The Cape Coast Technical University's (CCTU) School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) held its first-ever Viva Voce on July 31, 2025, at the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) Audio-visual Laboratory, CCTU, where the first batch of Master of Technology (Civil Engineering) postgraduate students defended their theses before a panel of examiners. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, the Dean of SGSR, Prof. Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei and over twenty (20) onsite and thirteen (13) online participants.

Prof. Bamfo-Agyei commended students who made it to the VIVA and demanded excellent presentations. Internal supervisors, including Ing. Dr. Gabriel Amissah and Eng. Prof. Eric Awere, and external supervisors composing Ing. Prof. Obiri Yeboah and nine others assessed the presentations.

The Vice-Chancellor, the Dean and Assessors provided recommendations, guidance and support to the theses presented, emphasising the importance of research excellence in postgraduate studies. Prof. Boakye expressed his enthusiasm for the event, citing the opportunity to share and sharpen ideas.

The students’ presentations showcased expertise and contributions to knowledge in the field of Civil Engineering. Some notable topics presented included Enhancing Concrete Production through the Utilization of Bagasse Ash and Dried Pulp Fibres: A Sustainable Approach Using Sugar Cane By-Products; Comparative Study on the Impact of Shear Wall Location on P- Delta Effect in High-rise Buildings under Seismic Load; and Comparative analysis and Design of Multi-storey Reinforced concrete Building using British code, Euro Code, American Code and the Ghana Code Considering Wind Loadings. There were nineteen (19) presentations in total.

The Viva was a significant step in the academic journey of the postgraduate students, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their chosen field. With this event, CCTU highlights its mission to produce seasoned men in all disciplines to better the quality of life in Cape Coast, Ghana and the world at large.

The event was a major success as all students were able to go through their presentations and have their ideas sharpened by seasoned experts.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs

Date: 31st July, 2025