Catholic University students cautioned against party politic on campus

Fiapre (B/A) Feb. 19, GNA – Professor James Hawkins Ephraim, Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University College of Ghana, at Fiapre in Brong Ahafo, has cautioned students against engaging in party politics on campus as that could derail their academic progress.

He stressed that the authorities of the institution have become sensitive to the practice on campus, and advised students interested in party politics to engage in it outside campus.

Professor Ephraim was addressing the 6th congregation and 14th matriculation of the University College at Fiapre at the weekend.

A total of 440 students for the January 2012 class, were matriculated, increasing the current student population, which was 50 in 2003 when the university was started, to 4154.

The Vice Chancellor urged the new students to concentrate on their studies and to disciplined, and to abide by the matriculation pledge and oath they had taken.

Prof. Ephraim said the 360 graduating students in the various disciplines have “achieved mental toughness, academic excellence and physical discipline”.

He said the University College has contributed to national development, by producing graduates endowed with knowledge and morality and profound religious motivation to serve society.

The Vice Chancellor announced the University had been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board to run new programmes, which include B.Sc in Public Health, Post-graduate Diploma in Education, Diploma in Basic Education and B.Ed Science (Mathematics and Geography).

Others are B.Ed Arts (English, History and Religious Studies) and B.Ed Social Science (Accounting and Geography).

Prof. Ephraim expressed gratitude to “our mentoring University, University of Ghana, for being supportive in all our dealings”.

The Vice Chancellor said the University College would need water boaster to enhance water supply.

He detested encroachment on the land of the University College, rampant bushfires and the stealing of the University’s teak trees by some miscreants, which had resulted in the destruction of the forest cover of the University College’s land area.

Prof Ephraim appealed for funds for the provision of infrastructure to enable the educational institution to admit more students.

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, noted that a recent audit report indicated the University College was complying with the conditions of affiliation.

“As the mentoring institution, the University of Ghana is expected to assist the affiliate institution- the Catholic University College of Ghana, to develop world class human resources and capabilities to meet the national development needs and global challenges through quality teaching, learning, research and knowledge dissemination”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor expressed his expectation that the University College would in due time be weaned off its affiliate status and have its own charter.

Prof Aryeetey congratulated the graduating class for their achievement and urged them to “let your light shine wherever you will find yourselves as you go forth into the world” with their training from the Catholic institution.

Archbishop Emeritus Most Reverend Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kumasi, emphasized that the main aim of Catholic education was to produce intellectuals with all-round education to enable them to efficiently and effectively service humanity.

He expressed regret that though Ghana was blessed with persons with abundant knowledge, this was often misused by people who perceive themselves as being cleverer than others.

Noting that “knowledge without wisdom is satanic and wisdom without knowledge is impotent”, the Archbishop said.

Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, advised students of the University College to be guided by the principles of Catholic education, and to be responsible citizens.