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University of Cape Coast

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The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is a public collegiate university located in the historic town of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana.[2] The campus has a rare seafront and sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It operates on two campuses: the Southern Campus (Old Site) and the Northern Campus (New Site). Two of the most important historical sites in Ghana, Elmina and Cape Coast Castle, are a few kilometers away from its campus.

University of Cape Coast
University of Cape Coast
University Library
MottoLatin: Veritas Nobis Lumen[1]
Motto in English
"Truth, Our Guide."[1]
TypePublic
Established1962; 62 years ago (1962)
ChairmanProf. Obeng Mireku
ChancellorSam E. Jonah, ACSM, KBE
Vice-ChancellorJohnson Nyarko Boampong
UndergraduatesOver 70,000 students national and internationally
PostgraduatesOver 10,000
Location
Cape Coast
,
Central Region
,
Ghana

5°06′57″N 1°17′27″W / 5.115788°N 1.290810°W / 5.115788; -1.290810
CampusSuburban area
ColoursCosmic Cobalt, White, Aureolin and Vermilion
       
NicknameCape Vars
AffiliationsSee below
Websiteucc.edu.gh
Ranked by Times Higher Education as the Best University in Ghana.

The University of Cape Coast was established in October 1962[3] as a university college in response to the country's dire need for highly qualified and skilled manpower in the education sector. Its original mandate was therefore to train graduate teachers for second cycle institutions, teacher training colleges and technical institutions,[4] a mission that the two existing public universities at the time were unequipped to fulfill.

On 1972,[5] the college attained the status of a full and independent university, with the authority to confer its own degrees, diplomas and certificates by an Act of Parliament. Today, with the expansion of some of its faculties/schools and the diversification of programmes, the university has the capacity to meet the manpower needs of other ministries and industries in the country, besides that of the Ministry of Education. The university has since added to its functions the training of doctors and health care professionals, business professionals, administrators, legal professionals, and agriculturalists such as agricultural extension agents. UCC graduates include Ministers of State, High Commissioners, CEOs, and Members of Parliament.

History

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The University of Cape Coast was established in October 1962 as a university college and placed in a special relationship with the University of Ghana, Legon. On 1 October 1971, the college attained the status of a full and independent University, with the authority to confer its own degrees, diplomas and certificates by an Act of Parliament.

The university was established out of a dire need for highly qualified and skilled manpower in education. Its original mandate was, therefore, to train graduate professional teachers for Ghana's second cycle institutions and the Ministry of Education in order to meet the manpower needs of the country's accelerated education programme at the time.

Today, with the expansion of some of its Faculties/Schools and the diversification of programmes, the university has the capacity to meet the manpower needs of other ministries and industries in the country, besides that of the Ministry of Education. From an initial student enrollment of 155 in 1963, the University of Cape Coast now has a total student population of about 80,000.

The university started with two departments, namely: Arts and Science. These departments developed into Faculties in 1963. In order to achieve the set objectives, in 1964, the university created two more Faculties, namely: Education and Economics & Social Studies [now Faculty of Social Sciences]. The fifth faculty [School of Agriculture] was established in 1975. The Faculty of Science was split into the Schools of Physical and Biological Sciences during the 2002←/2003 academic year while the Department of Business Studies was also elevated to the School of Business with effect from the 2003/2004 academic year. The Medical School and faculty of Law among others have been added.

The university now trains doctors and health care professionals, as well as education planners, administrators, agriculturalists, Accountants, lawyers etc. The University of Cape Coast (UCC) graduates include Ministers of State, High Commissioners, CEO's, and Members of Parliament.[6]

Campuses

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Old Site Campus

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The Old Site Campus also known as the Southern Campus is located on high grounds, above the sea level, within the Apewosika and Kokoado communities in the Cape Coast metropolis. The strategic setting of the Old Site Campus within these two communities had increased socio-economic activities.

