The University of Cape Coast (UCC), through the Faculty of Educational Foundations, has deepened its collaboration with the University of Vermont (UV), USA, and Enlightening and Empowering People with Disabilities in Africa (EEPD) to promote disability advocacy, inclusive education, research and capacity development.
A four-member delegation from UV and EEPD visited UCC and held engagements with the Faculty of Educational Foundations and the Office of International Relations to explore opportunities for strengthening collaboration in disability studies, joint research, staff and student exchanges, scholarships and community engagement.
Welcoming the delegation, the Dean of the Faculty of Educational Foundations, Prof. Lebbaeus Asamani, described the partnership as productive and impactful. He noted that a major achievement of the collaboration was the introduction of the International Certificate in Disability Studies, which has contributed to building capacity in disability education.
Prof. Asamani disclosed that the Faculty was working towards expanding the programme into a full academic pathway covering Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D levels to strengthen disability education and research in Ghana and beyond.
The Coordinator of the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS), Dr. Gideon Obosu, said the partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, which facilitated the establishment of the Centre and the development of the International Certificate in Disability Studies curriculum. He indicated that three cohorts of students had graduated from the programme since its inception.
Dr. Obosu commended Dr. Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie, an alumna of UCC, Director of Inclusive Excellence at the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Founder of EEPD, for her instrumental role in initiating and sustaining the collaboration.
He added that the partnership had supported student exchange programmes, with students from the United States undertaking disability-related research in Ghana. He noted that two members of the delegation, Lucas Zahed and Sally Maroa, were in Ghana for research purposes.
Dr. Obosu said the Centre aimed to become a leading hub for disability education, research and policy advocacy while promoting joint research, grant acquisition, scholarships and collaborative projects that respond to national and global disability priorities.
The Programmes Director of EEPD, Dr. Reuben Adekplorvi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities through advocacy, scholarships and targeted interventions.
At a separate meeting, the Dean of the Office of International Relations, Prof. Bert Boadi-Kusi, assured the delegation of UCC’s support for collaborations that promote inclusion and empower persons with disabilities. He noted that the University was exploring ways, particularly through the College of Health and Allied Sciences, to equip health professionals with skills to better support persons with disabilities.
Also present were Prof. Emmanuel Gyimah, Prof. Mark Amponsah, and Dr. Martha-Pearl Okai.
