Category Archives: Latest News

SSA-UoG UCC LOCAL and TEWU Donate PPEs to University Hospital

The Senior Staff Association, Universities of Ghana, UCC Local (SSA-UoG, UCC), and the Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU-UCC) have donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the University Hospital to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The items included eight (8) boxes of gloves, five (5) gallons of hand sanitizers and 10 gallons of parazone.

Presentation

Presenting the items, the Chairman of SSA-UoG, UCC, Mr. Charles Amos-Odoom, said the donation was to help protect staff and clients from contracting the virus. He said the Hospital served as one of the important facilities that serve members of the University and its surrounding communities. “The two unions are concerned about the health of staff working in the hospital and therefore, we decided to present these PPEs,” he indicated.
Mr. Amos-Odoom said that the two unions would procure more of the PPEs to support the Hospital in these critical times.

Response

Receiving the items, the Director of Health Services, Dr. Evans Ekanem, expressed gratitude to the two unions for the timely donation. He said the items had come at a time when the facility was running out of stock of the PPEs. “These are relevant and timely gifts and we are genuinely very happy for what you have done,” he noted.

Dr. Ekanem assured the two unions and members of the University Community that the Hospital would continue to provide quality health services to them and the general public. “We are going to do everything we can in the midst of the crises”.He called on members of staff not to spread false information to their colleagues, saying, “If you hear any information concerning the Hospital, feel free to let us know because we are working in your interest”.
The Director of University Health Service called on other unions on campus as well as other organisations to emulate SSA-UoG, UCC and TEWU-UCC.

Present were the Chairman of TEWU-UCC, Mr. Stephen Williams; the Hospital Administrator, Mrs. Esther Rhoda Ababio; Nurse Manager, Mr. Thomas Tamag, and some executives and members of SSA-UoG, UCC and TEWU-UCC.

GNAD Hands over Teaching Materials to Educational Foundations

The Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) has handed over Teaching and Learning Materials to the Faculty of Educational Foundations.

Welcoming the team, the Coordinator of Sign Language Interpreting Programme, UCC, Dr. Irene Vanderpuye, stated that the purpose of the gathering was to officially exit the collaborative terms between UCC and GNAD from 2017 to 2020. She explained that it was part of the agreement that at the end of the programme, the learning resources would be handed over to the Faculty for teaching and learning.

UCC’s Role

The Executive Director, GNAD, Mr. Juventus Dourinaah, expressed gratitude to the University authorities for their support throughout the span of the programme. “We have about 50 trained persons with certificates in Sign Language Interpreting programme,” he said. He assured the Faculty of all the necessary financial and material support from GNAD towards the continuation of the Sign Language Interpreting Programme.  He hinted that a group from Uganda had expressed interest to join the programme following successes chalked in Ghana. He was hopeful that the programme would be continued even after the expiration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to train more certified Sign Language Interpreting professionals to help facilitate communication, teaching and learning in the country.
Mr. Dourinaah also used the occasion to thank the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) for its’ enormous support and towards the programme.

 

UCC is Committed to the Cause of Hearing Impaired

Receiving the gadgets (materials), the Vice Dean, Faculty of Educational Foundations, Prof. Emmanuel Kofi Gyimah, commended GNAD for its’ gesture and commitment to the agreement. He stated that “As an institution, we cannot compromise on training people who are hearing impaired.” Prof. Gyimah promised that the learning resources would be used for their intended purposes. He was hopeful that beneficiaries of the programme would contribute their quota towards the development of the nation. The items presented include two  HP Laptops, two projectors, Galaxy-A6 tablet, Samsung smart camera, tripod, Projector Screen and four extension boards.

Present were the Secretary to the Programme, Dr. Gideon Kwesi Obosu; Snr. Lecturer, Dr. Edward Kofi Ntim; Assistant Lecturer, Ms. Ivy Ama Kpodoe, College Finance Officer, College of Educational Studies; Mrs. Kate Adu-Gyinah, Faculty Account Officer, Mr. Iddrisu Abubakar and the GNAD team.

UCC is Prepared to Increase Enrolment for 2020/2021 Academic Year

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah has indicated that University is making adequate preparations to increase enrolment for the 2020/2021 academic year in anticipation of the expected high numbers of products from Senior High Schools (SHS) as a result of the implementation of the Free SHS Policy.

Prof. Ampiah however, noted that the University would urgently need government’s financial support to complete three out of the 11 uncompleted projects on campus being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in order to fully achieve this objective. The projects are the School of Medical Sciences Lecture Theatres at the Amonoo-Kuofi Medical Village, School of Business Complex and the Science Annex Complex.

