In promoting research and driving academic excellence, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has opened its 2nd Research and Innovation Week.
The event, themed “National Research Fund for Sustainable Development: A Strategic Developmental Agenda or a Political Rhetoric?”, seeks to highlight the ingenious research conducted by UCC faculty, students, and partners across a wide range of disciplines.
An exhibitor showcasing some of his products to the patrons
The Research Week includes various activities such as the launch of innovative products and start-ups, exhibitions, and an awards ceremony.
Addressing the event, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, said the promotion of research and innovation had contributed to UCC being ranked, for the fifth consecutive year, as the number one university in Ghana and West Africa in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (WUR).
“In addition, our dear university is among the top 11 universities in Africa and is listed among the top 10 universities in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2026 WUR,” he added.
He indicated that UCC was also ranked as the topmost university in Ghana for Quality Education (SDG 4) and Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Prof. Denis Aheto
Prof. Aheto, who chaired the programme, called for adequate funding for research, which he said remained a major challenge for tertiary institutions in Ghana. He therefore urged a dialogue on innovative and sustainable ways to secure and generate funds for advancing research with solution-driven potential.
Despite the financial challenges, he said, researchers at the university had not rested on their laurels.
“We have demonstrated commitment, ingenuity, creativity, and tenacity in pushing the frontiers of academic research endeavours,” he stated.
He praised faculty members for expanding partnerships with industry and organisations, both locally and internationally, to overcome resource constraints.
Prof. Aheto added that UCC would continue to promote a conducive environment that supports cutting-edge research.
“This involves building new laboratories and revamping existing ones, as well as supporting our faculty with research support grants to augment their research funds, enabling them to execute their research projects,” he explained.
He charged faculty members to disabuse their minds of the “publish or perish” mantra and rather embrace “innovate or perish.”
He expressed optimism that faculty members would innovate to advance the nation’s development.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), Prof. David Teye Doku, said that through the vision and strategic initiatives of DRIC, UCC had achieved remarkable growth in research output and innovation.
Prof. David Teye Doku
“Our faculty continue to publish in globally ranked journals and develop homegrown solutions. Notably, UCC has filed patents for organic pesticide technology, secured copyrights for new software, and is assessing several inventions for market potential — clear evidence of research with real societal value,” he noted.
He also called on faculty members to uphold integrity and avoid predatory publishing practices, stressing that “our success depends on the systems that support us.”
As part of the event, Prof. Aheto launched the “Enigyie Aba 100% Organic Pesticide,” by the EMONJOY Team made up of three students from the School of Sustainable Engineering.
The CEO of EMONJOY, Enoch Mbawin Alale, in a remark, expressed gratitude to DRIC and the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub (D-Hub) for their invaluable support to the team.
He also praised Prof. Samuel Kofi Tulashi for his mentorship and promised to work hard to create more innovations.
Distinguished guests at the event included the Registrar, Mr. Enoch Abbeyquaye, and the Central Regional Education Director, Dr. Juliette Dufie Otami, among others.