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Prof. Sarah Darkwa Demystifies Diabetes and Dispels its Surrounding Myths

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Dean School of the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Cape Coast, UCC, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, has underlined the need for members of the public to play a crucial role to complement the untiring efforts of government to eradicate the scourge of diabetes in the country.

Against that backdrop, Prof. Darkwa called for intensive public education, family support, and quality healthcare services for persons living with diabetes.

She cleared up the public long-held misconception that diabetes was a death sentence and used the occasion to disabuse the minds of the general public about the condition, whilst encouraging them to show unalloyed love and compassion for persons living with the disease.

Presenting a paper on Blood Sugar - A Social and Scientific Discourse on its Impact on our Health at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Lecture in Accra, Prof. Darkwa indicated that 2.4 million Ghanaians were living with diabetes and 7.5% of adults had Type-2 diabetes, quoting copiously from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Prof. Darkwa, who was inducted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences on November 14,2022, kicked against stigmatization against persons living with the condition.

“There is a need for a social discourse to expunge all stigmas against people with diabetes”, She added.

Dr. Patience Monnie, Head of the Department of VoTEC-UCC, presenting bouquet to Prof. Darkwa.

Prof. Darkwa maintained that both natural and artificial sugars were the same and urged the public to take precautionary measures.

“Both natural and artificial sugars are practically the same so the safety precaution is to take them in moderation”, she added.

Prof. Darkwa pointed out that race, age and genetics had a role to play in the acquisition of diabetes.

“Indeed, Ghanaians are part of the black race, they have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” she explained.

Prof. Darkwa with some faculty members and postgraduate students of UCC

Prof. Darkwa, however, implored individuals to regularly check their sugar levels and maintain healthy lifestyles.

The Chairperson of GAAS, Emerita Prof. Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, expressed delight about the thought-provoking lecture, saying: “I’ve learnt that it is up to us to reduce negative impacts of diabetes and type-2 diabetes is curable”.

Prof. Emerita Quakyi, who chaired the inaugural lecture, encouraged the public to check their diet to reduce their Glycemic index and Glycemic load.

Some family members, along with students and staff of the School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Vocational and Technical Education (VOTEC), made presentations to Prof. Darkwa on her inaugural lecture since her induction into the GAAS.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics receives equipment

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

A scholar from the University of California Global Health Institute, Madam Elise Christine Reynolds, has donated equipment worth $5,000.00 to the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.

 Items

The equipment included two projectors, two Uninterruptible Power Supply, one HP laptop, one photocopier, one HP printer and  printer toners. 

The donated items 

Madam Elise Christine Reynolds, who made the presentation on behalf of the University of California, said the equipment was to enhance teaching and learning at the Department.

 She, entreated beneficiaries to handle the items with care.

The Head of the Department for Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Prof. Christiana Naa Atsreh Nsiah-Asamoah, expressed the Department’s appreciation to the University of California Global Health Institute for the kind gesture.

 "I wish to thank Elise and the entire University of California for these items on behalf of the whole Department", she said. 

 Prof. Asamoah gave the assurance that the items would be used for their intended purposes.

The Head of Department also indicated that Madam Reynolds would join the Department to implement the Step-up project (Skuul Tsenabea Edziban Papa Project)- a collaborative project between the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of California, and Oklahoma State University. 

 The Dean of the School of Allied Sciences, Prof. Omane Acheampong, the Vice Dean, Prof. Richard K. Ephraim, Faculty Officer, Mr. Sowah Boye, and the Administrator for the Department, Mr. Benjamin Abony.

Source: Documentation and Information Section

 

 

 

 

International Day of the Girl Child commemorated

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Center for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) has marked the International Day of the Girl Child on the theme: “Digital Generation Our Generation”.  

The International Day of the Girl-Child fell on October 11, and was commemorated all over the world in recognition of girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world.

Students from Gomoa Central Girls Education and Iman Khomeini Junior High School participated in the event, which was held at the Auditorium 900, UCC.

Dr. Alimatu-Saadia Yussif 

Dr. Alimatu-Saadia Yussif , from Department of Computer Science and Information, who made a presentation on the topic: “ Girl-Child and Smartphones,” educated pupils on the merits and demerits of having smartphone especially in the 21st century.

She pointed out that, “2010 census shows that 10% of children between age 12-19 have access to internet but the 2021 Population and Housing census indicates that 8 out of 10 persons 12 years and above own a phone.”

Dr. Yussif added that 20% of women were less likely to own a phone than men. She advised young girls to stay away from cyber bully, pornography and urged them to use their phones to learn soft skills like catering and sewing on the internet.

According to her, continuous screen experience was very detrimental to once health and could lead to health problems such as  headache, eye problem and extreme issues like depression.

She also cautioned the students against copying blindly from some social media influencers who flaunt their wealth, claiming some of the influencers online are living fake lifestyle.

delivering on the topic “Career Choices in the Digital Age”, Dr. Yvonne A. Adjakloe, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, walked the pupils through the RIASEC Test.

According to her, the test involved helping the students identify if they are Realist, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising or Conventional to help them in finding out what career part best suits them.

Dr. Yvonne A. Adjakloe

She, therefore, advised the girls to develop their skills and not limit themselves.

“Remember being a girl does not mean we are homogenous so challenge yourselves because we all have different capabilities”, Dr. Adjakloe admonished.  

Dr. Adjakloe advised the pupils to learn to control their space on social media, or else it will end up controlling them. She encouraged the students to make good use of Digital marketing.

Speaking further, she counselled the pupils to engage in networking and also be very innovative in their endeavours. “Also try to promote yourself, that is add value to yourself”, she said.

 Dr. Adjakloe urged the girls to disabuse their minds from the erroneous impression that they were in competition with their colleagues and implored them to focus on becoming the best version of themselves.

Background

The UN chose October 11, 2023 as the International Day of the Girl-Child, for which reason October 11, every year is a day in support of opportunities for girls and an occasion for enhancing awareness of the gender inequality girls face worldwide based on their gender.

Inequalities girls face include lack of access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and discrimination and violence and forced child marriages.

 

 

 

 

Ghana Science Association Gets New Officers

26 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Central Regional branch of the Ghana Science Association (GSA), has held its hand-over ceremony to swear in new batch of executives to take over the mantle of leadership.

The programme took place at the School of Biological Sciences Conference Room, with members of the association and other stakeholders in attendance.

Officers

A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forensic Sciences, Dr. Benjamin Boakye  was sworn in as the president, with Dr Peter Osei-Wusu Adueming as his secretary, and Dr. Margaret  Fafa Awushie Akwetey as his Treasurer.

Hard work

The Outgoing President, Prof. Michael Adinortey, in his address, admitted that despite the enormous challenges that characterized his administration, he took solace from the hard work  displayed  by his executives  to the advantage of the  association.

According to him, some of the achievements chalked up by the association during his tenure included “the introduction of radio programme, awareness day celebrations, science workshops for science school teachers in the secondary school and the establishment of a branch at the University of Education Winneba (UEW) amongst others”.  

He continued: “As we exit, we wish to congratulate the new batch of executives and wish them the very best in their tenure”.

Prof. Michael Adinortey handing over documents to Dr. Benjamin Aboagye

Prof. Adinortey advised the new executives to serve the association to the best of their abilities.

“It is incumbent on you to demonstrate that you are able to lead this noble organization”, Prof. he said.

Uphold vision of GSA

The newly inducted president, Dr. Benjamin Aboagye, in his inaugural speech, expressed his immense gratitude to members of the association for the confidence reposed in the newly elected officers.

“I will strive to uphold the vision of GSA and ensure that new members are recruited into this association’, he promised. 

Dr. Aboagye, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forensic Sciences-UCC, added that he was committed to sustain the existing programs of the association.

He dropped the hint that he would introduce more mentoring programmes for Basic schools in the surrounding communities and also help bring solutions to problems facing Ghana and the world at large.

Revive GSA newsletter

The chairman for the Ceremony, Prof. Victor A. Barku, of the Department of Chemistry, encouraged the new crop of leaders to set a good example worthy of emulation. 

Prof. Victor A. Barku

He encouraged them to ensure the maintenance of the University of Education-Winneba branch and also revive the newsletter programme to enhance the activities of the association.

“We want to see GSA helping students and teachers”, Prof. Barku emphasized.

New GSA executives and dignitaries after the event

 

Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom touts Ghana's transformative education in South Korea

25 Oct, 2023 By DIS

The Director-General of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence for West Africa at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom has touted Ghana's transformative education, stressing that the major investments being made in the sector was shaping the future of the country’s education.

