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The Chancellor and other dignitaries at the Law Library

Sam Jonah Library Launches 2019 Library Week Celebration

23 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Sam Jonah Library has launched the 2019 Library week celebration on the theme “The 21st Century Library Services for Higher Education: Redefining University of Cape Coast Library Services”.
    
Speaking at the function, the Chancellor of the University, Dr. Sir Sam Esson Jonah, noted that the library was an important academic facility that contributed greatly to enhance academic work in universities. He was happy that the University’s Library system was responding to the changes and transformations taking place in academic libraries across the world. “Libraries are now using cutting-edge technologies to deliver information resources to support their parent organisations.

The Chancellor commended the Sam Jonah Library for showing commitment to modernise its resources, facilities and services and some other new facilities that would be inaugurated as part of the programme. “This is a demonstration of the University to transform the Library System into a modern Library capable of delivering Information and Library services that meet the needs of the University community” he added.

Innovations of the Sam Jonah Library

Touching on new innovations in the Library, the Chancellor mentioned that the establishment of the Research Commons in the Sam Jonah Library to promote research works by Academics, Research Fellows and students was a welcome development. “This project is timely considering the fact that the University is now hosting a number of International Graduate programmes including the African Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience Programme,” he noted. 

Explaining further, Dr. Sir Jonah indicated that “Learning Commons have technologically enhanced learning spaces, innovatively-designed to promote collaborative learning and research.  Learning commons provides research support services at each stage of the research life cycle”.  The Chancellor was confident that the Sam Jonah Library Research Commons would contribute immensely to the growth and quality of research outputs and the visibility of the University.  “Gone were the days where Graduate students had office space at their Departments of study. The situation is not the same any longer because of obvious reasons,” he pointed out.

Pay Attention to Research

The Chancellor urged the University to give equal attention to Research stressing that “There is too much emphasis on teaching at the expense of Research”. He noted that the University could earn a lot of money from research adding that “Her Research outputs can also make the University popular and attractive”. He, however, indicated that research required capital investment before realising the expected results and commended UCC for investing in the necessary infrastructure that would propel the University to yield high-quality research outputs. “I am reliably informed that the Research Commons of other partner Universities were sponsored through donor funding such as CARNEGIE and DANIDA. I am happy that the Sam Jonah Library Research was funded by the University resources and my personal financial support,” he noted.

The Chancellor also spoke about the establishment the Sam Jonah Research and Exhibition Centre adding that “Our aim is to establish a Centre of Excellence for Research where top-notch Researchers and Students across the world can visit to learn about our experiences”.

Role of the Library in Academic Institutions

On his part, the Librarian, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, emphasised on the role of the library to in academic institutions saying “University Libraries all over the world provides scholarly information resources, learning facilities, spaces and services to support teaching, learning and research”.

The University Librarian argued that emerging technologies had not come to replace libraries, but rather strengthen them to provide more efficient services. “There is always information preceding technology, if there is no information to be transmitted, technology will remain a white elephant” he stressed. He further indicated that information could be in the form of both electronic and print formats and the web technology has made global access to information possible. However, he posited that “What has changed is just the format in which information comes and the speed of transmission. Information will always remain information and has to be managed by professionals”.

Modernisation of the Sam Jonah Library

Focusing on the modernisation of the Sam Jonah Library, he said efforts had been made to adopt new technologies. He mentioned the e-library platform made up of online catalogue, UCC Institutional Repository, Online Library Services and the e-resources (e-books/ e-journals)

According to him, the Library has been restructured into three departments to reflect its academic nature. He mentioned that the departments comprised Client Services, Collection Management and Technical Services, and Information Technology and Research Support. 

Dr. Cobblah said some of the new sections that have been established are Learning and Research Support Section, Distance Learning Library Services Section, Library IT Infrastructure and Digital Services Section, Business Development Unit, Person with Special Needs Section,  and Library Policies and Operational Manuals Section”.  Dr. Cobblah said new Library policies and Operational manuals have been developed to reflect best practices in Library and Information Management. Another significant facility he mentioned had been established by the Library was the-state-of-the-art Research Commons which he described as comparable to any kind in the world for graduate students and faculty members. “The Sam Jonah Library Research Commons is envisaged to meet the Research needs of Graduate students, academic staff and Research Fellows" he noted. 