The Vice-Chancellor made these statements when the Minister of State in-charge of Tertiary Education, Prof. Kwesi Yankah, paid a working visit to learn at first-hand efforts the University was making to receive the pioneer graduates of the FSHS policy.

Briefing the Minister, the Vice-Chancellor said the University through its Internally Generated Fund (IGF) has almost completed the construction of a 23-number lecture theatre complex with capacity for 4,600 and another 25 number lecture complex which can take 5,000 students. He said the University was working towards completing lecture hall facilities of the College of Distance Education (CoDE) in Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper East, and Upper West Regions to meet the needs of students who would enrol through the distance mode.

“We plan to use the CoDE facilities in Accra to run regular programmes in addition to distance so we are going to create a library and provide other facilities to ease the pressure on our main campus in Cape Coast,” he added. Prof. Ampiah appealed to the Minister to help address accommodation challenges since the halls of residence on campus could only accommodate 8,000 out of about 25, 000 regular students.

In his response, Prof. Yankah commended UCC for utilising its IGF to complete some projects on campus to offset the huge infrastructure deficit. “This initiative represents vision with extraordinary expectation and I cherish such initiatives which are independent of government’s plans,” he added. He was confident that UCC would be able to meet the expected high enrolment numbers from the Senior High Schools.

Prof. Yankah assured that the government would support the University for work to begin on the three key projects before the commencement of the next academic year to ease pressure on the limited lecture halls on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor and members of Management of the University accompanied the Minister to inspect ongoing and stalled projects on campus.

Present at the meeting were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dora Edu-Buandoh; Registrar, Mr. John K. Nyan; Provost, College of Distance Education, Prof. Isaac K. A. Galyuon; Provost, College of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong; Provost College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest K. Davis; Provost, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Francis E. Amuquandoh and Provost, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan. Others were the Director of Academic Affairs, Mr. Jeff Onyame; Director, Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management, Mr. Philip Ntim and Ag. Director of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah Bentum (Retd).

SSAUCC Education Fund

All Senior Staff are kindly informed that the disbursement of the Education Fund has begun, members are hereby requested to download a form here[wpdm_package id=’1514′], also on the SSAUCC Whatsapp platform or kindly visit the SSA Secretariat to pick a form for free.

Members should submit the completed form together with photocopies of the following:

1.Staff or any National ID
2.Child/ward School Bill / Admission Letter
3.Most current Pay Slip
4.Evidence of child/ward registration with DHR, UCC
(letter) or child/ward’s Hospital card

Members should also note the following:

i. The amount to be disbursed per staff shall not exceed GH¢ 1,000.00 in an academic year
ii. ONE application can be made for ONE child/ward in a particular academic year if the applicant has no liability on previous support.
iii. Applicants shall be required to submit loan requests before Thursday 16th January 2020.
iv. The disbursement of the Fund shall be done in a cheque form and issued in the name of the
school ONLY.

Thank you.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

Greetings,

ALL MEMBERS OF SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST (SSAUCC) ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE 2ND REGULAR GENERAL MEETING OF THE YEAR PER THE DETAILS BELOW:

 

DATE:                 THURSDAY, 28TH NOVEMBER, 2019.

VENUE:              MAIN AUDITORIUM, NEW SITE CAMPUS.

TIME:                  11:00 AM PROMPT.                                                     

                                                       AGENDA

  1. Opening
  2. Welcome Address
  3. Reading of Previous Minutes
  4. Matters Arising
  5. Briefing on the SSAUCC Projects.
  6. 2nd Tier/SSNIT Pension Scheme
  7. Financial Report 2018
  8. Approval of Revised Constitution
  9. Any Other Business

         SGD

(SECRETARY)                     

SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION, UCC DONATES BOXES OF U-SPLASH MINERAL WATER TO SAM JONAH LIBRARY,UCC

On Tuesday, 15th October 2019, the Senior Staff Association,University of Cape Coast (SSAUCC), donated 20 boxes of U-Splash mineral water to the Sam Jonah Library, UCC to support the Library Week 2019.

The Executives of the Senior Staff Association, UCC (SSAUCC) led by Bro. Charles Amos Odoom, Chairman, Bro. George Quarshie,Secretary and Bro. Raphael Charles Intsiful, Acting Assistant Secretary, presented 20 boxes of U-Splash mineral water to the Sam Jonah Library, to support the pending Library Week Celebration.

