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The MDC team with Management and faculty of UCCSMS

Medical and Dental Council Team Assesses UCC SMS

14 Mar, 2023 By DIS

A team from the Medical and Dental Council (MDC), Ghana has begun assessment of training facilities and academic programmes of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The assessment is in line with Part II of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act 2013 (ACT 857) which enjoins the MDC to ensure that training facilities and programmes of Medical and Dentistry institutions meet required standards.

The Registrar of the MDC, Dr Divine N. Banyubala, at a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, and Faculty of SMS, said the exercise formed part of the Council’s mandate as the regulatory body for medical training and practice in Ghana.

It is the core statutory duty provided under section 27 of Part II of Act 857 that the Council shall assess facilities and contents of programmes for the training of doctors and dentists and physician assistants in training institutions” he explained.

He added that the MDC team based on their findings would write a quality assessment report and recommend accreditation/re-accreditation/ provisional accreditation or no accreditation for the UCC SMS.

Dr. Banyubala, therefore, indicated that the checklist of inspection included governance structure, academic programme, staffing norms, student selection and admission policy, students and students’ welfare, among others. 

For his part, Prof. Boampong thanked the MDC for its diligence to ensure Medical and Dentistry institutions in the country adhered to standards to produce professional medical doctors, dentists and physician assistants. 

The Vice-Chancellor was confident that UCCSMS would meet the team’s standards after the exercise.

 

The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong speaking at the meeting

The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong speaking at the meeting

 

Prof. Boampong praised the MDC for its commitment to professionalism and effective

monitoring of Medical and Dentistry institutions in the country.

The MDC Team is made up of Prof. Emmanuel Addo-Yobo, Prof. Tsiri Agbenyega, Prof. Patrick Agyei, Prof. Harry Tabor, Prof Stephen Tabiri, Dr. Edna Kasalo, Dr. Rodrick Larsen-Reindolf, Dr. Divine Banyubala, and Ms. Memunatu Abdulai.

Present at the meeting were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rosemond Boohene, Registrar, Mr Jeff Teye Onyame, the Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Martins Ekor, Dean of SMS, Prof. Sebastian Eliason, as well as some faculty from UCCSMS.

Section of the congregants

UCC Committed to Training Employable Graduates – VC

13 Mar, 2023 By DIS

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has reiterated that the academic programmes run by the University are geared towards making students competitive on the job market.

Prof. Boampong pointed out that the programmes run by the University were reviewed periodically to make students more qualified to compete in the job market. 

The Vice-Chancellor was speaking at the 5th Session of the 54th Congregation to graduate 12,325 students of the College of Distance Education (CoDE). 

"Let me assure you that the training you have received is supposed to prepare you to contribute to the well-being of society. Our tailor-made programmes are designed to add value to all who go through our teaching and learning process” Prof. Boampong added. 

He noted that UCC as a responsive institution has over the years drawn its inspiration from policies and regulations outlined by the Regulator – Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) under the Ministry of Education.

 

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, delivering his address at the 5th Session of the 54th Congregation

 

In that regard, Prof. Boampong noted, “The academic programmes are largely informed and reviewed from time to time to correspond to the national needs in line with reforms prescribed by the Regulator and ultimately by the sector ministry.”

The Vice-Chancellor further said that UCC deemed it fit to equip its students with the requisite resources to make them relevant to their respective communities in particular and the nation at large. 

He told the students that the University had empowered them with the appropriate knowledge, character formation, integrity and practical skills. 

He was, therefore, hopeful that the graduands would apply the knowledge acquired for the betterment of society.