Future Plans of the Sam Jonah Library

Cataloguing some future plans of the Library, Dr. Cobblah mentioned the establishment of the Sam Jonah Research and Exhibition Library Centre for Excellence on the Legacy of Dr. Sir. Sam Jonah;  creation of Knowledge Commons for the Undergraduates; putting up Conference and Seminar rooms - for departments that do not have such facilities for academic purposes. Others include facilities for managing Indigenous Knowledge at the Africana Unit, Computer Assisted Learning Unit and Resource training Centre; Reading room and Personal Librarian Services.

Impact of Sam Jonah Library on Academic Work

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dora F. Edu-Buandoh, who chaired the launch, commended the Sam Jonah Library for providing the best of service to the University Community.    She noted that the Sam Jonah Library had raised the profile of the University through services it continued to provide to students and faculty members as well as other communities in Cape Coast. “Let me use this opportunity to commend the Sam Jonah Library for organising reading clinics and competition for basic schools in some communities in Cape Coast,” she noted. 

The Pro Vice-Chancellor thanked the Chancellor for generously donating to support the creation of the Research Commons, Law Library and other projects in the Library. She assured that the Management of the University would continue to support the Library to provide excellent services to the University Community. 

As part of the ceremony, a bust on the Vice-Chancellor was inaugurated. Other facilities that were inaugurated by the Chancellor were the Research Commons, the Law Library, Moot Court for the Faculty of Law, Social Learning Space, Research Support Services, Electronic Support Services and the Distance Learning Library Services.

Some of the inductees at the Roll Call Ceremony

Faculty of Law Holds 7th Roll Call Ceremony

23 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Faculty of Law has held the Seventh Roll Call Ceremony to induct students admitted to pursue Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programme at the University for the 2019/2020 academic year.
    
In all, 126 students were inducted at the ceremony.

Faculty of Law is One of the Best in Ghana

In a speech read on behalf by the Provost of the College of Distance Education, Prof. Isaac K. A. Galyuon, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, noted that though the Faculty of Law was relatively young, faculty and students continue to distinguish themselves both academically and professionally. He noted that the faculty was recognised as one of the best in the country noting that “Our Faculty of Law has introduced a lot of innovations in the training of legal professionals and our students have also won several academic laurels making us one of the top faculties in the country,” he stated.

Prof. Ampiah was happy to note that the pass rate for graduates from the Faculty into the Ghana School of Law continued to increase over the few years. 

The Vice-Chancellor advised the inductees to focus on their goals to achieve their ultimate aim of becoming legal professionals. “Don’t be distracted by your friends and other social vices but plan all your activities ahead of time to achieve the purpose for which you came to this University,” he advised.

Make Good Use of Opportunities

In his address, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Francis Eric Amuquandoh, entreated the students to make good use of the opportunities offered to them by the University to study Law.  He urged them to sacrifice and make good use of their time to work extra hard to achieve their aims. “Making good use of your time, being punctual to lectures on time are some of the hallmarks of a good lawyer. As student lawyers, your dress code is unique on campus and this should reflect in whatever you do. You must abide by the rules and regulations of the University,” he advised. 

Prof. Amuquandoh who is also the Acting Dean of the Faculty noted that the judicial system of the country was gradually embracing digitisation and, therefore, students should make effort to build their skills in Information Communication and Technology in order to remain relevant in the legal profession. “Some courts in the country have now been automated and before you can even file a case, you need to do it digitally. This shows as future lawyers, you need the 21st-century skills to become relevant and even practice this noble profession,” he admonished them.

Challenge the Status quo

A Supervising High Court Judge in the Western Region, His Lordship Justice Bright Mensah, who gave the keynote address, called on the students to strive to challenge the status quo through reasonable justifications. He cited several provisions in the constitution and certain judgments which had been challenged by some legal practitioners in the country. He noted that their training should help them to develop sound reasoning; critical and analytical skills to examine and provide better alternatives that would help develop society. “You don’t have to take any principle or provisions of the law on its face value. Challenging the status quo is very good for the development of the Law,” he indicated.