The duration for the library Week 2019 is from Monday 21st October 2019 to Sunday, 27th October 2019.

The Librarian, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, who received the items, thanked the Senior Staff Association for the support.

Reconstituted UCC Governing Council Inaugurated

The reconstituted Governing Council of the University of Cape Coast has been inaugurated at a ceremony at the Ministry of Education in Accra.

The inauguration became necessary following the end of the term of the previous Council on July 2019.

New Members of Council

The newly-reconstituted Council of the University is chaired by Mrs. Nancy O. Campbell Thompson. The members include Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah-Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku- Government nominee, Dr. Mrs. Ernestina Fredua Anto-Government Nominee, Dr. Tanimu Osman-Government Nominee, Prof. Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme-Convocation Representative, Professorial; Dr. Edem K. Bakah Convocation Representative, Non-Professorial, and Dr. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi-UTAG President. Others are Mr. Joseph Connel, Representative of Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior Secondary Schools; Mr. Albert Awortwi Sagoe-President, Graduate Students Association; Dr. Awaisu Imurana Braimah-Representative of National Council for Tertiary Education; Mr. Kobina Sam Bentsil-Enchill-Representative of Alumni Association and Mr. Zaki Abdul-Hamid-Students’ Representative Council (SRC).

Mandate of Council

In his address, the Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh entreated the new Council to ensure that the aims of the University were achieved. “As a council, you need to ensure the creation of an environment of equal opportunities from members of the University without regard to ethnicity, sex, race, religious beliefs or political affiliations,” he implored them.

The Minister for Education further called on the newly-reconstituted Council that “You are expected to make professional-level appointments on the recommendation of the Appointments and Promotions Board as may be determined by the University Statutes”. He said it was the expectation of government that your leadership will not only be one that identifies problems but proposes workable solutions. He urged them to determine strategic direction, monitor and evaluate policy implementation, promote income-generating activities and control the finances of the University as well as determine the allocation of proper use of funds.

2020/2021 Admission

The Minister of Education implored them to create a conducive environment on campus and appoint competent staff without discrimination. For the 2020/2021 academic year admission, Dr. Prempeh called on the Council to put in place the necessary arrangements to enable the University admit qualified first batch of the Free Senior High School Students who would be completing school next year.

Speaking on the Public Universities Bill, he said government was still looking forward to inputs from the various public universities. He mentioned that government was embarking on several reforms in the Education sector and would need the support and cooperation of the universities and stakeholders.

Response

On behalf of the members of the Governing Council, Mrs Thompson said they were conscious of the responsibilities and trust the President has reposed in them. She promised that they would give out their best with the support of government and stakeholders especially the Ministry of Education to provide guidance for the University to deliver quality training to both Ghanaians and international students.

US Ambassador to Ghana Visits UCC

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency, Stephanie S. Sullivan, has paid a working visit to the University to strengthen the relationship between the Embassy and UCC.

UCC-US Embassy Relationship

Receiving the Ambassador, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dora F. Edu-Buandoh, noted that the University over the years has had a cordial relationship with the Government of the US and other academic institutions through the Embassy.

She commended the Embassy for taking a keen interest in the activities of the University. “We thank the US government for supporting UCC through the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project.

Commendation

On her part, Ambassador Sullivan commended UCC for making great strides in the fisheries sector of the Ghanaian economy. She assured that the US government would continue to collaborate with UCC to execute projects that would further develop the nation.

USAID/UCC Project

Speaking at the meeting, the Project Manager of the USAID/UCC Project and Director for the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), Prof. Denis W. Aheto, explained the extent to which the Project was impacting the lives of some poor coastal communities who have now acquired relevant skills on supplementary livelihood options such as beekeeping and snail farming among others. He further mentioned that through the project scholarships were awarded to 16 students to pursue PhD and 20 students to undertake Masters’ programmes.

Professor Aheto indicated that the capacity building programmes by DFAS and CCM through the project had propelled the Centre to secure the competitive World Bank facility to implement the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) Project. He also indicated that “We have been able establish dual degree programmes with the University of Rhode Island (URI), and also held two Conferences on Fisheries and Coastal Environment”.

The Head of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS), Dr. Noble Asare, noted that undergraduate students have enhanced their research and also benefitted from exchange programmes between DFAS and URI as a result of the project.

The USAID is currently providing financial support to UCC on a number of projects which the USAID/UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Capacity Building Support Project at the DFAS. The support has also assisted the University to operationalise a Centre for Coastal Management.

Responding, the US Ambassador said she was happy about the outcome of the project, especially the numerous individuals who have benefited from the USAID intervention support from UCC and the fisheries sector in particular.