The Campus houses the University's Old Central Administration, the only female hall of residence, the Adehye Hall, the Atlantic Hall and Oguaa Hall .University Hospital, which provides quality health service to the student population and the general public is located in here.[7]The Department of Vocational and Technical Educational (VOTEC) is located at the old site campus.[8]

New Site Campus

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New Site Campus or Northern Campus, popularly known as "Science" is within a kilometer distance from Old Site is located near the Kwaprow and Amamoma communities. The Northern Campus came into being as a result of the growing number of students admitted into the University.

The Campus houses the only male hall of the University, Casley Hayford Hall, Kwame Nkrumah Hall, Valco Hall and the Campus Broadcasting Center. It is the location of the Science Complex Building therefore the popular name "Science".

University Garden and the University Zoo are also located in the New Site Campus of the University.[9]

Student population

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From an initial student enrollment of 155 in 1963, the University of Cape Coast now has a total student population of 74,720. The breakdown is as follows: 18,949 regular undergraduate students, 1445 sandwich undergraduate students, 1014 regular postgraduate students, 2773 sandwich postgraduate students, 48,989 distance undergraduate students, and 1540 postgraduate distance students. The university admitted a total of 24,723 students into its various programs for the 2016/2017 academic year.[6]

From 2016/2017 academic year till date, the population of the university keeps on increasing each year. Currently, the school has a student population of 78,485 with 41,165 (52.40%) male and 37,320 (47.60%) female student population, which in total is exactly 2,765 more than what they had in the 2016/2017 academic year. The breakdown of the student population in the 2022/2023 academic year is as follows: there have 9 sandwich students who are the only ones offering certificate in their various programs with 2 of them being males and 7 females. 11,539 diploma offering students with 11,234 being distance students (5,271 males and 5,963 females) and 305 sandwich students (132 males and 173 females) . 60,406 undergraduates which entails of 23,537 regular students (13,072 males and 10,465 females), 16,260 distance students (8,324 males and 7,936 females), 1,241 sandwich students (561 males and 686 females) and 19,362 IOE sandwich students (9,937 males and 9,425 females). The population consists of 578 PhD students who are all regular students, with 372 males and 206 females. 305 PGDE students consisting of 71 distance students (29 males and 42 females) and 234 sandwich students (148 males and 86 females). 5,648 students doing their masters currently with 1,148 students being regular students (709 males and 439 females), 2,239 distance students (1,287 males and 952 females) and 2,261 sandwich students (1,321 males and 940 females).[10]

Governance System

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The University of Cape Coast is currently governed by a Council made of elected members from the University community and State appointees.

Members of Council

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The governing body is known as the University Council and they consist of a Chairperson/Pro-Chancellor, Representative of Post-Graduate Students, Vice-Chancellor, three (3) Government Nominees, two (2) Representatives of Convocation, Representative of UTAG - UCC Branch, Representative of CHASS, Representative of TEWU of TUC, Representative of Alumni Association, Representative of Undergraduate Students, Representative of Post-Graduate Students, Representative of GTEC, Registrar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Director of Finance and Council Secretariat, Office of the Registrar.[11]

Principal officers

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According to the statues of the university, principal officers of the university include the chancellor, pro-chancellor/chairperson, Vice-Chancellor, registrar and pro-vice-chancellor.[12]

The list of past and current Principals/Vice-Chancellor of UCC[13]
Name of Principal or Vice-Chancellor Position Duration of tenure
Dr C.A. Ackah Principal 1962 to 1964
Dr N.G Bakhoom Principal 1964 to 1966
Dr C.A. Ackah Principal 1966 to 1968
Prof. K.A Nyarko Acting Principal 1968 to 1969
Prof. E. A Boateng Principal 1969 to 1972
Prof. E. A Boateng Vice-Chancellor 1972 to 1973
Prof. Yanney-Ewusie Vice-Chancellor 1973 to 1978
Prof. S.K. Odamtten Acting Vice-Chancellor 1978 to 1980
Prof. K. B Dickson Vice-Chancellor 1980 to 1988
Prof. K.N. Eyeson Acting Vice-Chancellor 1988 to 1989
Prof. K.B Dickson Vice-Chancellor 1989 to 1990
Prof. Austin Tetteh