Justice Mensah advised the students to develop good reading habits, writing and speaking skills to enable them to make sound arguments in court.  “Constant reading, clear and concise writing and good public speaking will make you an outstanding lawyer,” he encouraged them.

The students were inducted into the faculty by a Supervising High Court Judge of the Central Region, Her Ladyship, Mrs. Patience Mills Tetteh who administered the Oath of Junior Member.  
 

Mr. Moses Abnory been sworn into office

Mr. Moses Abnory Asumes Office as Registrar of Takoradi Technical University

23 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The immediate past Director, Directorate of Legal, Consular and General Services (DLCGS), UCC, Mr. Moses Abnory has officially assumed office as the Registrar of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) at an investiture ceremony held in Takoradi.
    
The same ceremony saw the investiture and induction of Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Gabriel Sam Arhinful as the Director of Finance.
    
Mr. Abnory boasts of over two decades of experience both at the senior and management levels as a university administrator. He rose through the ranks as a Senior Administrative Assistant in 1996 and became a Deputy Registrar in 2012.

Charge to the New Officers

Speaking at the event the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the University, Dr. (Mrs.) Henrietta Abane, thanked the search committee for selecting accomplished men with huge and varied wealth of experiences in their respective fields to lead and manage the University. The Council chair also thanked all stakeholders for their support throughout the selection process and solicited their cooperation and support for the new team to move the University forward. Mrs Abane indicated that challenges would come but with perseverance and tenacity of purpose they could achieve their goals and charged the new team saying “You should deal with all manner of persons in a fair and firm manner”.

Vice-Chancellor's Vision

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John F. Eshun outlining his plans, promised to do his best to sustain the image of the University saying that “the appointment has come at a time that TTU wants to redefine TVET education in Ghana”. Prof. Eshun said he would work hard to improve on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), rebrand TTU, promote research and development and forge both local and foreign partnerships among others. “We need to have a vision that trains students to be highly skilled for the world of work, make TTU a research hub and expand partnership”, he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor said, “My vision is to bring innovation that delivers on my mandate, deepen the focus on diversification of both staff and students”.
“The task of directing TTU is like directing a boat, all paddlers must do so in the same direction”, he indicated. He promised to work with all for the university to reach its full potential.

Adjust to Changes in Tertiary Institutions Landscape

Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Kwesi Yankah, said the education landscape in Ghana was changing and for that reason, TTU must also change to reflect the times. Explaining further, the Minister said, the change of the institution’s status to technical University, if not handled well, would not achieve the desired results. “This transition has seen a lot of hurdles; however, it is all good. We must check them so they do not become monsters. TTU must chart a new path”, he emphasised.

Prof. Yankah said skills development in vocational and technical learning would transform Africa by making the young one’s masters of their own by employing people. “This will let them be employers and not employees”.

Caution

The Minister cautioned the University not to seek academic paths as the traditional universities, rather they should introduce programmes that are relevant to their cause by pursuing diversification and differentiation and set the pace for others to follow and not follow the crowd. He called on the Vice-Chancellor to pioneer a trend of getting a tried and tested template in the training of oil and gas professionals.

The Minister called on the foundation Vice-Chancellor to show the way for staff and students to follow. “I urge you all to give your best to ensure that the vision of the Vice-Chancellor though arduous, it can be achieved”.   
 


 

Participants with dignitaries

UCC Hosts 2nd International Seminar of the Future of the Teaching Profession

21 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The University of Cape Coast under the auspices of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration has hosted the Second International Seminar of the future of the Teaching Profession in Africa.
    
The two-day seminar which was held at Elmina Beach Resort was on the theme “Teacher Professionalism and Curriculum in Africa” was convened by African Union Commission; Education International and Open Society Foundations. It brought together representatives of teacher unions and other stakeholders of education in Africa.

The 2019 seminar focused on collaborations between teacher unions and ministries of education to improve teacher developments, support mechanisms, and curriculum processes at the national level. 

