chairman of the Chaplaincy Committee, Rev. Prof. Kankam Boadu, who represented both the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong and the University Management. Rev. Prof. Boadu was accompanied by the Secretary of the Chaplaincy Committee, Rev. Dr. Patrick Quampah.

Chairman of the Chaplaincy Committee, Rev. Prof. Kankam Boadu (in white) addressing the gathering after the prayers. Looking on is the UCC Muslim Chaplain, Prof. Issahaku Adam

In his address, Rev. Prof. Boadu commended the Muslim community for their peaceful coexistence and understanding with other faith groups on campus. He also conveyed a heartfelt message of goodwill from the Vice-Chancellor affirming the University's commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

The Eid prayer session was followed by a communal exchange of greetings, pleasantries, and sharing of food to reinforce the bonds of community and fellowship.

The Muslim Community extended gratefulness to the Vice-Chancellor, the University Management, and the Chaplaincy Committee for their support and cooperation.

 

The religious event did not only mark the end of Ramadan but also celebrated the rich diversity and unity that define the University of Cape Coast which remains dedicated to supporting both students and staff.

Chairman of the Chaplaincy Committee, Rev. Prof. Boadu(4th from left), in a group photo with members of the Muslim Chaplaincy

Present at the prayers were the Muslim Chaplain, Alhaji Prof. Issahaku Adam and other notable Senior Members of the University including Alhaji Dr. Abdussalam Adam, Dr. Razak Jaha Imoro, Dr. Arimiyaw Zakaria, Dr. Saibu Mutaru, Dr. Kaderi Norgah Bukari, Dr. Adam Sorekuong Yakubu Adama, Dr. Nana Fatimah Abubakari Von, Mr. Nasir Yaqub Entsie and Alhaji Mohammed Najimudeen Abdulai.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

VoTEC-UCC holds Fashion Show

22 Apr, 2024 By DIS

Level 300 students of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education (VoTEC) have showcased classic looks and demonstrated their runway prowess at a fashion exhibition.

The students, as part of their Clothing Construction EVT 308 practical course, had the honour to display the best of their fashion creations to the admiration of the general public.

The course, which allowed the students to use patterns and freehand cuttings, provided a platform for a diverse array of student fashion designers to showcase their creative visions on the runway.

The students made tailored evening and traditional wears, placing VoTEC on the Ghanaian fashion map.

Speaking at the event, the Clothing Construction Lecturer, Ms. Irene Ampong,  said the objective was to equip students with the technical and entrepreneurial skills that could make them self-employed thereby reducing the rate of unemployment in the country.

A student model in her design

She said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was the panacea for the mounting unemployment among the youth in the country.

“It is important we catch them young for an industrialised Ghana tomorrow. That’s why VoTEC will continue to provide the practical skills needed to sustain the development of the nation,” she added.

She advised young learners to also develop an interest in pursuing TVET courses to acquire skills to set up their businesses to ensure easier employment opportunities than waiting on the government for jobs.

Ms. Ampong urged parents not to stop their wards from pursuing TVET-related courses.

She said the notion that TVET courses were for students who were not academically brilliant was one of the factors that discouraged people from studying those courses at both secondary and tertiary levels.

Ms. Ampong was, particularly, impressed with the creative works of the students.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

SGS Team with students of Wa Study Centre

Management of SGS interacts with CoDE Postgraduate students in Wa

16 Apr, 2024 By DIS

Management of the School of Graduate Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC) has interacted with postgraduate students of the College of Distance Education (CoDE) study centre in Wa.

The interaction forms part of the School’s strategy to engage all postgraduate students of the University to address concerns regarding their studies.

The team was made up of the Dean, Prof. Sarah Darkwa; Vice-Dean, Prof. Ruphino Zugle; Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. John Linscell Yen; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku-Boadu; Assistant Registrar, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful and the Coordinator for CoDE Postgraduate Programmes, Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro.