 

Source:  Documentation and Information Section-UCC

10 Mar, 2023

FACULTY OF ARTS - DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

Applications are invited from qualified candidates to take up lectureship positions in the:

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST, GHANA

Fields:

i. African/African Diaspora History

ii. Asian History

iii. American (North, Latin, Central and South) History

BACKGROUND OF CANDIDATES

 

1. Professor

The candidate must:

i. Possess a PhD with specialisation in one or more of the fields of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

ii. Have considerable teaching experience in the relevant area of specialisation in a reputable tertiary institution;

iii. Have a strong research background and professional experience;

iv. Be recognized internationally on account or research carried out in the area of specialisation; and

v. Have experience of and commitment to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

2. Associate Professor

The candidate must:

i. Possess a PhD with specialisation in one or more of the fields of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

ii. Have considerable teaching experience in the relevant area of specialisation in a reputable tertiary institution;

iii. Have a strong research background and professional experience;

iv. Have a record of outstanding scholarship in the relevant area of study; and

v. Experience of and commitment to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

3. Senior Lecturer

The candidate must:

i. Possess a PhD with specialisation in one or more of the fields of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

ii. Have a strong research background and professional experience;

iii. Have at least four years teaching experience at the University level;

iv. Have carried out research and published articles in the relevant area in peer-reviewed journals; and

v. Have a commitment to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

 

4. Lecturer

i. Possess a PhD with specialisation in one or more of the fields of study listed above or a closely related academic area;

ii. Have some professional experience in the specific area;

iii. Have demonstrated potential and interest to conduct research and to excel in teaching; and

iv. Have a commitment to excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to: (a) equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment; and (b) advancement of research and scholarship, and willingness to learn new approaches and techniques of teaching and researching.

For inquiries, please contact

The Administrator, Department of History

Tel: +233 0206119220

Email: history@ucc.edu.gh

 

Mode of Application

Interested applicants should download an Application Form from the University of Cape Coast website at www.ucc.edu.gh/forms

 

3. Completed application forms together with a detailed CV/resume and photocopies of relevant certificates and names of three referees who are familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional competence should be forwarded to:

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

PMB

Cape Coast

Ghana

Prof. Kwame Agyei Frimpong making a presentation at the programme

UCC Dept. of Soil Science engages stakeholders on a new programme for the fertilizer industry

10 Mar, 2023 By DIS

The Department of Soil Science has started engagements with key stakeholders towards building the needed human and technological capacities necessary for the fertilizer industry in Ghana.

For that matter, the Department of Soil Science engaged key stakeholders in a one-day workshop to introduce the state of the curriculum being developed and to elicit their inputs in order to make the programme respond to the needs of the fertilizer industry.

The programme is also intended to imbibe in the next generation of scientist, 21st century skills, knowledge and attitudes that are very relevant for the Fertilizer Science and Soil Health Programme to be hosted in the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The Head of the Department, Prof. Kwame Agyei Frimpong, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the stakeholder engagement meeting, explained that the Government of Ghana had signed an agreement with Morocco’s Office Cherifien de Phosphates (OCP) to build a fertilizer plant in Ghana by 2024.

He noted that with the discovery of oil in large quantities in Ghana, there was the availability of adequate by-products for manufacturing of high-quality tailor-made fertilizers for the country’s agricultural and other needs.

In order to boost the fertilizer industry in Ghana, Prof. Frimpong said the Department of Soil Science was tasked to train expertise to ensure the production of quality and affordable fertilizer in large quantities which in the long run could also rake in some foreign exchange for the country.

 

Stakeholders who participated in the stakeholder’s engagement meeting

 

He mentioned numerous benefits the fertilizer course would bring to the University in particular and the nation as a whole.

At the level of the University, he indicated the programme which was the first in the subregion would boost visibility of the University and also attract scholars from all over the world for exchange of knowledge and expertise. “This programme will also attract international students from our neighbouring countries and other parts of Africa,” he stressed.

Prof. Frimpong noted that at the national level, the programme would produce expertise to help expand the fertilizer industry and also help in accelerating the country’s quest towards boosting food and nutrition security.

“Ghana depends solely on importation of fertilizer from other countries to support the country’s agriculture and industrial needs. This programme has come at an opportune time for us to manufacture our own fertilizers to help our farmers and also for export” he stated.

Prof. Frimpong said the Department would continue to engage all stakeholders holistically to firm up the curriculum before the programme would be introduced at UCC.