Role of Teacher Unions in Ensuring Quality Education

Opening the seminar, the Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, noted that the government of Ghana was of the firm belief that quality education could be realised if the rights of teachers including trade unions were guaranteed. He indicated that the teacher unions in Ghana have been strong and major partners in Ghana’s effort to provide quality education in the country stressing that “Our unions are highly recognised and they operate in freedom. Indeed, Article 21(e) of Ghana’s constitution guarantees trade union rights as part of the fundamental human rights”.

Dr. Prempeh whose speech was delivered by the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum  Assessment (NaCCA), Dr. Prince Hamid Armah said Ghana has one of the vibrant teacher unions and described the country as one of the safest countries for trade union leaders across the continent.  “Indeed, University Teachers Association (UTAG), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) who are members of Education International (EI) are recognised by law, but, as a Minister, I have been on very good terms with them and have consistently sought to engage them even many policy issues” he explained. 

The Minister for Education emphasised that teachers were at the centre of delivering decent public education service and it is always important that they were well consulted on all education policy formulations and implementations. “As we all know, a peaceful work environment is an important ingredient to achieving institutional goals and aspirations,” he noted.

Ghana Teacher Task Force

Another intervention he spoke about was that government through the National Teaching Council, Teacher Unions and other partners had set up the Ghana Teacher Task Force to prepare a comprehensive teacher policy for Ghana. He indicated that “This is under the auspices of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Teacher Task Force in collaboration with other partners including EI and is generously funded by the Government of Norway”. According to him, it was expected to be a one-stop-shop document on teacher training, teacher recruitment, teacher deployment, and retraining as well as teacher retention. He said the government was aware EI was working with unions in the country to help enrich the policy document.

The Minister was confident that the seminar would provide the necessary platform for participants to engage with each other, share ideas and experiences and arrive at recommendations that would benefit the Ghanaian teacher. He assured that the Ministry of Education would consider recommendations of the seminar to strengthen Ghana’s education system.

Achieving SDG 4.7

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah whose speech was read by the Dean of the School of Educational Development and Outreach, Prof. George K. T. Oduro noted that both UCC in general and the IEPA, in particular, was delighted to be associated with the conference that would explore the future of the teaching profession in Africa. 

The Vice-Chancellor indicated that “Teaching takes the centre stage as nations strategise to actualise Sustainable Development Goal 4.7. Again, in our digital era where we are witnessing a lot of discussions on the emergence of artificial intelligence, any discourse on the future of the teaching profession is very pertinent”. 

Era of Artificial Intelligence

Prof. Ampiah said teachers were expected to take on new roles to facilitate learning at a different level adding that “Other constituents are even beginning to ask questions such as: will schools need teachers and will computers replace teachers? He was confident that the deliberations for the seminar would explore how technology and utilisation of artificial intelligence would improve teaching and not replace teachers. “I believe during your time together you will also look at how teachers would be prepared and developed for the digital classroom” he implored.

Curriculum Shapes Teachers

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Yusuf Sayed from the University of Sussex, spoke on the topic, “Curriculum and teacher professional development in Africa for equitable and quality education ‘Curriculum should not arrive like thunder”.  He noted that three key areas that needed attention in education were policy, curriculum and teacher professional development.  

On the issue of policy, he said the processes leading to the determination of the policy were as important as what it was about adding that “How much policy there is, is as important as what it says".  In his explanation, he said the curriculum shaped what teachers do adding that “This is the real technology or engine of what happens and it is more than ICT”.  On the other hand, he noted that teacher professional development was crucial because “What is delivered is contingent on how teachers are supported and trained”.

At the end of the two-day seminar, there were recommendations on how to improve teacher development and support mechanisms for curriculum processes in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, there would be specific country and partner commitments for follow-up, implementation, and reporting on at the next seminar.  In addition, countries would be expected to have a clear identification of support in enacting their commitments.

Presentation of Books to Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics

Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics Lecturers Donate to Department

21 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

Two lecturers of the Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics have donated a set of books they authored to the Department at a short ceremony.
        
The lecturers are Mr. Peter Alexander Hope and Mr. Emmanuel Asubonteng.

The donated books which were written in the Akan Language are “Akanfo Ammamer” and “Mber Pa Beba Ampa”.  “Akanfo Ammamer” is about the traditions and culture of Akans whiles “Mber Pa Beba Ampa” is a motivational story.  

