The University of Cape Coast has held an orientation for Cadet Officers Course 53 of the Ghana Police Academy at the Ghana Police Training School in Accra.

The Cadet Officers made up of 431 officers will also pursue Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies from the Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Cape Coast as part of their regular police training.

In her address at the programme, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, noted that the University of Cape Coast would create a conducive academic environment for them to pursue their studies. She indicated that as postgraduate students they should abreast themselves of the Academic Policies and Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa with the Faculty officer of the School,Mr. John Linscell Yen making a presentation at the orientation

Prof. Darkwa noted that the School would provide them with the necessary support to help them complete their programme within the scheduled period of study. She urged them to take their studies seriously by participating in seminar sessions and completing all assignments.

The Head, Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christopher Adokoh, indicated that the programme was introduced to provide students with enhanced knowledge in the principles and practice of leadership, management, and administration in the security services.

He noted that the programme would equip them to explore and demonstrate understanding of contemporary security issues and also equip them with professional competencies in security sector management and leadership.

Head, Department of Forensic Sciences, Prof. Christopher Adokoh speaking at the programme

Prof. Adokoh indicated that the Department would soon run Master of Science and Master of Philosophy in forensic and security related programmes to create more opportunities for personnel of security agencies to advance their professional career. 

Prof. Adokoh said the Department would liaise with the Police Administration to provide them with the best of experience in their studies.

The cadet officers listening to presentations at the orientation

In his presentation at the function, the Dean of Students, Prof. Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh, advised the students to cultivate a thirst for knowledge and dedicate greater part of their time at the academy to studies.

He further urged the students to prioritise their studies while making time for pursuing their passions and building meaningful relationships.

Dean of Students, Prof. Eugene Kofuor Maafo Darteh

Prof. Darteh entreated the police officers to observe the rules and regulations for students of the University. “Whilst studying at UCC, be mindful of the fact that the University has rules, regulations and policies that govern students’ activities. You’re expected to familiarise yourselves with by these regulations and policies” he implored them.

Taking them through the registration process, the Head of Student Records Section, Mr. Abdulai Mohammed Najimudeen, mentioned that the University would create a portal for students to access all information regarding their programmes of study. He noted that without registration, they could not be considered as students.

Mr. Najimudeen emphasised that the was the medium for students to check their results and also receive notices and other important information from the University.

Head, Students Records Section, Mr. Abdulai Mohammed Najimudeen

The UCC team responded to questions from the cadet officers on the presentations. 

The Director of Academic Affairs of the Ghana Police Academy, ACP Francis Yiribaare, thanked the team from UCC for providing the prospective students with insightful information about the University and the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies.

He said the Academy would continue to collaborate with UCC to build the capacities of Cadet Officers to effectively discharge their professional duties as senior police officers.

ACP Yiribaare noted that for the past four years, the award of the degree from UCC had motivated graduates of the Police Academy to excel at their duty posts and also advance in their career.  

Director of Academic Affairs of the Ghana Police Academy, ACP Francis Yiribaare 

 He encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire knowledge to enhance their work and also progress to the top.

Other members of the UCC team were Dr. Benjamin Aboagye, Dr. Prince Amoah Barnie, Dr. Yusif Abdullah and Mr. Samuel Cudjoe from the Department of Forensic Sciences. Also present were Mr. John Linscell Yen from the School of Graduate Studies and Grace Akosua Akyeabea Sackey from the Directorate of Public Affairs.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC