‘’Every race has the starting point and the finishing line’’, so as the Leadership of GRASAG – UCC. On the 17th of April, 2019 there was the exchange of leadership baton of the Association to the current ‘Awortwi Administration’. In attendance of this ceremony were Professor Magnus Wilmot (Provost – College of Education Studies) as the Chairperson, Mr. John Kofi Nyan (Registrar – University of Cape Coast), Professor Ernest Layea Okoley (Dean – School of Graduate Studies), among other dignitaries of the University. The Ceremony was organized in conjunction with the handing over of the University’s Students Representative Council (SRC) and Local NUGS Executive Council.

The immediate past president, Mr. George Sarfo urged the new President, Mr. Albert Awortwi Sagoe and the new Executive Council to work unflinchingly to push the Association notches higher. The Chairperson in addition, advised the new Council to uphold the University’s rules and regulation and organize more Research Seminars for students to build their academic writing skills.

Mr. Awortwi Sagoe pledged that his tenure of office as the President of the Association would be a fruitful one and urged all students to support the Association in ways they could to build a GRASAG that they all Desired.

 

Prof. Ernest laryea Okorley (Dean of Graduate Studies), urged the new Council to work hard, be self-less and uphold their integrity so as the integrity of the Association.

Mr. John Kofi Nyan (Registrar, University of Cape Coast) swearing in the new Executive Council.

Professor Eugene K. Maafo Darteh (Dean of Students), addressing the students.

Professor Eric Magnus Wilmot, (Dean, School of Education Studies and Chairman of the Program) urging the new Council to conduct themselves well and cherish their position.

The new Executive Council led by the Mr. Albert Awortwi Sagoe (President) giving a speech.

The out-gone Executive Council led by the President, Mr. Gorge Sarfo giving a speech at the ceremony.

 

The newly elected Speaker of GRASAG-UCC Senate, Hon. Speaker Sampson Gakpoh (in robe), being handed over to.

The new Executive Council led by the President (Albert Awortwi Sagoe) – 2019/2020

 

 

 

A one day intensive research seminar for graduate students of the University of Cape Coast has been held as part of efforts to equip the students with the needed skills for their research work. The seminar was organised by GRASAG-UCC in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies. Themes that featured promptly in the seminar included, critical issues in academic writing, writing a good statement of the problem and conducting a critical Literature Review.

The Seminar which was heavily patronised by the students hosted experienced researchers and academics from the University of Cape Coast including Prof. Cosmos Cobbold, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science Education and Prof. Samuel Kobina Anim, Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and consultancy (DRIC).

Prof. Samuel Anim the Director of DRIC speaking at the seminar

Prof. Cosmos Cobbold, Dean Faculty of Humanities and Social Science Education taking his turn to lead discussions at the Seminar.

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Professor Ernest Okorley, speaking at the seminar, recognised the need for graduate students to abreast themselves with the modern trend of research to enable them compete with others in other institutions. According to him, the seminar is in line with the School’s vision of training graduate students who have absolute control of their research work.

Prof. Ernest Okorley, Dean School of Graduate Studies addressing the participants at the seminar.

On his part, President of the Association, George Sarfo, urged his colleagues to take the seminar serious and open up to the varying knowledge from the resource persons. He noted that, his office is ready to continually provide the needed skills and training that will empower students and aid them to finish their research work on time.

Mr. George Sarfo welcoming participants at the seminar

There was an opportunity created for participants to ask pressing questions relating to the presentations.

 

All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. An expression usually taken for granted but when analysed critically, holds volumes of truth. As the academic calendar taxi to the end of the semester runway, the stress and frustration usually compound making campus life unbearable. In moment like this, what one will wish for is an avenue to distress.

As part of activities to ensure that members are fit and sound to sign the semester out in good health, the executive council of GRASAG-UCC earmarked Friday December 7, as a health and fitness walk day. The day which also marked the National Farmers day celebration was carefully chosen in order to have maximum participation by members.

The health walk started from the forecourt of the Sam Jonah Library  amidst brass band music through to the old site and then back to the Kwame Nkrumah hall where the real aerobics took place. In attendance was the dean of the School of Graduate Studies Prof. Ernest Okorley and the entire executive council of the Association. There were other sporting activities that climaxed the day’s event including a soccer match.

Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ernest Okorley participating in the health walk with all seriousness

GRASAG President Mr. George Sarfo takes turn to join in the aerobics

A section of the groups stretching out their muscles as aerobic instructors take them through the steps

The energetic fitness instructors took them through rigorous health exercise.