Boost Teaching, Learning, and Research 

Presenting the books, Mr. Asubonteng noted that the gesture was to contribute to teaching, learning, and research in the Department. He explained that they found it expedient to produce the books to boost academic work in the Department and other tertiary institutions that run programmes in languages “We found it expedient to write these books for our academic work and to serve other purposes such as our promotion” he explained.

On his part, the Mr.Hope added the books were to enlighten students and readers about the culture, traditions, and values about Akans. “We want posterity to know about their background and cherish what we have as a people,” he emphasised.

Need for Reading Materials

Receiving the books, the Head of the Department, Dr. E. Amo Ofori, commended the lecturers for coming out with the books. He noted that the Department was in dire need of textbooks and reading materials in the library for both lecturers and students.  He urged lecturers in other languages within the Department to emulate their Akan Language colleagues. 

“It’s difficult getting current materials for our the programmes we run here so I am highly elated that these books have been produced by our lecturers handling the Akan Language and it is my expectation that the other languages will follow their efforts” he implored.
         `
 

UCC logo

Government to Support Expansion of IEPA

21 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has said that the Government intends to support the expansion of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) across West Africa.

Currently, the only West African institution running the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) is the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Dr. Prempeh was speaking at the UNESCO executive board 207th Session as Ghana’s representative and leader of the delegation.

“Mr. Chairman, the IEPA intends to expand to the West Africa region and beyond, its work of educational planning and research, policy formulation and training for educational leadership. The Government of Ghana will contribute a total of 3.4 million dollars annually towards the operations of both the proposed IEPA Centre and the AIMS–Ghana Category II Institute under the auspices of UNESCO”, he said.

He, however, urged member states to contribute to the success of this proposed project.

“We call on all Member States to support this proposed initiative which will transform educational planning and address human resource and systems needs of countries in the region”, he added.

The IEPA was established in August 1975 based on a joint agreement between the Government of Ghana and UNESCO/UNDP.

The IEPA exists to generate and disseminate reliable educational information for capacity building and to inform educational policy formulation, planning, and implementation.

Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom facilitating a session during the one-week conference

Dr. Boakye Yiadom Invited to Facilitate AAU Conference

21 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

A Research Fellow at the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, Dr. Michael Boakye-Yiadom was invited by the Association of African Universities as Guest Facilitator for the Annual Conference for Student Affairs Practitioners in Kigali-Rwanda.

Participants & Aims of the Conference


The conference which was held from Monday 14th– Friday 18th October, 2019 was attended by Deans of Student Affairs, Hall Masters and Wardens, School Psychologists and Counselors. Among participants was the Dean of Students of UCC Prof. Eugene KM Darteh.

The conference sought to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of popular, successful strategies and new trends of student support services relevant to the psycho-social and academic development of students in higher education.

Participants at the Conference

Confucius Institute Holds China-Africa Urban Development Forum

20 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Coast in collaboration with the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, (CIUCC) has organised a China-Africa Urban Development Forum. 
    
The event which was sponsored by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, Hanban, China was held under the theme: “Towards Building Resilient Cities: Opportunities, Challenges, and Innovations.” 

Promoting Sustainable Urban Development

Speaking at the function, the Ghana Director, CIUCC, Prof. Ishmael Mensah, explained that the forum was organised to provide the platform for researchers and practitioners in urban development and related fields to exchange ideas so as to extend the frontiers of urban development. He noted that the conference would help inform urban research and promote sustainable urban development and also address climate change which has become the most prevailing environmental challenge in the world.  

According to him, building urban resilience had become very imperative in the face of global warming and climate change. However, he stated that cities had to be equipped to face the future shocks and stress to enable the urban dwellers to survive the harsh realities of climate change and in fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which calls for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Prof. Mensah noted that though technological advancements had presented opportunities for building resilient cities, there were a number of challenges to tackle. He said the “delegates will seek to discuss issues connected with building urban resilience and offer solutions to some of the challenges confronting our cities” . The Ghana Director mentioned climate change, migration, renewable energy, transportation, leisure recreation as well as culture and livelihood, as some of the urban issues to be discussed in the forum.

