On Tuesday 11th April 2023, the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand launch event held at the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium, University of Cape Coast. The event was attended by dignitaries, academics, researchers, and environmentalists from Ghana, its neighboring countries, and other parts of the world who came together to mark this significant milestone in the Centre's journey.
The Centre for Coastal Management was established a decade ago with the objective of conducting research, developing technologies, and providing solutions to the growing environmental challenges that coastal areas face. Over the years, the Centre has made significant contributions to understanding coastal ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on the oceans.
The anniversary launch was a celebration of the Centre's accomplishments as well as a chance to examine current issues and future prospects. The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by the Centre's Deputy Director, Dr. Precious Mattah, who expressed appreciation to the guests as well as the numerous funders and supporters of the Centre's cause.
The launch event also featured a series of keynote speeches by the Director of CCM, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong. Prof. Aheto spoke about the Decade of Impact of the Centre. He reflected on the Centre's journey so far and shared his vision for the future, which includes setting up an ocean institute in the next few years. He also highlighted the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. He emphasized the need for continued research and collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development of coastal regions.
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong also highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change. He stressed the importance of developing innovative technologies and solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on coastal areas and expressed his gratitude to the donors, staff, and students at the Centre for their collective efforts in bringing the Centre to its success.
As part of preparations for the 10th anniversary celebration, a logo completion was organized, of which Desmond Pae Adu-Broni, a Pharmacy student at the University of Cape Coast, won the logo competition after meticulous screening and shortlisting. The winning logo was unveiled at the launch event and will subsequently be used officially throughout the year, till the celebrations are over. Desmond was given the opportunity to express his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the logo competition, and he further provided a concise explanation of the logo's significance in relation to the Center's fundamental values.
The CCM at 10 Committee Chairperson - Mrs. Sika Abrokwah, spoke on the theme for the celebration "CELEBRATING A DECADE OF IMPACTFUL RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING: TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF AFRICA'S COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT" and highlighted the significance of the theme for the 10th anniversary celebration. There were also presentations made by CCM at 10 Committee members, Ms. Ivy Akuoko and Ms. Selorm Dzantor on the outline of events for the rest of the year. The activities planned for the year-long anniversary celebrations include a health walk and health screening, a cooking competition among the center’s students, a monthly webinar series, a cultural night, a stakeholder exhibition, community durbar in Keta and Ada, a blue economy conference and dinner with an awards night.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Jojo Eghan commended the guests for attending the event and praised the centre's staff, students, and collaborators for their dedication and hard work over the past decade. He reaffirmed the Centre's dedication to ongoing research, education, and community involvement to ensure the sustainable management of coastal regions.
The Centre for Coastal Management's 10th-anniversary launch was a resounding success, showcasing the Centre's achievements and setting the agenda for the future of coastal management. The event was a testament to the Centre's commitment to promoting sustainable development and ensuring the preservation of coastal ecosystems for future generations.
The links below contain the story of the anniversary launch as captured by the various news outlets.
Daily Graphic
Ghana News Agency (GNA)