According to him, Ghana puts premium on transformative education as a huge means to eliminating poverty and also to accelerate the socioeconomic development of the country.

Speaking at the 8th International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) hosted by the UNESCO Asia Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Boakye-Yiadom reminded participants of the urgent need to unpack GCED within the context of national cultural values, norms, and aspirations. He added that the ultimate goal of GCED, among others, is to develop globally-minded and locally engaged citizens who appreciate diversity, inclusivity, and transformative learning.

Addressing the theme Unpacking GCED: Transformative Learning for Critical Empowerment, Dr. Boakye-Yiadom indicated that through the Complementary Basic Education programme, children out- of- school were acquiring literacy and numeracy skills to make them ready to enroll in formal school system to make them better citizens in future.

He maintained that children who do not  go to school were being supported with some life skills and vocational training.

 

Panel members at the Conference

“My point is that even though they might be struggling with basic literacy and numeracy. Through Global Citizenship Education and other forms of support, they end up becoming better citizens,” he added.

 The Director-General continued: “At the end of the day, even if they can’t read and write and they become better citizens, they promote peace, support one another in their communities, it is solving part of the problem. We should not wait till they get the literacy and numeracy that they don’t have before we introduce them to Global Citizenship Education. As we try to resolve the numeracy problems, we must at the same time integrate GCED and the goal is to get them to become better citizens in their various communities”.

Dr. Boakye-Yiadom called for deliberate extension of the GCED to the family and community levels to ensure peaceful coexistence and shared vision.

 

About GCED

 Global Citizenship Education (GCED) aims to be transformative, building the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that learners need to be able to contribute to a more inclusive, just and peaceful world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breast Cancer expert debunks myth

25 Oct, 2023 By DIS

A Counsellor at Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Mr. Michael Tagoe, has debunked myths that breast cancer symptoms include lumps in the breast.

He maintained that people  had been diagnosed with breast cancer without necessarily having lumps in their breast.

"Not all breast cancer cases involve lumps so clinical screening is important alongside self-evaluation", he noted.

Mr. Tagoe said this while speaking at the Health Symposium organised by the Senior Staff Association (SSA) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

He said although the causes of breast cancer were still unknown, alcohol use, tobacco use, ageing, family history and obesity, especially during menopause, increased a person's vulnerability to breast cancer.

“Female gender is the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Approximately 0.5-1 per cent of breast cancers occur in men,” he said.

Mr. Michael Tagoe speaking at the event

Mr. Tagoe said good practices including eating healthily, excising and breastfeeding provided some protection against the disease.

He, therefore, advocated regular examination of the breast as it contributes significantly to treatment outcomes.

A lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Dr Yvonne Adjakloe, advised women not to hesi­tate to visit a medical centre on the slightest sign in the breast to avoid escalation of the disease, adding “breast cancer when detected early could be treated, so we have to do self-examination or go to the hospitals for check-up so that in the event of any abnormality it could be caught early and treated effectively.”

She further called on participants to encourage loved ones to be involved in the screening.

Dr. Yvonne Adjakloe

“Let us encourage each other including our loved ones, our friends and community members to prioritize this screening ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” she said.

 In a speech read on her  behalf, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, called for continuous education on the disease while urging women to take self-breast- examination and periodic testing seriously to avoid expo­sure or ensure early treatment.

“Don’t be scared when diag­nosed of breast cancer. There is treatment and you can survive the disease once you go through the appropriate procedures,” she added.

 

 

SGS_CoDE Kumasi

Management of SGS interacts with Postgraduate Students on Distance Programme

24 Oct, 2023 By DIS

Management of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) in conjunction with the College of Distance Education (CoDE), have interacted with postgraduate students on distance programmes at some selected study centres in the country.

The Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, led the team that visited Ho and Koforidua study centres.

Other members were, Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes, CoDE Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro, Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Isaac Yeboah Nsaful, and Financial Secretary, Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG)-UCC Alfred Nana Kissi Andoh and Principal Journalist, Documentation and Information Section, Louis Mensah.

The Vice-Dean, SGS, Prof. Ruphino Zugle led another team to Sunyani and Kumasi Study Centres.