Giving the opening remark via virtual mode, Prof. Darkwa congratulated the students on their admission to UCC. She told the students to be proud to obtain admission to the number one ranked university in Ghana, West Africa and the 7th in Africa.

Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa

“You have entered into UCC at a time when the University has consistently won accolades both locally and globally. This behooves on you the responsibility to prove your worth as postgraduate students from this highly recognised university” she implored them.

Prof. Darkwa assured the students that UCC would train them to be confident and competent in their chosen areas of studies so they could contribute significantly to the development of the nation.

The Dean of SGS noted that the School coordinates all postgraduate programmes in the University whether regular, distance or sandwich mode. “We are with you when you enter into the University as postgraduate student and also ensure that you exit successfully,” she added. 

She urged the students to settle their fees promptly to enable the University to continue to provide excellent services to them.

Postgraduate Students at Wa Study Centre at the programme

In his presentation, Prof. Zugle explained that the engagements with postgraduate students of CoDE was to interact and address issues as well as take suggestions and comments regarding their studies.

Prof. Zugle urged the students to spend time to read the students handbook, academic policies for graduate studies and other regulations of the University to guide them as postgraduate students.

“We want you to familiariase yourselves with the operations of the University and that of the School of Graduate School. Also, this interaction is to expose you to the policies and regulations for postgraduate education to help you succeed in your education” he explained.

Vice-Dean of SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle

Touching on assessment, Prof. Zugle said at the postgraduate level, the minimum mark was 60 per cent whilst the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for graduation is 2.0 for non-research programmes and 2.5 for research programmes.

The Coordinator for CoDE Postgraduate programmes, Dr. Kumedzro noted that the quality of postgraduate programmes run via distance were the same as that of the regular and sandwich modes.

Dr. Kumedzro indicated that the CoDE was working hand-in-hand with Management of SGS to provide them with quality academic services to assist them to achieve their goals for enrolling on UCC postgraduate programmes.

Coordinator of CoDE Postgraduate Programmes, Dr. Felix Kumedzro

The Senior Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr.  Yen said students who were admitted to UCC enjoy some rights and privileges adding “whilst enjoying your rights and privileges come with responsibilities”.

He advised the students to work assiduously to complete their programmes of study within the stipulated period. “You need to attend lectures regularly, do all assignments, presentations, quizzes, and any other academic activity as part of your programme of study,” he added.

Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. John Yen

He mentioned the different types of postgraduate programmes run at the masters and doctoral levels.

On his part, Mr. Nsaful explained the mode of assessment and requirements for graduation. He took students through the duration, registration and structure of non-research and research masters and doctoral programmes.

Assistant Registrar at SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful

He said the association had made arrangements to involve constituents of CoDE postgraduate students in their activities, especially GRASAG Parliament. He indicated that the association would provide them with souvenirs and also institutionalise the data package to cover CoDE postgraduate students.

President of GRASAG-UCC Chapter, Mr. Kwabena Adjepong

The students were given the opportunity to ask questions which were addressed by the officials of SGS.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC confers honorary doctorate on Oguaamanhen

16 Apr, 2024 By DIS

At a special congregation, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred an honorary doctorate on the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II.

The honorary award was in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the advancement of society, as well as his visionary leadership and distinguished service to the nation, the University, the global community and humanity at large.

The Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah and the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, together decorated Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, making the Omanhen the 53rd recipient of an honorary degree from the University. 

After receiving the honours, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, thanked God, stressing that he was very humbled by the honour done to him by the University. He assured the University of his unalloyed commitment to resolving the longstanding challenges between the University and some of its host communities.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II used the occasion to appeal to UCC to adapt and nurture elementary schools in Cape Coast to make them competitive to improve their academic performance.

"It is disheartening when results of BECE are released and the results of Cape Coast schools are horrible. We have to change the situation and the only way we can do that is to get expertise from UCC to assist in that regard," he said.

