Search

Participants pledge to use data-driven educational planning in Ghana

13 Jun, 2025 By DIS

Stakeholders in the education sector have pledged to collect credible data to guide policymakers in their planning for school children in the country.

They indicated that sometimes figures were at variance with the reality on the ground.

These were Schools Improvement Support Officers (SISOs), Planning Officers, Statistical Officers, and Training Officers of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Greater Accra Region who pledged their commitment at a one-day workshop organised by the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence for West Africa, based at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The workshop, held in partnership with the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, and the Ghana Education Service (GES), aimed at enhancing the data collection skills of participants to directly contribute to the reliability of the EMIS.

A Deputy Director General of IEPA, Prof. Alfred Kweku Ampah-Mensah, in charge of Academic Programmes and Professional Development, underlined the need for participants to take accurate data collection indicators for the health and well-being of students.

According to him, credible data would help authorities in the education sector to plan for all students in the second cycle institutions.

He urged participants to prioritise excellence in planning, training, and execution, as their work will directly impact the progress of the education sector.

He said evidence-based data was the way to go to improve formulation and planning to ensure learning outcomes.

The Director-General of the IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, said the data collection training was instructive and  was optimistic that participants would be empowered to collect data, analyse and share with policy makers to make the right decisions.

He urged participants to put the knowledge acquired at the training into practice and find an opportunity to share with others who were not privileged enough to be part of the programme.

Prof. Boakye-Yiadom said IEPA would organise workshops across the regions in Ghana so that other GES staff members would benefit from being equipped with the skills to collect reliable educational data for national development. 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

UCC Faculty of Law Reignites National Debate on Constitutional Reform

12 Jun, 2025 By louis Mensah

The Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has reignited the national conversation on constitutional reform, calling for a more participatory and value-driven approach to governance in Ghana.

At the 12th edition of its flagship Jurists’ Confab, held under the theme “Rewriting the Rulebook: Constitutional Reform in Ghana,” prominent legal scholars, social justice activists and policy analysts gathered to assess whether the 1992 Constitution remains fit for purpose in an evolving democratic landscape.

In his opening remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, underscored the urgency of the reform agenda. “The call for constitutional review is no longer a conversation of convenience but a call to action,” he declared. “How do we create a participatory constitution?” he asked.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Delivering the keynote address, Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), argued that while the 1992 Constitution successfully guided political transitions, it has failed to adequately regulate the everyday exercise of power.

“If the constitution clearly spells out the role of power holders, it will prevent the excuse of ignorance of the law and reduce mismanagement in state institutions,” she said. Citing the Kenyan Constitution as a model, she called for the explicit articulation of the values and responsibilities underpinning each arm of government and state institutions.

Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh (Esq.)

Making a presentation on “Ghana’s Recurrent Policy Mania and the Therapeutic Claims of Fiscal Constitution, President of mPedigree, Mr. Bright Simons, called for greater policy accountability to match political accountability.

Mr. Simons, who is also the Vice President of the Imani Centre for Policy and Education, decried what he termed “political dysphonia” which according to him was the disconnect between citizen voices and policy impact. He called for “policy stamina” over transient “political will that will ensure long-term accountability in policy making.”

Mr. Bright Simons

In her address, founder of Kasser Law Firm and chair of the 2023 Constitutional Review Consultative Committee, Mrs. Clara Kasser-Tee,  presentated on “The Most Vilified yet Most Enduring Constitution in Ghana’s History “Does the 1992 Constitution Need an Overhaul?” She acknowledged the Constitution’s resilience but insisted that reform efforts must be deliberate and guided by national values.

“The truth about nation-building is that it is a collective affair,” she said. “Legal reform alone will be ineffective without a shared commitment to those values.”

Mrs. Clara Kasser-Tee (Esq.)

In her remarks, the Dean, of the Faculty of Law, UCC, Mrs. Julia Elysa Selman-Ayetey, highlighted the Confab’s role as a platform for critical national dialogue. She referenced recent constitutional controversies—including debates surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, parliamentary processes, and the petition to remove the Chief Justice, as signs of a system under strain.

“These developments raise fundamental questions about whether and to what extent constitutional reform is overdue,” she noted.

Dean, the Faculty of Law, UCC, Mrs. Julia Elysa Selman-Ayetey (Esq.)