The Vice-Dean’s team comprised, Head, Business Programmes, CoDE, Prof. Siaw Frimpong; Senior Prof. Ruphino Zugle, Science Education, Dr. Kofi Acheaw Owusu; Senior Assistant Registrar, SGS, Mr. Eugene Hesse; Accountant, Mrs. Mavis Opoku Boadu; President,GRASAG-UCC, Mr. Kwabena Adjepong and Photographer, Documentation and Information Section, Mr. Emmanuel Cobbinah.

Some participants listening to the Dean of SGS, Prof. Sarah Darkwa through via virtual mode

Addressing the students via virtual mode, Prof. Darkwa explained that the visit was to interact and brief postgraduate students of CoDE about the activities of the School of Graduate Studies and also to provide them with the necessary support to help them with their studies.

She noted that the School of Graduate Studies was responsible for coordinating all postgraduate programmes in the University.

“Our mission here is to inform you about the activities of SGS, interact with you so you can seek clarification, discuss your academic progress and also address any concern you may have.”

She added that “though, you have not been attending lectures on our main campus, you are still an integral part of the University of Cape Coast Community and we are committed to your success as our students. The lecturers who teach you are the same people who teach the regular and sandwich postgraduate students”.

Prof. Darkwa urged the students to take their studies serious to excel in the programmes they were pursuing.

At Sunyani and Kumasi Centres, the Vice-Dean explained the structure and functions of the School of Graduate Studies.

Prof. Ruphino Zugle speaking to CoDE postgraduate students at Sunyani Centre.

He mentioned that the school collaborates with Colleges/Faculties/Schools/Departments to admit fresh postgraduate students, approve results and theses as well as recommending students for certification of their respective degrees.

Prof. Zugle advised the postgraduate students to set aside dedicated study hours, minimise distractions, irrespective of their busy schedules at work and home.

“Always participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification whenever needed. The University is working hard to provide you with the best learning experience, and your active engagement will contribute to your academic growth.,” he entreated them.

Members of the delegation took the distance postgraduate students through the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies. They responded to questions from students on issues affecting their studies.

The representatives of GRASAG-UCC spoke about the functions of the association and indicated mechanisms the executives were putting in place to ensure that postgraduate students on distance programmes of the University benefit from activities of GRASAG.

Similar interaction sessions have been scheduled to take place at the remaining postgraduate study centres across the country before the year ends.

 

 

 

 

INAUGURAL LECTURE
Date/Time/Duration
Monday, October 23, 2023 - 7:15pm to Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 11:45pm
Venue/Location
SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (SMS) AUDITORIUM
Chairperson
PROF. JOHN NYARKO BOAMPONG, VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST
Speaker
PROF. DENIS WORLANYO AHETO
Inaugural Lecture

OUR OCEANS: SECURING OUR COMMON FUTURE THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH

Category: 
Inaugural Lectures
Lecture Slider Image: 
Name of Main Speaker: 
PROF. DENIS WORLANYO AHETO
Biography of Main Speaker: 

PROFESSOR DENIS WORLANYO AHETO

BSc. (Cape Coast), Dip. (Ed), MSc. (Bremen), PhD (Bremen)

 

Denis Worlanyo Aheto is a Professor of Coastal Ecology and Interdisciplinary Oceans Studies and the Director of the Centre for Coastal Management, the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. He is an astute academic, distinguished lecturer and administrator, an outstanding team player, resourceful leader, and results-oriented researcher with a strong passion for grants success and resources mobilization with an interest developing strong scientific and academic partnerships in his area of professional work.

 

Denis Aheto is a visiting Professor at the Faculty of Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada under the 7-year Food, Climate and Biodiversity (FCB) project grant award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC). He is a technical advisor to West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) of the World Bank and involved in the evolution of the Blue Economy for Resilient Africa Program (BE4RAP) through a visiting fellowship program of the World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) Program. 

 

 

Education

 

Denis Aheto completed his O’ level in 1990 at the St. Martins’ Secondary School, Nsawam and A’ Level in 1992 at the Pope Johns’ Secondar School, Koforidua. He then obtained his BSc. (Hons) Degree in Biological Sciences and a Diploma in Education in 1998 at the University of Cape Coast. He subsequently obtained an MSc. Degree in Rural Development Studies at the Swedish Agricultural University (SLU) in Uppsala in 2002, and an MSc. Degree in International Studies in Tropical Aquatic Ecology (ISATEC) at the Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in 2004, and a PhD Degree in Environmental Science in 2008 at the Center for Environment and Technology (UFT) both at the University of Bremen, Germany.

