The University of Cape Coast has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) to boost industry-academia relationship.                     

Highlights of MoU

Per the terms of the MoU, the University of Cape Coast through the School of Business would collaborate with GIFF through staff and students exchange. The two partners would jointly train students at the certificate, diploma, bachelors and postgraduate degree levels.

UCC is Committed to the Partnership

Speaking at a meeting with officials from GIFF, the Vice-Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Siaw Frimpong, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, said the collaboration was long overdue. He noted that UCC was committed to the partnership adding that “It is our desire that we work together to promote trade and commerce in Ghana and also offer opportunities for our students to gain practical experience to enhance their job prospects”.

Substantial Benefits of the Partnership

The President of GIFF, Mr. Kwabena Ofosu-Appiah, was grateful to the University for consenting to collaborate with his outfit. He was optimistic that both partners would benefit substantially from the collaboration. He noted that they were mindful of the fact that the academic aspect of the training was very key in ensuring the success of every sector of the economy. “We are from the technical background and I believe strongly that a blend of academic and the practical work will project the work we do and also meet international standards,” he observed.

Mr. Ofosu-Appiah noted that the world was currently in the technical age where Artificial Intelligence was gradually permeating all aspect of human endeavour. “We need to train and reorient our students to fit well in the changing times because most jobs are being taken over by robots,” he added.

Other Areas of Collaboration

On his part, the Head of Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, Prof. Daniel Agyapong, said there were many areas the two partners could explore to enhance strengthen the relationship. He said, for instance, the two partners could design a joint curriculum to run programmes at their facilities in Tema. “We are keen on making this collaboration succeed so let us explore all avenues together to project and help the sector grow,” he noted.

Prof. Agyapong was hopeful that through the collaboration students from the School of Business would be exposed to the practical component of the programmes they were studying. “Our students are eager to learn and we are looking forward to internship opportunities from your members,” he implored. 

Other officials present were, Council Member of GIFF, Mr. Edward Akrong, the Education and Training Manager of GIFF, Mr. Jonathan Kwashie Amanor who is also Coordinator of the GIFF team on UCC-GIFF Collaboration as well as Mr. Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah, an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and the Coordinator of the UCC team on UCC-GIFF Collaboration.