The Jurists’ Confab brought together academics, judges, private legal practitioners, state attorneys and policymakers. Others were law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, civil society actors and students for a spirited and timely examination of Ghana’s constitutional future.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

UCC hosts Penn State University

12 Jun, 2025 By DIS

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has hosted a nine-member delegation from Penn State University, United States of America, (USA).

The Team – made up of six students and three faculty – was in UCC for the Summer Research Programme organised by the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology.

As part of the Programme, undergraduate researchers from UCC and Penn State University will study the response and adaptation of dragonflies in different climatic habitats, to broaden their understanding of the effects and regional and global environmental change on biodiversity.

The Leader of the Penn State University delegation, Prof. Lara Ladage, who is the Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Academic Affairs, said the programme was a three-year funded project which began in 2024 and would end in 2026.

Participants

She said the US students, whilst in Ghana, would collect dragonflies for 4-5 weeks and then return to New York City to process specimens at the American Museum of Natural History for an additional four weeks.

Prof. Lara Ladage indicated that funding would ensure the sustainability of the programme.

“If you have been following United States Politics lately, funding is dynamic right now, and we are planning to resubmit the grants. So, we have some intentions to secure funding from NGOs so we can continue this programme,” she added.

 Dr. Jessica Ware of the American Museum of Natural History

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, welcoming the delegation, said he was optimistic that the programme would not be a nine-day wonder; rather, it would further give access to UCC students to also travel to Penn State to learn from them.

He discussed with the delegation some other funding agencies and urged them to endeavour to sustain the programme.

After the meeting, Dr. Jessica Ware, the Co-PI at the American Natural History Museum, made a presentation on the topic: “Dragonflies and Damselflies”.

The project collaborators included Prof. Lara Ladage, Dr. Jessica Ware, Prof. Kofi W. Adu, all from Penn State University, and Prof. Rofela Combey, from UCC.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

KEEA farmers exposed to sustainable farming practices

09 Jun, 2025 By DIS

Farmers from Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality have received training on sustainable farming practices driven by technology and data to address the dwindling of arable land.

The awareness created for these farmers would strengthen their capacities, improve livelihoods, and add value to the food they produce.

The farmers were taken through farm business records keeping, techniques for sustainable irrigation, and intercropping.

The programme is part of a four-year project on "Revenue Diversification Pathways in Africa through Bio-based and Circular Agricultural Innovations (DIVAGRI)” which was launched in 2021 with funding from the European Union.

The project aims at increasing productivity, exploring more income streams, and economic opportunities of subsistence and smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to implement state-of-the-art bio-based innovation.

Dr. Francis Kumi speaking at the event

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering at UCC, Dr. Francis Kumi, explained that accurate record-keeping was fundamental to good farm management.

According to him, when farmers had comprehensive records, they could monitor all the inputs and outputs of their farm, which helps farmers to keep track of the costs and assess their productivity.

“For example, you’ll know exactly when you last fertilised your fields or how much water your crops received. This information helps you make better decisions about when to irrigate. Accurate records also prevent you from wasting resources, saving you money and improving your farm’s efficiency,” he said.

Dr. Kumi expressed worry about how farmers bitterly complain about their inability to make profits from farm produce and urged them to take advantage of farm record-keeping books to maximise profits.

“Most farmers don’t keep records, and they keep complaining that they don’t make profit. So, we have introduced the farm business records book to them so they can use it to keep records. I am hopeful it will enhance their output and productivity,” he said.

For his part, Prof. Ransford Opoku Darko from the Department of Agricultural Engineering, UCC, indicated that irrigation had been identified as one of the key technologies that could boost food security in the face of declining agricultural lands.

Prof. Ransford Opoku Darko explaining a point to the participants

He said it offers farmers the opportunity to farm throughout the year, increase income, and improve their livelihood.

Prof. Darko urged farmers to patronize technology to contribute to food production and ensure food security, especially in a period where the rainfall pattern had changed.

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Crop Science, Dr. Kwadwo Kusi Amoah, in a remark, also entreated farmers across the country to prioritize intercropping.

“Instead of growing only maize, you can do maize and cowpea, and pawpaw on the same piece of land,” he added.