 

He has engaged in several professional development training courses, i.e. Project Management Professional (PMP) at Center of Excellence, British Council, Accra in 2019; Principle-centered leadership using tools and methods created by Stephen Covey: “The 7 habits of highly effective people” by USAID in Accra in 2018; Holistic Foundations for Assessment and Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2012; Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change, Coastal Resources Center (CRC) University of Rhode Island, USA in 2010; and Law of the Sea and Maritime Regulation and Enforcement at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), University of Wollongong, Australia in 2017.

 

 

Career

 

Following his first Degree, Denis Aheto worked as a Teaching Assistant at the then Department of Botany at the University of Cape Coast from 1998-1999, after which he was employed by the Ghana Education Service and appointed to St. Augustines’ College in Cape Coast as a Biology and Integrated Science teacher. Following the completion of his master’s degree in 2004, he was employed as a Research Scientist in the EU funded project SIGMEA – Sustainable Introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms in European Agriculture, a programme involving over 40 European Universities.

 

While studying for his PhD Degree in 2017, Denis Aheto worked as an Intern in the Associated Program on Flood Management (APFM) at the United Nations in the Hydrology and Water Resources Department of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, Switzerland. He returned to the University of Cape Coast in 2019, where he took up an appointment as a lecturer at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. He was appointed the Seminar Coordinator and Examinations Officer for the Department in 2010 and 2011 respectively. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2012 and appointed as Head of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) in the same year where he served for two terms until 2016. During his term of office as Head of DFAS, he led the formal establishment of the Centre for Coastal Management in 2013 and was appointed its first Director in 2016. By dint of hard work, commitment to duty and tenacity for excellence, he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017 and Professor in 2020.

 

As Director of the Centre, Denis Aheto strengthened the staffing, internal administrative and financial procedures, increased funding and grantsmanship, raised the international profile and upscaled the research and scientific output of the Centre to elevate it to attain the status of an Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) for Development Impact in Coastal Resilience at the University of Cape Coast, competitively awarded by the World Bank in 2019, endorsed by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

 

This feat enabled the Centre to acquire a multipurpose research building infrastructure, improved laboratories, provided research grants to train 30 PhDs, 90 masters and over 250 professionals in oceans-related studies and enabled the University to attain several institutional level impact milestones among other accomplishments.

 

Leadership and membership of Boards and Committees  

Since 2009, Denis Aheto has provided dedicated service to his alma mater – University of Cape Coast, contributing to the work of the university in several capacities. He served as Chairman of UCC’s Library Board for two terms (2010-2015), Hall Tutor Casely-Hayford Hall (2010-2014); In 2015/2016 he was appointed a member of the Search Committee for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor for the University of Cape Coast; Member, Local Implementation Committee, Anomabo Fisheries College (2010-2012); Member, Ad-hoc Committee to Develop Research Agenda for UCC (2012-2013); Member, Income Generation Committee of University of Cape Coast (2012 – 2013), Member, Academic Board of the University of Cape Coast (2012-Date); Appointments and Promotions of School of Biological Sciences (2012-Date);  Member, Science Technology & Mathematics Education Committee (2011-2012); Member, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Board (2010-2012).

At the national level, he is a member of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) National Committee under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana since 2014, where he also chaired the funding sub-committee since. He served as a member of the National Board for Professional and Technical Examinations (NABPTEX) for the Technical Universities from 2016-2018; under the defunct National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) now Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Since 2016, he has served as a member of the Member of the National Implementation Committee of Anomabo Fisheries College under auspices of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD).

 

Denis Aheto contributes to the work of a number regional and global initiatives. He is a member of the United Nations Pool of Experts for Global Assessments on the state of the marine environment; and was a member of the World Bank interim Technical Advisory Committee (iTAC) of the West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) Program and was a member of the Advisory Board for the US Government’s Feed the Future program of USAID from 2015-2020.