Prof. R.K.G Assoku Prof. Martha Tamakloe

Interim Administrative Council 1990 to 1991
Rev. Prof. S.K. Adjepong Vice-Chancellor 1991 to 2001
Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Addow-Obeng Vice-Chancellor 2001 to 2008
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Vice-Chancellor 2008 to 2012
Prof. D.D. Kuupole Vice-Chancellor 2012 to 2016
Rev. Prof. Joseph Ghartey-Ampiah Vice-Chancellor 2016 to 2020
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong Vice-Chancellor 2020 to date

Academics

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The University of Cape Coast is today organized into six colleges. Each college has different faculties, schools and departments under them as elaborated below;

College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences

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School of Physical Sciences[14]

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School of Biological Sciences[15]

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School of Agriculture[16]

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College of Distance Education

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  • Department of Business studies[17]
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Mathematics and Science

College of Education Studies

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Faculty of Educational Foundations[18]

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  • Centre for Child Development Research and Referral
  • Counselling Centre
  • Department of Basic Education
  • Department of Education & Psychology
  • Department of Guidance and Counseling

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Education[19]

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  • Department of Arts Education
  • Department of Business and Social Sciences Education

Faculty of Science & Technology Education[20]

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  • Department of Health Science Education
  • Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation
  • Department of Mathematics & ICT Education
  • Department of Science Education
  • Department of Vocational & Technical Education

School of Educational Development & Outreach[21]

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  • Centre for Educational Research, Evaluation and Development
  • Centre for Teacher Professional Development
  • Centre for Teaching Support
  • Institute of Education
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Faculty of Social Sciences[22]

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  • Institute for Oil and Gas Studies
  • Institute for Development Studies (IDS)
  • Department of Sociology & Anthropology
  • Department of Population & Health
  • Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management
  • Department of Geography & Regional Planning
  • Department of Economics
  • Centre for Gender, Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD)
  • Micro-finance Unit
  • Centre for Data Archiving, Management, Analysis and Advocacy (C-DAMAA)

Faculty of Arts[23]

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  • Information & Literacy Skills
  • Department of Theatre & Film Studies
  • Department of Religion and Human Values
  • Department of Music & Dance
  • Department of History
  • Department of Ghanaian Languages & Linguistics
  • Department of French
  • Department of English
  • Department of Communication Studies
  • Department of Classics & Philosophy
  • Centre for African and International Studies

Faculty of Law

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  • Department of Law
  • Law Clinic & Department for Legal Extension
  • Centre for Legal Research
  • Law Library & Information Centre

School of Business[24]

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  • Department of Management
  • Department of Accounting
  • Department of Finance
  • Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management
  • Department of Human Resource Management
  • Professional & Management Development Unit (PMDU)
  • Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED)

College of Health & Allied Sciences

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School of Medical Sciences[25]

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School of Nursing & Midwifery[26]

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  • Department of Adult Health
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Maternal and Child Health
  • Department of Public Health

School of Allied Health Sciences

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  • Department of Sports Science
  • Department of Physician Assistant Studies
  • Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Department of Medical Imaging
  • Department of Health Information Management
  • Department of Optometry

School of Graduate Studies and Research[27]

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The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) of the University of Cape Coast came into being on 1 August 2008.[28] It began as a Committee on Higher Degrees, with a mandate to advise Senate on the university's graduate policy and recommend the award of scholarship for approval. In 1992, the Committee on Higher Degrees was transformed to a Board of Graduate Studies. This Board, a sub-committee of Academic Board was entrusted with responsibility for administering graduate education in the university, until its status was elevated to a school on 1 August 2008. The school has the mandate to co-ordinate graduate-level academic programmes for all colleges within the university. It also regulates and offers advice on graduate programmes of university colleges affiliated to the University of Cape Coast.