Present at the programme were the Dean, School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, Head of Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Prof. Kofi Nyarko; Head of Department of Agronomy, University for Development Studies, Dr. Vincent Kojo Avornyo, some officials from International Fertilizer Development Centre and OCP, Ministry of Food and Agriculture as well as faculty from the School of Agriculture and other Schools within the University of Cape Coast, UCC.

 

 

awards

Nine Students of School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Receive Dean’s Award

10 Mar, 2023 By DIS

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has awarded nine (9) students at its Dean’s awards ceremony.

The deserving students - from Level 200 to 400, were awarded in recognition of their efforts and distinguishing themselves academically.

The students were awarded in the categories of best-performing student, most improved student, and overall best student among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Central Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Pharmacist Ishmael Damoah-Aferi, encouraged the students to take their academic work seriously. He also advised them to take keen interest in reading across varied disciplines in order not to confine them to the area of Pharmacy. 

Pharm Damoah-Aferi reminded the students that books had information to improve the lives of everybody.

 

A group photo of awardees with faculty and some members of the Pharmacy Council

 

“One thing our former Registrar used to say is that the day you stop learning you become a danger to society. There are a lot of things you are going to get in the books you see on the street. Sometimes you meet them in the traffic when you are traveling; GHS 15, GHS 25 and they tell you the experiences of great men though they may not be related to our culture. But then, you can pick one or two things from there and they will really help you” he said.

The Vice-Dean of the School, Dr. Robert Peter Biney, said the ceremony was to recognise students who obtained first class at the end of each academic year. 

He paid glowing tribute to Professor David Darko Obiri for pushing the agenda for student pharmacists and biochemists to be recognized every year. 

An awardee, a level 200 Student Pharmacist, Mrs. Grace Naa Lamley Mills, who was awarded the overall best student as well as the best female student for level 200, advised her colleagues to use their time profitably on campus to make good grades.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

Mr. George Sabblah

FDA Schools Pharmacy Students on Patients’ Safety

09 Mar, 2023 By DIS

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has organised a workshop for students of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of University of Cape Coast on patients’ safety. Other participants were drawn from the School of Nursing and Midwifery as well as the School of Medical Sciences.

 

The programme, which was organised by the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, was on the topic, "Ensuring Patient Safety: The role of Professionals." 

 

The Head of the Department of Safety Monitoring at FDA, Mr. George Sabblah, underlined the need for students to report appropriately on Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and any other related reaction cases to the FDA for immediate attention. 

 

He told the students not to conceal any adverse drug reactions from their colleagues at their health facilities in future in order not to jeopardise the safety of clients. 

 

Mr. Sabblah pointed out that public safety was the topmost priority of FDA hence; participants should understand and appreciate pharmacovigilance and ADRs. 

 

He also expressed the commitment of FDA to combat counterfeit medicines on the Ghanaian market through its frequent market surveillance to sample drugs and their efficacy. He, therefore, asked medical practitioners to assist the FDA to help protect the nation’s drug supply.

 

The Vice-Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Robert Peter Biney, on his part, said pharmaceutical care was patient-centred, which required pharmacists to work with patients and healthcare providers to promote health, prevent diseases and modify medication use to ensure that drug therapy regimens were safe and effective.

 

He, therefore, urged pharmacists to intensify their education to enlighten the public on substandard medicines, among other health concerns.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC.

Prof. Elizabeth Capaldi taking her turn at the seminar

Insects can withstand harsh weather conditions - Dr. Combey

09 Mar, 2023 By DIS

The Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology has indicated its readiness to collaborate with other research institutions and industries to apply knowledge of some identified characters of insects to develop environmentally friendly products.

The Head of the Department, Dr.  Rofela Combey, who disclosed this, said "insects’ body have some compounds and small structures that allow them to protect themselves (from extreme environmental conditions)."

" It will be nice that the dress you are wearing for instance can block radiations from the sun or the creams and sunscreens we use can be more effective to protect yourself from high sunlight intensity" she continued. 

 

Dr. Rofela Combey, making a presentation at the seminar

 

Dr. Combey was making a presentation on the topic: “Exploring Insects' Wings as Bio- Inspired Materials." at a departmental seminar held at the Sasakawa conference room.

She noted that through the study, it was realised that dragonfly wings were made up of materials that allowed them to block lights that were harmful to their body generally.

She also added that “insects have structures on the wings that protect themselves from rainfall”. The dragonfly, unlike other insects, is able to fly even in the raining season whereas other insects go into hiding at such a time. The study revealed that this ability of dragonflies is as a result of a property of the wing which prevents it from getting wet.

Despite the general knowledge that insects are harmful, Dr. Combey explained that there are several beneficial insects that already contribute significantly to our comfort as humans through pollination and other ecosystem services but then other area of the knowledge of insects that can be further explored is the application of their inherent characteristics and properties to develop products that would be beneficial to man.

Prior to the earlier presentation, a Visiting Professor from Bucknell University, Prof. Elizabeth Capaldi, speaking on the topic:" Multi Learning Modals in Honeybees", in her presentation noted that honeybees had memory of places that linked them to food sources.

She explained how bees are able to modify their behavior to locate their food resources through learning of their environment and the features present at every point in time.

"When they randomly find food. They remember its location based on what they see from the source of the food and are able to return back to their nest. This helps them figure out where to go to find food on the next trip, " she indicated.

 

Prof. Elizabeth Capaldi taking her turn at the seminar

 

Despite the small brains of honeybees, Prof. Capaldi stated that they could hold memories for a long time as compared to other insects.

The Visiting Professor, therefore, called for urgent steps to protect the habitat of bees, mostly forests, to ensure that the country was able to take advantage of the benefits that bees offer to the citizenry.

Prof. Elizabeth Capaldi

Dignitaries and participants of the 12th SDG Graduate School

Culture is the common denominator for attaining the SDGs

09 Mar, 2023 By DIS

 

The Head of Department of Music and Dance, Dr. Eric Debrah has noted that culture has an important role to play in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Debrah explained that the SDGs focused primarily on attitudinal change which could be better communicated through the culture of people.

“Culture is who we are, and what shapes the identity of people and without it there will be no development. How do the people in the local communities appreciate research tailored towards addressing SDGs without taking into consideration their culture values”

He maintained that placing culture at the heart of development policies is the only way to ensure inclusive and equitable development.

Dr. Debrah made these comments in an interview at the 12th SDG Graduate School which is being held at the University of Coast on the theme “Performing Sustainability. Cultures and Development in West Africa”.

The SDG Graduate School is an interdisciplinary collaborative training network for graduate students by the University of Hildesheim, Germany, University of Cape Coast, Ghana and the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the SDG Graduate School focuses on the overlapping areas of culture, arts, conflict, and sustainable development.

Opening the one-week workshop, Prof. (Mrs.) Rebecca Dei Mensah who represented the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, said the SDGs sought to create peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future by reducing the challenges of the globe in 17 cardinal areas.

She was hopeful that discussions at the workshop would help proffer solutions to address the SDGs especially Goal 4.

“The University of Cape Coast will be delighted if these topics are addressed in your deliberations especially Goal 4 which deals with quality inclusive and lifelong learning as well as issues relating to sustainable energy which are still challenges predominant in Africa” she indicated.

 

Opening ceremony of the workshop

In his remarks, the Director, Center for World Music, University of Hildesheim, Prof. Raimund Vogels said the workshop over the years had been phenomenal adding that students had used the opportunity to interact with renowned professors across the globe. 

He stated that one of the objectives of the workshop was to help students complete their programmes on time. “Through this project two cohorts of PhD and Masters students have successfully completed their programmes of study.”

On his part, the Director of the Centre for the Study and Promotion of Cultural Sustainability of University of Maiduguri  Prof. Saliba James, said the project had offered UCC and his University unique opportunities for staff development mostly at the PhD levels.

“Our students have also used this platform to meet and interact with their colleagues from other countries and culture and I must say the experience has been remarkable,” he added.

Present at the ceremony were the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwah; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantaka; Dean, Office of International Relations, Prof. Kwaku Boakye; Former Head, Department of Music and Dance, Prof. Florian Carl and some senior members and officials of SDG Graduate School project.