 

Tecahing, Research and Mentorship

 

Denis Aheto teaches several courses at the University of Cape Coast with the changing academic semesters. Undergraduate level courses include Integrated Coastal Zone Management and wetlands. Postgraduate courses he’s responsible for cover Marine Protected Areas, Projects Appraisal, Coastal Resource Management, Contemporary Global Ocean and Coastal Policy among others. Denis Aheto’s research interests are in the fields of integrated coastal zone management, maritime conflicts, fisheries governance, climate change adaptation/mitigation, fisheries and aquaculture socioeconomics, ecology and management of coastal water bodies (estuaries and lagoons) and mangrove wetlands and topics related to marine biodiversity, marine pollution management, anthropogenic impacts on the hydrology, coastal urban planning, maritime regulation/policy and enforcement, blue economy, social and ecological resilience of marine environment, marine spatial planning and marine protected areas.

 

His research experience is epitomized in the over 50 peer reviewed academic papers published in reputable journals over a period of 14 years – an average of three (3) papers per year in addition to over 50 referenced conference proceedings, abstracts, posters and commissioned technical reports for Development and private sector agencies to his credit. His standing as an accomplished academic is further demonstrated in the number of organizations interested in funding his research and these include World Bank, among others.

 

As a Mentor, he has successfully supervised and currently supervising over 40 graduate students (Masters & PhDs) and over 20 undergraduate students. Denis Aheto serves as an external examiner to other Universities in Ghana, i.e. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University for Development Studies and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and has undertaken same in universities abroad, such as University of Adelaide, New Zealand. He has tutored a number of institutions on grantsmanship at the Departmental, faculty or University level. Aside UCC, other notable institutions include University of Ghana, University for Development Studies, Bolgatanga Technical University and Takoradi Technical University. He also mentors several Research Fellows at the Centre for Coastal Management.

 

Community Service and Outreach  

 

As part of his community service and outreach, Denis Aheto has acted as a Subject Matter Specialist and Consultant to many international and local organisations including the World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), US State Department, Norwegian Embassy, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation – Ghana, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ministry of Environment Science and Technology (MESTI), among a host of others is worth noting. Denis Aheto played a role as either a Team Leader or a Team Member in the implementation of most of these assignments, writing technical reports and providing guidance and support to these organizations. He attended and participated in over 60 conferences and workshops in over 50 countries globally as Keynote/Panel speaker or presenter, including the Oceans Conference in Panama, February 2023; Bootcamp on moving fisheries from Vulnerability to Viability in Delhi, India in 2023; African Union (AU IBAR) Seychelles (date), Dar es Salaam, Abuja and Nairobi amongst others.

 

In October 2023, Prof. Aheto was an invited Panelist under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Portugal to the 2nd Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum in Lisbon, where he spoke on Oceans and Blue Communities (Ocean, coastal areas, and ecosystems: financing sustainable blue economy as a boost to local development.

 

Others included a workshop at Institut National Polytechnique- Houphouet-Boigny (INP-HB) Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire on Marine Litter by Marine Litter Network (MALNET) funded by the Association of African Universities in June, 2023; 12th Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) I and 2nd ACE Impact Workshops, held in Morocco, May, 2023; AU-IBAR Meeting of the revised Governance Working Group of the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) held in Cairo, Egypt in 2023; AU IBAR Biennial Forum for Regular Consultations on Monitoring Compliance on Domestication of Global and Continental Instruments within the Framework of African Fisheries Reform Mechanism, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; AU IBAR 3rd Project Technical Coordination Committee meeting on the Fisheries Governance 2 Project (FISHGOV-2) in Nairobi, Kenya in 2022 ; 2nd Dialogue with Regional Economic Communities (RECS) Implementation of Fisheries Governance Project Phase 2 (FISHGOV-2) held in Abuja 2022; 7th ACE Impact Regional Workshop of the World Bank and the Association of African Universities held in Cotonou, Benin; 6th ACE Impact Regional Workshop of the World Bank and the Association of African Universities in 2021 (Online); 5th ACE Impact Regional Workshop of the World Bank and the Association of African Universities. Abuja, Nigeria. Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) I and 2nd ACE Impact Workshops, held in Abuja, 11th Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) I and 2nd ACE Impact Workshops, held in Dakar, Senegal in September, 2019; Invited guest speaker to the University of Makerere in Uganda on the topic “West African Fisheries Resources and Management” in 2016; Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, University of Cape Coast and University of Rhode Island held in 2019 held in Accra; 31ST Biennial Conference of the Ghana Science Association on the theme GSA@60: Promoting Science, Technology and Innovation for sustainable Development, in Cape Coast;  Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, University of Cape Coast and University of Rhode Island held in 2017 in Accra; National Stakeholder Consultative Forum: Towards Sustainable Infrastructural Development in Higher Education Institutions in Ghana, in Kumasi; RUFORUM 5th Biennial Conference on Higher Education in Africa, Cape Town, South Africa in 2016; Conference on Sustainable Development, UNILORIN, in 2010, Nigeria; Conference on Advancing the Understanding of Biosafety with the Context of the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Nagoya, Japan. Denis Aheto is a reviewer of many academic journals and conference proceedings and belongs to some professional associations including International Association for Impact Assessment. He has assessed promotions for academic senior members in sister Universities at the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technnology, University of Energy & Natural Resources, University for Development Studies, University of Education, Winneba and the CSIR College of Science & Technology, Ghana.