To achieve its vision and mission, the school has four-fold functions:

  1. Draft regulations for all higher degrees with a view to ensuring that acceptable academic standards are maintained.
  2. Receive reports and consider recommendations pertaining to higher degrees and graduate diplomas from Departmental and Faculty Committee of Graduate Studies.
  3. Determine the results of higher degrees and graduate diplomas.
  4. Make recommendations to the Academic Board for the award of higher degrees and graduate diplomas.

The university operates a two-semester system for its regular graduate programmes. The First Semester begins from August to December and Second Semester from January to May. The university awards Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), Master of Commerce (M.Com.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in the various disciplines.

M.A./MEd/MSc programmes will normally consist of two semesters of course work (nine months) followed by a project or dissertation (three months).

The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) programme will normally consist of two parts. Part I shall consist of two semesters of course work for full-time students and four semesters of course work for part-time students. Part II extends over 12-months and is for research and presentation of the thesis. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is essentially by research. The duration is between 3 and 4 years for full-time students and 4 and 5 years for part-time students.

Office of International Relations[29]

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The Office of International Relation (OIR), University of Cape Coast, formerly Center for International Education (CIE) was established to promote, support and coordinate all facets of international education activities in the university. These activities include international students and staff exchanges, research collaborations and publications, and information sharing, all aimed at enhancing the international image of the university.[30]

Over the years, the centre had fostered links with institutions of higher learning from the US, China, UK, Sweden, Germany, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal, among others.

The centre offers specialized support services for inbound and outbound exchange students and staff on issues including, but not exclusive to, orientation, admission, enrollment, accommodation, pastoral care, pre-departure briefings and post-return debriefings for inbound and outbound exchange students and staff.[31]

FUNCTIONS

The centre:

  1. Manages all matters and programmes relating to international education.
  2. Serves as an advisory unit to all academic departments on exchanges and collaborations.
  3. Serves as a service provider on campus to all international and visiting students, faculty members and staff.
  4. Is responsible for the development of Memorandum of Understanding or partnership agreements with institutions in and outside Ghana.
  5. Facilitates the exchange of staff, faculty and students of partner institutions and vice versa.
  6. Organizes international workshops, seminars and conferences.

The University of Cape Coast runs an international student exchange programme with participants from Europe, North America, and other African countries. International students are fully integrated into student and campus life and receive full credit on successful completion of their studies at UCC.[30]

Affiliated Institutions

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All Colleges of Education in Ghana

  • Pentecost University College
  • Christian Service University College
  • Palm Institute
  • Synergies Institute-Ghana
  • Fountainhead Christian College
  • Institute for Development and Technology Management
  • Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies (ISDES)
  • Klintaps University College
  • Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II Nursing Training College
  • Nduom School of Business and Technology
  • College of Health and Well-Being
  • College of Health, Yamfo

Halls of Residence

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  • Oguaa Hall
  • Atlantic Hall(ATL)
  • Adehye Hall
  • Casely Hayford Hall (Casford)
  • Kwame Nkrumah Hall
  • Valco Hall
  • SRCHall
  • Supernuation hall
  • Alumni Hall
  • Valco Trust Hall (Graduate Hall)
  • PSI Hall

Rankings and reputation

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University rankings
Global – Overall
THE World[32]601–800 (2024)
Regional – Overall
THE Africa[33]=7 (2024)
National – Overall
THE National[34]1 (2024)

In September 2021, the University of Cape Coast was ranked by Times Higher Education 2022 World University Rankings as follows:

  • The No. 1 University in Africa for research influence (Globally)
  • The No. 1 University in Ghana
  • The No. 1 University in West Africa
  • Ranked amongst the top 5 Universities in Africa.[35][36][37][38]

In October 2022, the university was again ranked the best in Ghana and West Africa. The 4th best in Africa and 24th in the world universities.[39][40]