As a gesture of goodwill, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, who is also a chartered accountant, pledged to present a cash prize of GHS 2,000.00 to the best graduating BSc Accounting student every year.

"Because I am an Accountant, I am close to the accounting students of the University, so I will offer the best graduating BSc Accounting student every year GH¢2, 000.00," he said. 

Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah

For his part, the Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah, eulogised the Oguaamanhen describing him as an "extraordinary achiever whose contributions to society were indelible."

He pointed out that the stewardship of the Paramount Chief reflected a profound understanding of the cultural heritage he strived to preserve for future generations.

 Sir Jonah hailed Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II for his role in forestalling potential conflicts between the University and surrounding communities.

"Indeed, the honour is long overdue. He is arguably the best landlord that I know on this planet. Osaabarimba's love for Cape Coast, his contributions to the University, his role in promoting regional unity and peace and his advocacy for local development make him an exemplary honouree," he added.

In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Boampong, praised Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II for his critical role in fostering education and empowering the youth.

"It was particularly through his effort that the 30% Senior High School placement quota was assigned to the Oguaa Traditional Area, facilitating increased access to education for people of Cape Coasters. The polytechnic was also upgraded to a technical university, contributing to the advancement of technical education," he continued.

Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

Prof. Boampong recognised the Oguaamanhen’s influence in the city's infrastructure development, including the Kotokoraba Market, the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, and the Atta Mills Presidential Library.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II after taking the Alumni oath, which was administered by the President of the UCC Alumni Association, Mr. Samuel Akoto Danso, was presented with a citation of honour from the association as well as another from the Cape Coast District Society of the Association of Chartered Accounts Ghana. The Chancellor, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah with other principal officers of the University also inspected a gallery exhibition mounted in honour of the Oguaamanhen. It documented his accomplishments over the years.

The occasion was also graced by the chairman of the UCC governing council, Prof. Harold Stewart Amonoo-Kuofi; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene; Registrar, Mr. Jeff Teye Emmanuel Onyame; diplomats; members of the Central Regional House of Chiefs; rulers from the Oguaa Traditional area, and the clergy amongst others.

In attendance were Vivace Symphonials and the Adisadel College Band.

Who is Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II?

•Born on Saturday, 20th January, 1940 in Cape Coast (Oguaa)

•Known in private life as Mr. Joseph Kwamena Sekum Haizel

•Had elementary education at the Government Boys' School, Cape Coast and completed in 1953.

• Attended Adisadel College and completed in 1958.

• Enrolled at the School of Administration (Achimota) from 1960 to 1963 to read an Accountancy Professional Course.

• Awarded Government Scholarship to the College of Commerce and distribution in Glasgow (Scotland) from 1965 to 1969 where he qualified as a Professional Accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and became a member of the Ghana Institute of Taxation.

• Worked as an Investigating Accountant at the Internal Revenue Service from 1970 to 1971.

•Became a Senior Audit Manager at Deloitte and Touche (a firm of Professional Accountants) and later a partner to the firm from 1971 to 1983.

•Rose through the ranks to become the Internal Auditor at Mankoadze Fisheries Limited from 1983 to 1986.

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II in a shot with Principal Officers of UCC and traditional rulers

• Worked with Wayys & Freytag (a German Civil Engineering and Construction Company in Ghana), where he was in charge of Administration from 1986 to 1988 and subsequently became the General Manager till 2001. 

• Served as Commissioner and played a pivotal role at the Ghana Constitution Review Commission in 2012 and also served on numerous boards.

•Installed as Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area and thus became the 9th Occupant of the Nana Birempong Cudjoe Royal Stool of Oguaa and the only one traditionally entitled to ride in a Denke-Denke (palanquin) with three traditional state umbrellas over him.

• His dispute-resolution skills and interventions as Paramount Chief has brought peace between the University and the surrounding communities.

•Enjoys listening to classical and religious music.

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, he received a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), Honoris Causa from the University of Cape Coast.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

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