 

He is the lead technical expert on Three AU-IBAR Project Assignments. First supporting AU to develop mechanisms to encourage and facilitate the domestication of global instruments and initiatives at continental, regional and national levels in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Africa within the framework of enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa: a programme for accelerated reform of the sector. Second, he has supported the identification of specific issues relevant to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and develop draft strategic positions and make specific recommendations for the establishment/strengthening a platform of SIDs. Finally, helping the AU Review and Align National Fisheries and Aquaculture Polices and Laws with the PFRS, Regional Instruments and Global Best Practices for 15 AU Member States.

 

Grants, Capacity Building and Academic Programme Development   

 

Denis Aheto has an outstanding record of winning grants and promoting strong academic partnerships in his field of specialization across the world. He has successfully managed large multi-year, multi-million-dollar training and research budgets from several international development agencies, involving many high level national and international academics and civil society organizations. These grants include World Bank, USAID, etc. These grants have collectively stimulated research and have so far resulted in over 100 scientific research publications in peer-reviewed reputable international journals since 2019 involving research fellows, lecturers, and students. The grants cumulatively amount to about US$ 25 million since 2010 have been used to improve teaching and learning environment and refurbished laboratories for the training of more than 400 young scholars and professionals from across 15 African nations involving Masters, PhD and Short courses trainings at the University of Cape Coast.

 

He the authorized representative for several institutional grants from the World Bank, USAID,

DANIDA among others at the University of Cape Coast.

 

The grants have also provided for the construction of a new five-floor multi-purpose research an offices infrastructure, scientific equipment, computer hardware and software, vehicles, post-doctoral fellowships, establishment of scientific database (FishCoM Ghana) and a regional journnal (JFCoM). The grants have also supported the development of new academic programmes such as Blue Economy, Governance and Social Resilience at the School of Applied Economics; Coastal Engineering at the Department of Water and Sanitation; among others and the development of modular courses for master and PhD programmes at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences involving the Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Fisheries Science, Oceanography and Limnology programmes. These improvements have led to the receipt of international accreditation from the Agency for Academic Assurance (AQAS e.V.), Germany for a cluster of four postgraduate academic programmes at DFAS.

 

Individual Awards and Honors  

 

Denis Aheto is a recipient of several individual awards including the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service, Bonn) Scholarship for postgraduate MSc studies at the University of Bremen in 2004. He is also a recipient of DAAD Student Prize in 2007 for outstanding academic merits at the University of Bremen. In 2015, he was awarded the University of Cape Coast’s Award of Honor as Distinguished Lecturer for dexterity and outstanding contributions to the University. In 2010, he won 4 travel grants in support of biosafety research in Africa (Zambia, Tanzania South Africa) funded by GenØk- Centre for Biosafety, Norway; Travel grant from the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ESSER) for CBD (Conference on Biological Diversity) in Nagoya, Japan on the theme: Advancing the understanding of Biosafety- Latest scientific findings, policy responses and public participation in 2010. He also received USAID Fellowship for training on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change at the University of Rhodes Island, USA in 2010. Grant funded by the Center for International Migration and Development (CIM) on behalf of the German Government Ministry of Development through the World University Service (WUS) Deutsches Komitee e.V. for Workplace Equipment, Germany (2010 April).

 

In August 2023, he received the Prestigious Award of Excellence from the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Federal University of Akure, Nigeria at its 10th Annual lecture on Blue Economy.