According to him, some of the crops were interconnected and drew nutrients from each other. This, according to him, was the surest way for farmers diversifying their land to break even.

Participants in the workshop at a demonstration site

A farmer from KEEA, Mr. Jacob Asamah, said that when he received the knowledge of these practices, farming had become easier. He further pointed out that the practices they had been introduced to were necessary interventions farmers should embrace.

As part of the event, the farmers were taken to a demonstration site to be abreast of farm business records keeping, techniques for sustainable irrigation, and intercropping.

The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, chaired the workshop.

Certificates were presented to participants.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

UCC Association of Students with Special Needs Launches Boohene Legacy Award Scheme

03 Jun, 2025 By DIS

The Association of Students with Special Needs (ASSN), University of Cape Coast (UCC) has marked the 2025 edition of its annual Awareness Week.

The event was dubbed “Unlocking Potentials, Embracing Diversity: Achieving Academic Excellence Through Technology and Innovation.”

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, who was the guest speaker, spoke on the topic, "Full Participation and Equality: The Call for New Approaches to Assess Progress and Evaluate Outcomes".

Highlighting the importance of inclusive progress, Prof. Aheto, emphasized that engaging with diverse communities is key to generating lasting solutions to teething social challenges. He called on the government, civil society, and educational institutions to come together to ensure no one is left behind.

A major highlight of the occasion was the official launch of the Boohene Legacy Award Scheme, named in honour of Mr. Kwame Boohene, a retired Librarian known for his support for students with disabilities. The award will recognize the best male and female graduating students with disabilities each year during the University’s graduation ceremonies.

Pro VC-UCC, Prof. Denis Aheto (middle), with two students of UCC

Mr. Boohene, in a remark, expressed gratitude for the recognition and promised to continue supporting the award scheme.

The launch was officiated by the Chairperson of the Awareness Week Committee, Mr. Benjamin Anan, who noted that the award scheme was a step towards celebrating excellence and resilience. 

“This is not just about awards, it’s about recognizing effort, inspiring others, and affirming that ability transcends disability,” he said.

The Dehiahemaa of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Prof. Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba, chaired the occasion. She applauded the organizers for choosing a theme that resonates with current affairs in the nation.

The Dean of Students, Prof. Daniel Apaak, commended the initiative and expressed his excitement to be part of the transformative journey. He assured the ASSN members that his office doors were always open to ensure the welfare and growth of every student. 

Mr. Kwame Boohene (L), a retired Librarian, presenting a citation of honour for the Omanhen of Oguaa to the Dehiahemaa of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Prof. Nana Ekua Suapim Nyaniba

The event also featured a technology showcase by Mr. Samuel Asante, who has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called Chill Learn AI aimed at improving the academic life of persons with disability. The app includes voice-activated learning tools for subjects like English and Mathematics. He urged the students to embrace technology as a tool for empowerment. 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

Outstanding_student SoB

School of Business celebrates performing students at 2025 Dean’s Awards

02 Jun, 2025 By DIS

The School of Business (SoB) has celebrated the academic achievements of its students at the 2025 Dean’s Awards ceremony, held under the theme “Excellence with Integrity.” 

A total of 284 outstanding students from levels 200 to 400 as well as postgraduate students were recognised for their exceptional academic performance.

Ms. Ruth Awinebotima Apobisah, receiving the Outstanding Female Student award at the function.

Among the top honorees were Level 200 students: Mr. David Yamba Gatoni, who was named the Outstanding Male Student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0, and Ms. Ruth Awinebotima Apobisah, who was recognised as the Outstanding Female Student with a CGPA of 3.938.

For their prizes, Mr. Gatoni, received the prestigious Major Awadzi Award of GH¢1,000 while Ms. Apobisah, was awarded GH¢1,000 along with an additional GH¢3,000 from KPMG, a leading provider of audit, tax, and advisory services.

Addressing students, the Dean of the School, Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, reaffirmed the School’s commitment to nurturing future global leaders. 

Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi speaking at the function

He announced that the School had expanded its programme offerings to include partnerships with government organisations and had significantly increased undergraduate enrollment from 3,089 to 6,283 students.

In addition, Prof. Gatsi highlighted the School’s efforts to run cutting edge postgraduate programmes. 