Some of the executive members doing their own thing as they bring the aerobics to an end.

 

A research workshop has been held to equip graduate students of the University of Cape Coast. The three day workshop, an initiative of the executive council of GRASAG UCC was done in collaboration with the  research committee of the association.

The research seminar which was on the theme, Deepening Understanding in Data Analysis was aimed at equipping graduate students with the requisite skills needed to advance their research work. The  workshop among other things was to expose the graduate students to the technicalities of data analysis in a practical way.

Students trying their hands on the data analysis software.

Students were introduced to Data analysis software, statistical tools of analysis, and reporting output in APA format. Data analysis software were also installed on individual computers.

Speaking at the workshop, the research committee head, Prince Yeboah Asare, a second year Ph.D  Management Education student said, as part of the committee’s resolve to ensure that graduate students complete their research work  on time, series of such workshops will be organised to enhance the early completion rate of graduate students.

Head of GRASAG UCC Research Committee and a facilitator for the workshop Prince Yeboah Asare taking the students through the data analysis software

The workshop was successfully coordinated with the full participation of students, who described it as “extremely helpful”. Majority of the students especially second year students commended the  executive council for introducing what they described a timely intervention.

The Facilitator walks round and supervises the students as they experiments what they have been taught

They were optimistic the workshop was going to help them finish their thesis on time and thus called on the executive council to expedite actions in running more of such series.

An emergency general assembly meeting has been conveyed to discuss and approve the reviewed budget for the 2018/2019 academic year. The meeting was held to conclude on key issues that were not concluded in the earlier general meeting held.

Key among the components that were recommended to be reviewed, was the purchase of a new bus. At the last general assembly meeting there were divergent views from the house  whether to secure a Toyota Hiace mini bus to replace the old vehicle, or go in in for a Coaster bus.

Members agreed that the executive council should be allowed to meet and deliberate on the concerns raised and report back to the house.

Addressing the house at the emergency general meeting, President of the Association, George Sarfo revealed that the executive council upon their meeting has found it necessary to review the budget and cut down cost to allow the purchase of a Toyota Coaster 30-seater bus.

From L-R is Benedicta Sarfo Arthur, Secretary, George Sarfo, association President and Frank Baafi who sat in for the Chief Justice.

In achieving this goal, contingency amount and the percentage of dues left for the next administration were adjusted to pave way for the purchase of the new vehicle while communications and transportation allowances were reduced by 40% and 44% at the presidency and other executive members level respectively.

The Financial Secretary Godwin Adolf Idan and the Treasurer Enoch King Mensah lead discussions on the reviewed budget in the house.

The honourable Senator for Mphil Curriculum and Teaching Maximus Diabere, expressing his views on the reviewed budget.

 

 

It is that time of the year again, where the University of Cape Coast had to  play host to fresh students who have been admitted into the institution. In an orientation, the fresh students were taken through the academic policy, rules and regulations and privileges available for all students.

In a special separate orientation for newly admitted Graduate Students’ the dean of the School of Graduate Studies Prof. Ernest Okorley extended his congratulatory wishes to the fresh students, urging them to make use of the opportunity granted them to pursue advance knowledge in their chosen fields.

He called on them to adhere to the rules and regulations and more importantly the academic policy of the University in order to have a smooth stay on campus. Prof Okorley said the School of Graduate Studies is always ready to offer any form of assistance to the students.

President of GRASAG George Sarfo also in his welcome address encouraged the students to participate fully in activities of the association pledging his readiness to work for the good of all members.

Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ernest Okorley addressing the fresh students.

President of GRASAG UCC, George Sarfo taking turns to speak to the fresh students.

The fresh students keenly look on as they are given some vital information, needed for their academic work.

It was a night to remember, a night of not just fun, but an opportunity for others to socialise, interact and build formidable networks. After long days of hard work, weeks  of perseverance, the students could not have been given any less of a treat. The Fire Service band served guests with tunes stemming from all kind of genres. As others danced their hearts out, others looked on in awe and captured the moments.

In a short address to the soon to be graduates, Prof. Marfo Darteh, admonished the students to serve as good ambassadors to the University in all their endeavours, calling on them to be ready to support society with their knowledge to make better their communities and the country at large.

Below are excerpts of the events captured in pictures.

The two, Irene Combey (GRASAG Veep) and Mr. Paul Ofori-Amanful (Former GRASAG President) were the MC’s for the night. They added colour to the events with their eloquence

No one could tell exactly what song that was, but its obvious it was one that got the crowd still on their feet.