 

Family

 

 

Denis Aheto hails from Adutor in the Volta Region of Ghana. He was born on 1st April 1972 at Nsawam in the Estern Region to Mr. Joseph Aheto and Mrs. Fidelia Aheto. He’s the first of four children of his parents, and his siblings are Mrs. Elizabeth Worla Hlovor, Mrs. Bertha Eyra Adigler and Dr. Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto. Denis is Married to Mrs. Cynthia Aheto, and they are blessed with a son, Arnold Sefa Aheto. Denis has a large extended family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Denis loves music, travelling and family leisure time.

Picture of Main Speaker: 
INAUGURAL LECTURE
Front Image: 
INAUGURAL LECTURE
Flickr Gallery: 
Lecture Date: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Speech/Lecture: 

The Ocean is a key driver for attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in line with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) of the UN Agenda 2030, to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Everyone without exception is called to be an active agent towards this goal. I have spent the greater part of my professional life, as a personal contribution to applied research, capacity building and training in higher education on coastal and marine ecology topics and within the spheres of multidisciplinary ocean studies and related policy and coastal community development issues in Africa. The formal creation of the Centre for Coastal Management at the University of Cape Coast in 2013, and its subsequent elevation in 2018 by the World Bank, endorsed by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Ghana Government as the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) for Development Impact, with its special focus to address issues of marine and coastal degradation is a significant cornerstone of my personal contributions to our collective transformative efforts in pushing the frontiers of science, policy and administration, and indicative of leadership commitment to establishing long-term institutional anchor within the domain of coastal and marine studies at the University of Cape Coast for Africa.

 

An Africa research and capacity development platform for oceans studies is crucially needed. This is because even though the African Ocean or Blue Economy is very dependent on healthy marine and coastal resources, and therefore critical for the socioeconomic development of the continent, it is the subject of ongoing severe environmental degradation mainly from pollution, erosion, and flooding resulting from anthropogenic and climate stressors with consequential impacts on marine biodiversity and livelihoods. Blue economy envisions the sustainable use of ocean resources and maritime activities, offering potential for economic development, while addressing socioeconomic and environmental issues. The African Ocean territories possess significant potential for the development of its Blue Economy, yet this remains unexplored and underutilized. Other challenges relate to institutional weaknesses, policy fragmentation, and justice concerns in ocean sectors and coastal communities. There are also issues of scientific, administrative, and professional capacity deficits on the continent to address the challenges. Actionable research involving key stakeholders is crucial for transformation changes needed to ensure sustainable conservation of the oceans.

 

Against this background, and with the support of my agile and dynamic team at the Centre for Coastal Management/ACECoR at the University of Cape Coast, we have championed and contributed to a transformation research agenda that integrates science, policy, practitioners, and end-users into coastal and marine resources conservation. Effectively, over the last ten years, the efforts have turned out to be laborious and costly. To advance the front, meant more informed knowledge and strategic partnerships needed to be sought to drive the transformative research focus to enhance efficiency, which under present circumstances is largely not practiced on the continent. In this context, securing our common future means achieving sustainable development goals of the African Blue Economy informed by research, and where all key stakeholders have a role to play. More guidance grounded on actual project experiences and program management is needed on the continent. This means that, knowledge-based institutions such as universities could pioneer scientific research in multidisciplinary oceans studies, promote technology and innovation with appropriate financing and institutional governance systems to support and develop capacity especially its youthful workforce.

 

Using a framework of thematic research clusters and basing on the opportunities and challenges the ocean economy presents, this inaugural lecture makes a compelling case for supporting transformative research for the development of the ocean economy for sustainable economic growth, promote social inclusion, and conservation of the marine environment. It provides insights to how stakeholders have acted in concert to amplify development impacts, providing insights as to how academic institutions could stimulate critical research and training services to inform sustainable actions for the development of the African Blue Economy. In this light, collaborative processes involved in transformative research covering aspects of its development, implementation, including execution of partnerships with development agencies, government and civil society organizations are highlighted. Elements of capacity building, and training, monitoring and evaluation, data management, information technology and aspects on financing  will be discussed. Reflections and lessons learned from firtsthand project experiences within the marine/coastal research context in a traditional university environment will feature prominently, supported with examples, connected to relevant scholarly literature.

 

 

Key words: Ocean health, ocean equity, maritime security, blue finance, ocean wealth, Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR).

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