Present at the meeting were the Registrar, Mr. John Kofi Nyan; Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Jojo Eghan; Director of Academic Affairs, Mr. Jeff Onyame; Dean of the Centre for International Education, Prof. Kwaku Boakye; College Registrar of CANS, Mrs. Mildred Asmah and Ag. Director of the Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah-Bentum (rtd).

Visit to CCM Laboratory

Ambassador Sullivan later visited the Fisheries and Coastal Research Laboratory and interacted with some lecturers, postgraduate students and laboratory technicians. In 2015, the laboratory was refurbished and equipped with ultramodern laboratory equipment and other scientific facilities through the financial support of the USAID.

UTAG Swears in New Executives

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), UCC Chapter has held a handing-over and swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected executives.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Association, Dr. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, noted that though the previous executives made significant achievements during their term of office, however, there were outstanding work to be done in order to overcome some of the challenges confronting members of the Union. “The deliberations during this year’s UTAG elections campaign have clearly brought to the fore key issues that need attention and resolution in order to achieve greater harmony, improve on the industrial health of academic staff and our University in general” he pointed out.

Issues to Tackle

Highlighting some of the issues his administration would champion during his term of office, Dr. Boadi-Kusi said they would address the grievances on promotion, renewal of appointment and recruitment. He promised to partner Management to develop a promotion document that would be largely acceptable by members. “To this end, we wish to appeal to Management to reflect soberly and resolve all problematic clauses in the draft promotion criteria which is to be tabled before Academic Board soon” he implored. He recommended the setting up of an independent body where grievances could be channeled. “The creation of an Appeals Board will help do away with any seeming conflict of interest on the part of the Vice-Chancellor and the Appointments and Promotions Board and deepen the confidence colleagues have in the system. It is our hope that this will reduce the number of petitions that go to the University Council from aggrieved applicants” he recommended.

Another issue Dr. Boadi-Kusi raised was the deplorable and depressing office spaces for lecturers. As I left many offices during my campaign, I was saddened to see many of our colleagues working on unpolished tables and awkward looking chairs, some offices were without computers and curtains, most young colleagues are sharing offices with no level of privacy. Simply put, we work in offices with very poor ergonomics” he lamented. He entreated Management to have a serious look at the situation because it had the potential to demotivate academic staff and lower their productivity.

The President of UTAG said under his leadership he would ensure the restructuring of allowances to motivate lecturers who engage in extra teaching activities as Department Registration and Examination Officers among others. He also said his team would liaise with Management to address issues concerning the teaching load of academic Senior Members, academic positions , security on campus, and human resource lapses.

Achievement of outgoing Leadership

The immediate past President of the Association, Dr. Eric Opoku Mensah, in his address, noted that UTAG under his leadership both at the national and local levels achieved great feats in spite of the challenges encountered upon assumption of office. “We entered office with UEW crises hanging over our necks and as a national executive team we engaged both the university authorities and government till some key lecturers who had been sacked and were restored back to their positions,” he explained.

According to him, his team worked hard with the National Executive Committee (NEC) of UTAG and lecturers of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), to restore the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Obiri Danso and all representatives on the Council. He indicated that they engaged government on issues concerning taking off retired professors at age 65 and above from payroll; negotiations on market premium and a presentation of proposed condition of service through National Council for Tertiary Education for consideration by government.

On the new Universities Bill, he noted that “Under my leadership, we have clearly expressed our views and positions on the said Bill and we hope the government will take steps to include same so that our interests and autonomy can be protected”.

As UCC local executives, Dr. Opoku Mensah reported that the welfare policy and constitution were reviewed to meet the needs of members. He further indicated that his team introduced the family day out programme which was massively patronised by members. On promotions, he said the views of UTAG had been captured in a proposal to be presented to Academic Board for approval adding that “ 90 percent of our challenges with the new proposal has been taken into consideration by the Appointments and Promotions and this amended document has been brought to us for final review before it will be tabled at Academic Board for consideration and  approval”.

Commendation

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dora F. Edu-Buandoh who chaired the programme, commended the outgoing executives of UTAG for making UCC proud, especially at the national level.  She assured the new executives that the Management of the University would engage them and address their needs adding that “UTAG is a key partner and I assure you that Management will listen to your concerns and together we can address them”.

Prof. Edu-Buandoh advised the executives to serve the interest of all members irrespective of their religious or political affiliation. “Let us stop branding people by their party colours and religious beliefs and respect each other’s views” she noted.