In July 2023, the university is still ranked as the best university in Ghana and 4th in Africa according to Times Higher Education Rankings.[41][42]

Notable alumni

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  •  
    Sam Jonah Library
  •  
    Large Lecture Theatre
  •  
    Faculty of Education Lecture Theatre
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    Faculty of Education Lecture Theatre
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    Crocodile at the Zoo


See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "About UCC". Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  2. ^ "central region capital". Bing. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  3. ^ "University of Cape Coast". Ghana web. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  4. ^ "History". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  5. ^ Times Higher Education https://www.timeshighereducation.com/cms-academic/sites/default/files/migrated_institution_downloads/university_of_cape_coast_prospectus.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ a b "History | University of Cape Coast". Archived from the original on 7 June 2019.
  7. ^ "Our Campus". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Department of Vocational and Technical Education Home Page | Department of Vocational and Technical Education". votec.ucc.edu.gh. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  9. ^ Esi, Arhin (7 October 2022). "Five best places to explore on University of Cape Coast campus". Graphic Online.
  10. ^ "-------- Enrolment Facts". University of Cape Coast. 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  11. ^ "Members of Council". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  12. ^ "Principal Officers". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  13. ^ "UCC achieves global excellence @60". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  14. ^ "School of Physical Sciences | School of Physical Sciences". phy ucc Education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  15. ^ "School of Biological Science | School of Biological Sciences". bio ucc Education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Home Agric | School of Agriculture". agric ucc education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  17. ^ "College of Distance Education UCC".
  18. ^ "Faculty of Educational Foundations Homepage | Faculty of Educational Foundations". fef ucc Education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  19. ^ clemence (30 July 2018). "Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  20. ^ "Faculty of Science and Technology Education Home | Faculty of Science and Technology Education". fste ucc education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Home - SEDO | School of Educational Development and Outreach". sedo ucc education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  22. ^ clemence (30 July 2018). "Faculty of Social Sciences". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  23. ^ dgessel (28 July 2018). "Faculty of Arts". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  24. ^ "Home | School of Business". sob ucc education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  25. ^ "SMS | School of Medical Sciences". sms ucc education Ghana. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  26. ^ "SoNM | School of Nursing & Midwifery". snm.ucc.edu.gh. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Home". School of Graduate Studies. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  28. ^ "School of Graduate Studies and Research, UCC".
  29. ^ abarku-basic (16 August 2019). "About Office of International Relations". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  30. ^ a b abarku-basic (16 August 2019). "About Office of International Relations". University of Cape Coast. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  31. ^ Coast, University of Cape. "UCC Directory". ucc-directory. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  32. ^ "Word University Rankings 2024". Times Higher Education. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  33. ^ "Best universities in Africa". Times Higher Education. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  34. ^ "World University Rankings 2024 – Ghana". Times Higher Education. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  35. ^ "World University Rankings 2022 | Times Higher Education (THE)". 25 August 2021.
  36. ^ "UCC ranked No 1 university in Ghana | 3NEWS".
  37. ^ "UCC ranked highly among universities with positive research influence". MyJoyOnline. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  38. ^ "Home – ATL FM NewsRoom".
  39. ^ "UCC ranked the best university in Ghana, West Africa; 4th in Africa". GhanaWeb. 12 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  40. ^ "2023 World University Ranking: UCC remains best in Ghana, 1st in West Africa and 4th in Africa - MyJoyOnline.com". myjoyonline. 12 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  41. ^ "World University Ranking 2023: UCC is best University in Ghana, 1st in West Africa, 4th in Africa". 12 October 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  42. ^ "University of Cape Coast". Times Higher Education (THE). 9 June 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  43. ^ "Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim". 11 April 2019.
  44. ^ "Staff Directory| University of Cape Coast".
  45. ^ "Stocks". Bloomberg News.
  46. ^ "Narh Appointed Second Deputy Governor of BOG | Business News 2009-05-22". 30 November 2001.
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