Issues of Urban Development Remain Prevalent


The Vice-President, Hunan City University, Hanban, Prof. Lei Cunxi, observed that issues of urban development still remain prevalent comparing developed and developing countries. He, therefore, urged countries to come together to address these problems. “Countries should prioritise urban management and environmental development in order to build and make cities beautiful homes,” he explained
 

Tackling Global Warming and Climate Change


The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr. Thomas Yaw Adjei-Baffoe, spoke on the need to tackle global warming and climate change menaces and urged participating researchers to help develop the right systems to create enabling homes for both urban and rural dwellers. He encouraged collaborations between international communities towards building sustainable development. 

Paying Attention to Urbanisation


The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Shi Tin Wang, indicated that urbanisation should critically be given the needed attention because it was one of the areas to uplift the living standards of people in a country. He stated that “Championing globalisation has been the concern of China, so as to establish a harmonious coexistence, urban management and environmental development among all countries in the world.” The Chinese Ambassador indicated that China would continue to deepen developmental collaboration and cooperation with Ghana and other countries.          

Develop Resilient Solutions


The Provost, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Francis Eric Amuquandoh, commended CIUCC for its initiative to curb the world’s most challenging issues through the use of academic intellectual processes. The Provost appealed to researchers to work hard to develop and produce resilient solutions to help solve the world’s numerous developmental problems.

In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Cape Coast Technical University, Prof. Owusu-Sekyere, the China Director, CIUCC, Prof. Hu Liangcai,  representatives from other sister universities, lecturers, teachers, as well as students from tertiary institutions, senior and junior high schools, Other participants were people very seasoned researchers from China, Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana. 
            
 

Participants of the workshop

CEGRAD Sensitises Researchers on Gender Issues and Feminist Research Methodologies

20 Oct, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies, UCC and the University of Birmingham (UK) has organised a gender-related research capacity strengthening workshop and a public lecture on ‘Gender Issues and Feminists Research Methodology’ for graduate students and lecturers.     

Gender Revolves around all Disciplines


In her address, the Director, CEGRAD, Dr. (Mrs.) Georgina Yaa Oduro, stated that “Gender is not situated within a single discipline, however, it has a cross, multi, inter and intra-disciplinary subject areas that cut across various disciplines”. She indicated that the workshop was informed by the findings from the UCC Vice-Chancellors Annual Report from different years which pointed out that a number of faculty and students engagement in gender and feminist research.  “Others who do not directly study the issues of gender employ the feminist research methodologies in their research works” she added. The Director averred that there was the recognition of a shift in postgraduate research from predominantly quantitative to a qualitative and triangulation of methodologies. 

In view of the aforementioned reasons, Dr. Yaa Oduro explained that CEGRAD thought of the need to organise the workshop to equip students and lecturers who were interested in such research areas. She further mentioned that the aim of the workshop was to ‘strengthen participants’ capacity on gender issues and feminists research methodology. 

Gender at the Core of Humanity


The Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ernest Okorley, noted that gender was at the core of humanity; therefore, there was the need to properly disseminate information about it. He explained that would help to educate the general public, and stakeholders to consider and factor both females, males in terms of policymaking.

Promoting Gender-Related Issues


The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme commended the Centre for its foresight and innovative ideas in their quest to make people understand the nitty-gritty of gender-related issues. The Dean assured the Centre of the support of Faculty in order to realise its objectives.

 Maintenance of Children and  Status of Women in Marriage

As part of the three-day event, a Senior Lecturer in History of Africa and its Diasporas, University of Birmingham, Dr. Kate Skinner, delivered a lecture on the topic: “Contesting Child Maintenance in Ghana: Some Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.”  Dr. Skinner spoke on the connections between the maintenance of children and the status of women in marriage in Ghana. Dr. Skinner explained that lessons in contemporary times had pointed out that failure to ensure child maintenance could have negative consequences on children in society. “Though there are genuine issues of low-income and difficulty on the part of fathers in maintaining children, it can be seen historically and in contemporary times as part of some resistance to hold those obligations and into law”.       

Target


The programme targeted female and male PhD and M.Phil students undertaking research on gender-related issues who were adopting feminists’ research methodologies in their research works. Participants included postgraduate students and lecturers from UCC, University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU). 
 

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