The Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong has opened a five-day short course on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Training at the Samrit Hotel, Cape Coast. The programme which is being organised by the Centre for Coastal Management seeks to provide practical experience to participants which include Ph. D students from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Cape Coast, District Assemblies and the Fisheries Commission. Welcoming participants to the workshop, Prof. Boampong commended the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) for organising the course. He noted that “although Geographic Information System (GIS) is a useful tool in science and policy development, unfortunately there is the fear for its application which stems from the poor manner it is taught”. As a result, both individuals and institutions find the application unfriendly, thus their reluctance to use it. Prof. Boampong underscored the benefits of GIS to all kinds organisations and industries adding that “It offers a cost-effective and efficient method for studying time and space simultaneously which is important for every action”. According to Prof. Boampong, GIS offered a multi-disciplinary approach towards understanding drivers and pressures of environmental change. “Hence an effective approach to teaching GIS and Remote Sensing is required in Ghana”. Prof. Boampong who also launched a training manual on Geographic Information Systems and Leadership said “The unique presentation and content of this GIS manual simplifies the very idea of what a GIS is, what it involves, and its importance”. Explaining further, he noted that the manual makes complex processes simple and guides learners to feel confident of their abilities. “It delivers an approach systematically unpacking the science, turning it into engaging and effective lessons. It only requires confidence and the willingness to learn,” he stressed. Prof. Boampong thanked the University and USAID for providing financial and technical support for this program. The Director of the Centre, Dr. Denis W. Aheto in an overview, said CCM was driven by a project, that is the USAID/ UCC Fisheries and Coastal Management Project and sought to strengthen capacity for sustainable coastal management in Ghana. He said, the Centre undertakes demand-driven research, extension and capacity building of stakeholders. Prof. John Blay Jnr. of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences chaired the ceremony.