 

 

 

 

 

UCC Management donates lab equipment to Dept. of Biomedical Sciences

09 Mar, 2023 By DIS

Management of University of Cape Coast has donated ultra-modern laboratory equipment to the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences. 

The equipment, worth GH¢ 500,000, are to improve teaching, learning and research at the Department. 

The equipment included gel documentation system, autoclave (commercial) and water distillation plant. 

Making the presentation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Desmond Omane Acheampong, explained that the gesture was in response to an appeal by the Department through the School of Allied Health Sciences to management of the University. 

"The equipment you see today is in fulfillment of a request made by the Department through the School to the Vice-Chancellor and management of the University” he stated.

 

The equipment presented to the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences by management of UCC

 

Prof. Omane Acheampong said the equipment were also aimed at making sure that students were well-equipped, knowledgeable and ready to serve as Biomedical scientists in hospital laboratories across the globe. 

He urged staff and students of the Department to maintain the equipment in order to lengthen their lifespan.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Department, the Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Prof. Alexander Egyir-Yawson, commended management of the University for the gesture.

The equipment, which he said had come at the right time, would aid students in their studies and aid lecturers improve upon their teaching skills. 

Present at the brief handover ceremony were other members of faculty at the Department.

 

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC

 

 

 

 

 

08 Mar, 2023

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES

The University of Cape Coast invites applications from suitably qualified applicants for the post of Director, University Health Services, which will become vacant on 1st August, 2023.

The Director of Health Services is the Clinical and Administrative head of the Directorate of University Health Services. He/She is responsible to the Vice Chancellor through the Registrar. 

Qualification/Experience

Candidates seeking appointment to this position must:

i.   possess a postgraduate degree from a recognized university

ii.    have a minimum of ten years post qualification experience as a licensed physician, surgeon, dentist, pharmacist.

Ability to demonstrate adequate working knowledge of the University system will be an added advantage.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Director of Health Services shall be responsible for the provision of preventive, curative, environmental and public health services at the University. His/Her duties include, but are not limited to:

i.                     providing primary health care to staff, students and members of the University community

ii.                   serving as the clinical liaison between Health Services staff and the University community, ensuring the communication of up-to-date medical information to appropriate parties.

iii.                  organizing preventive services, including medical examinations and vaccine requirements for students and staff.

iv.                 ensuring quality services by implementing appropriate scheduling systems, management of client health records, client retention and referral  

v.                   anticipating and identifying problems that affect client care and utilizing appropriate problem-solving processes to correct and/or prevent problems.

vi.                 working with staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive client education programme including health fairs, new programmes, and disease management efforts.

vii.                working with management to initiate and review programmes and practices that are developmentally appropriate and that promote overall health and wellness of the University community.

viii.              maintaining professional growth and development of all staff of the Directorate through participation in relevant continuing education activities and providing guidance and support to the Health Services team.

ix.                 maintaining professional relationships with local health care organizations and professionals to ensure access to necessary referral and consultative services.

x.                   participating in the hiring process and orientation of new members of the health care team.

xi.                 reviewing productivity and quality reports and meeting with health care teams to review individual and group productivity as well as devise and implement corrective action strategies when necessary.

xii.                developing and evaluating all protocols for patient care in conjunction with Health Services personnel.

xiii.              leading in the development and implementation of short and long-range plans to ensure the continued provision of appropriate and high-quality services to students, staff and the University community.

xiv.              ensuring that departments within the Directorate of Health Services meet operational goals including quality, productivity and user benchmarks.

xv.               assisting in the development of the department's budget and identifying and correcting variances from budgeted goals.

 

Mode of Application & Closing Date

1.      Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should please submit completed application forms (obtainable from the DHR or from the University website: www.ucc.edu.gh) and comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with relevant supporting documents and a Three-Page Vision Statement to:

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast

2.      Applicants should request three (3) referees to submit written reports on them directly to the above address

 

      3.    The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 21st April, 2023.   

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