Notable among them according to Prof. Gatsi was the launch of customised postgraduate programmes for the Ghana Armed Forces and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Prof. Gatsi mentioned that there had been growth in the School’s PhD programmes, which currently had an enrolment of 143 students, with 38 successfully graduating.

A section of faculty and students at the function

“Our progress in doctoral studies is encouraging. We are also at an advanced stage for the accreditation of a new Doctor of Business Administration programme.” Prof. Gatsi noted.

The Dean of SoB expressed gratitude to faculty, alumni, stakeholders, and international partners for their continuous support. 

“Our global collaborators have played a vital role in enhancing the School’s visibility and the quality of our academic offerings,” he added.

Category Marketing Manager at Unilever Ghana, Mr. Frederick Kwabena Asare, encouraged students to remain focused and purpose-driven. 

“Remember why you are here and where you come from,” he said. “Let that guide your dedication to your studies,” he noted.

Mr. Frederick Kwabena Asare speaking at the function

Mr. Asare who was the Guest Speaker for the event urged the students to adopt a proactive learning mindset, uphold strong moral values, and avoid shortcuts on their academic journey.

Faculty and invited guests

Representatives from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMAG), the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), and KPMG also commended the awardees.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

CES Honours 277 First-Class Students at Deans’ Award Ceremony

02 Jun, 2025 By DIS

The College of Education Studies (CES) at the University of Cape Coast has held an Award Ceremony under the theme "Celebrating Academic Distinction: Inspiring Future Educators".

The event recognised and celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of 277 students who attained First Class honours.

The awardees, drawn from the three faculties of the College, received certificates of recognition. In addition to the certificates, the overall best students from each academic level were presented with a plaque and a hamper, acknowledging their exceptional performance and dedication to academic excellence.

Delivering the welcome remarks, the Acting Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Douglas D. Agyei, commended the awardees for their hard work and commitment to excellence. He charged them to maintain their academic standards and become sources of inspiration to their peers.

“You must keep up the good work and inspire your colleagues to also strive for excellence and be good examples to your peers,” he added.

Ag. Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Douglas D. Agyei, presenting a certificate of recognition to an awardee

Prof. Agyei further stressed the need for Ghana to nurture educators who foster critical thinking and uphold strong moral values. “Ghana needs educators who will inspire critical thinking and cultivate integrity in students,” he emphasised.

“You must remember that your distinction comes with a responsibility to uphold the same standard,” Prof. Agyei advised.

The keynote address was delivered by a distinguished educationist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah. Speaking on the theme of the event, Prof. Anamuah-Mensah spelt out the importance of recognising educators and their role in nation-building.

He praised the organisers for initiating the Dean’s Award Ceremony, stating that such events are vital in promoting a culture of academic excellence and respect for the teaching profession.

 

“I have a strong desire for all educators to be celebrated and we must elevate the teaching profession to a status of honour and prestige,” he added.

Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah

Prof. Agyei further stressed the need for Ghana to nurture educators who foster critical thinking and uphold strong moral values. “Ghana needs educators who will inspire critical thinking and cultivate integrity in students,” he emphasised.

“You must remember that your distinction comes with a responsibility to uphold the same standard,” Prof. Agyei advised.

The keynote address was delivered by a distinguished educationist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba Prof. Jophus Anamuah-Mensah. Speaking on the theme of the event, Prof. Anamuah-Mensah spelt out the importance of recognising educators and their role in nation-building.

He praised the organisers for initiating the Dean’s Award Ceremony, stating that such events are vital in promoting a culture of academic excellence and respect for the teaching profession.

“I have a strong desire for all educators to be celebrated and we must elevate the teaching profession to a status of honour and prestige,” he added.

Officials of Sasakawa

Delegation from Sasakawa Africa Association calls on UCC Vice-Chancellor

30 May, 2025 By DIS

A delegation from Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has called on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, as part of efforts to deepen the longstanding collaboration between the two institutions.

The delegation, led by SAA Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, and Technical Coordinator for Capacity Building, Dr. Anjolaoluwa Ore Fadairo, visited UCC to explore avenues for expanding joint initiatives, particularly in agricultural development and training.