Mr. George Sarfo GRASAG President,welcoming the guests to the dinner.

The Dean of the School of Graduates Studies (right) welcomes the Vice Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Eugene Darteh to the Auditorium as others look on.

It was time to shake some stress off and these two really meant to do that.

The excitement was overwhelming.

Professor Ernest Okorley presents a Champagne to the Rev. Sr. for winning the best dancer for the night

The Fire Service band in full action.

Mr. Mawuko Attiso receives the most hardworking Senator for the 2017/2018 academic year. Presented to him by Professor Eugene Darteh

The Vice Dean of Students’ affairs Prof Darteh displays his dancing skills.

The 2017/2018 Senators in a group photograph with some dignitaries who were at the event.

The smiles tells it all. It was fun filled.

It was all memorable and fun filled as UCC GRASAG held a socialisation tour for fresh Sandwich graduate students. The tour begun with students’ looking rather excited and eager for the experience. The event witnessed a heavy number of students participating thus making it interactive and more fun. The spots for the visits were the Kakum National Park, Hans Cottage and the Elmina Castle.

Below are excerpt of the tour captured in pictures.

The tourists having fun on the Kakum Canopy walk way.

Not even the height will scare them. Even though some could not go through the entire seven lane walkway, others defied the threats of fear and walked through all. Here, this gentleman shows his excitement after walking on all seven of them.

Some executives of GRASAG are also seen here showing their zeal. In front is the Women’s Commissioner, followed by the Secretary and the Vice President

The next stop was at the Hans Cottage. The fun is seeing here as the students cruise across the crocodile pond

It was Selfie time

 

The Students are ushered into the Elmina Castle

Inside one of the female Dungeons at the Elmina Castle, the students look on attentively as the tour guide feeds them with the history of the slave trade.

The tour guide leads the students to a different part of the Castle.

A section of the participants pose for the Camera.

GRASAG UCC in collaboration with the Sam Jonah Library of the University of Cape Coast have organised a three day E-Resource learning workshop for Sandwich graduate students.

The workshop forms part of measures by the association to equip the students and introduce them to the basics of E-resource to help them in their research work. Facilitators from the Sam Jonah Library including Miss Paulina Kwafoa, Mr Imoro Osman, Mr Paul Nunekpeku, Mr. William Obeng, Mr Ebenezer Acheampong and Mr. Emmanuel Agyapong took the students through the training.

The students were introduced to accessing information on the university E-Library, accessing and sourcing information.

A total of close to 700 students received training from the three day workshop

Participant pay keen attention as a facilitator takes them through the training.

 

 

Mr George Sarfo President of GRASAG, UCC has assured Sandwich Senators of his readiness to provide comprehensive and transparent all inclusive programmes aimed at enhancing both the academic and social lives of students while on campus.

Mr. Sarfo gave the assurance while addressing senators at a senate meeting held on 29th June 2018. Speaking on the floor of the house, Mr Sarfo gave a detailed programme outline earmarked for the semester with specific attention to students’ acquisition of souvenirs and preparations towards the Sandwich finalist dinner.

According to him, as the tradition has always been, the Sandwich dinner would be reserved for only final year students. Addressing the house on the issue of souvenirs  Mr. Sarfo explained that apart from the UCC clothes which were not part of their fees, all other souvenirs, that is, a lacoste and a lapel pin will be made available in due course.

Mr. George Sarfo, President of GRASAG UCC addressing the house.

The former Chief Justice, Justice Elijah Osafo Amoako who presided over the constitutional review committee of the Association also appeared before the house to brief them on the necessary amendments that have been made to the constitution.

Former Chief Justice, Elijah Osafo Amoako briefing the house on the report of the Constitutional Review Committee

The meeting was also used to elect a new Secretary for the Sandwich Senate. Madam Joyce Fynn an M.Ed Vocational and Technical education student was elected finally  by majority vote cast and was subsequently sworn into office by Chief Justice, Kennedy Etsey Dogbey . She is the first to assume such position as the secretary for the Sandwich Graduate Senate.

 

From (L-R) Madam Joyce Fynn (newly elected Senate Secretary), Rt. Hon. Senyo Agyeman (Senate Chair), and the Chief Justice, Kennedy Dogbey. 

The Budget for the semester was also presented and subsequently approved by the house.

A section of the Senators look on while the President addresses the house