The Sasakawa officials presenting souvenirs to Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

Briefing the Vice-Chancellor on the visit, the Dean, School of Agriculture of UCC, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, noted that the visit was aimed at reinforcing a partnership that dates back to the 1990s. He explained that the delegation was engaging with faculty members from the School of Agriculture (SoA) and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension to assess ongoing initiatives, including the Supervised Enterprise Projects (SEPs). He further revealed that the SAA is partnering with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension and School of Agriculture in sponsoring a capacity-building workshop for  extension officers focused on regenerative agriculture to address the challenges of low productivity and climate change among farmers across the country.

In his remarks, Dr. Atser commended UCC for its steadfast commitment to the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) programme, which has trained numerous front-line staff of Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture. "Your impact in the agricultural sector in Ghana and beyond is well recognised," he stated.

The Sasakawa delegation with the Vice-Chancellor and officials of UCC

Dr. Atser said SAA has renewed its focus on building resilient and sustainable food systems in Africa through knowledge sharing and capacity development. He also announced that the President of  Nippon Foundation (major funder of SAA), Mr. Takeju Ogata, is expected to visit Ghana soon and extended an invitation to the Vice-Chancellor and the faculty from the School of Agriculture to participate in a briefing session with the Japanese Ambassador. 

Receiving the delegation, Prof. Boampong expressed UCC’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the SAA, highlighting the University’s focus on translating research into practical solutions for societal challenges. "As a research-intensive institution, UCC is committed to innovative partnerships that generate real-world impact," he said.

He pointed out that UCC’s excellence in research and education had been recognised internationally, citing the Times Higher Education ranking which places UCC as the top university in Ghana and West Africa, and among the top 20 universities in Africa.

Prof. Boampong also praised the SAFE programme’s contributions to the University and the country, noting that it had produced some of the best agricultural extension officers and catalyzed several self-sustaining projects on campus. "UCC is proud to be recognised as one of the best agriculture universities in Africa," he concluded.

 

Dr. Godwin Atser signing the visitor's book

The Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Prof. Martin Bosompem,  noted that the Department, through the concepts of SEPs, has developed a BSc Agribusiness programme designed to provide students with practical, hands-on and entrepreneurial training. As part of this initiative, the Supervised Agribusiness Projects (SAPs) enable students to beta-test their agribusiness ideas during the first semester of their final year, both on and around campus. Additionally, he noted that some of the students had been linked to the Design Thinking Hub (D-Hub)-UCC, an initiative led by the Vice-Chancellor which provided support for them to establish and grow their businesses after graduation.

Present at the meeting were: The Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto,  Registrar, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq) as well as former Heads of the Department, of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Prof. Ernest Laryea Okorley and Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Health_screening

School of Allied Health Sciences embarks on medical screening at Apewosika

30 May, 2025 By DIS

As part of activities to commemorate its 10th Anniversary, the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) has organised a comprehensive medical screening exercise for residents of the Apewosika community.

The outreach, held in collaboration with the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, was themed “Promoting Community Health through Collaborative Allied Health Services.” It aimed to enhance preventive healthcare and increase awareness about the importance of regular medical checkups.

Health screening ongoing at the Apewosika park

The exercise brought together several departments within SAHS, each providing its area of expertise. 

Community members including school pupils were screened for a variety of health indicators including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol (fats) monitoring, blood group and sickling status, and body composition. Additional services included physical fitness assessments, home exercise demonstrations, basic sonographic screenings, nutrition counseling, and health education talks focusing on disease prevention.

A member of the SAHS Outreach Team Dr. Stephen Anim, , underscored the importance of the initiative as part of the School’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Measuring of a community member's body mass index

Dr. Anim, who is a lecturer at the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, noted that individuals identified with conditions requiring further medical attention would be referred to the UCC Hospital for continued care.

Home exercise session with a community member

“We are thankful for the community’s enthusiastic participation. Our aim is to make these outreach programs a regular engagement to support public health,” Dr. Anim said.

Assemblyman for Apewosika, Mr. Jacob Kakra Ewusie, commended the School for bringing much-needed healthcare services to the community.

Assemblyman for Apewosika, Mr. Jacob Kakra Ewusie,participating in the exercise

He called for stronger and continuous collaboration between the University and local residents to foster mutual development.

The event witnessed a high turnout and was widely appreciated by participants, reinforcing the positive impact of university-led community health initiatives.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Pages