Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) marked a historic milestone in its 40th Anniversary celebrations on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the launch of its maiden Research Report and a compelling Public Lecture on forest conservation.

The dual event, held under the themes "Advancing Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development through Technical Education" and "Safeguarding our Forests: A Collective Responsibility," brought together members of the University's Governing Council, staff, students, and distinguished guests from sister institutions and government agencies.

Prof. Isaac Kwame Dontwi, Chairman of the University's Governing Council, chaired the occasion and set an ambitious tone for CCTU’s research direction.

In his opening remarks, he challenged the Institution to move beyond traditional metrics of success. "We cannot remain just making sure that we are publishing in Scopus and we are happy," he declared, emphasising that research at a technical university must directly impact national development. Prof. Dontwi pledged to personally monitor research activities to ensure they contribute meaningfully to Ghana's progress.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, followed with an address highlighting both achievements and future ambitions. He announced several initiatives to boost research capacity, including a ¢1 Million Ghana cedis international conference support fund to support at least twenty (20) scholars for high-profile international conferences, though only three had been sponsored so far. The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the recently re-established Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) has been tasked with positioning CCTU to enter world university rankings by next year.

Prof. Richard Osae, the Director of DRIC, presented highlights from the 2025 Research Report, revealing impressive growth. Publications surged from 124 in 2023 to 197 in 2024 — a 57.3% increase — while contributing academic staff rose from 36% to 47%.

Prof. Osae, noted strong performance across all five schools, with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences & Technology recording particularly impressive outputs in Renewable Energy, Food Science, and Civil Engineering. The Report documented increasing scholarly visibility through rising citations, reflecting growing global recognition of CCTU's research community.

Following Prof. Osae's presentation, Prof. Dontwi officially launched the Research Report before proceeding to present citations to CCTU's Top 10 Scientists and Researchers based on the AD Scientific Index 2025 H-Index University Ranking. The recognition ceremony celebrated faculty members whose research contributions have elevated the University's profile in the academic community.

The event welcomed goodwill messages from sister institutions, including the University of Cape Coast, University of Education-Winneba, Takoradi Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and Accra Technical University.

Representatives from these Institutions commended CCTU for Its impressive growth in research and innovation while expressing openness to collaborations and training opportunities to help boost the University's capabilities toward achieving world rankings.

The Vice-Chancellor then introduced the Public Lecture, noting it was the third in the Anniversary series.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Eric Kevin Elikem Kotoko, Deputy CEO of Ghana's Forestry Commission and a proud alumnus, delivered a powerful lecture on forest conservation. Beginning with emotional reflections on his return to the Institution that shaped him, Mr. Kotoko spoke candidly about his polytechnic education and his commitment to giving back to CCTU significantly.

Mr. Kotoko painted a sobering picture of Ghana's environmental crisis. “The country continues to lose forest cover annually due to illegal mining (galamsey), illegal logging, unsustainable farming, bush fires, and climate change. Degraded lands now constitute approximately 8,500 football fields, up dramatically from earlier estimates of 5,500” he stated.

The Deputy CEO outlined the Forestry Commission's multifaceted approach to combating these threats, including raids on hundreds of illegal mining hotspots, equipment seizures, and prosecutions. He emphasised the use of advanced technology such as AI, satellites, and drones in enforcement, while highlighting the importance of working with traditional authorities, media, and educational institutions. Mr. Kotoko commended university researchers for their climate-related work and offered the Commission's partnership in research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

Mr. Kotoko, in a direct appeal, urged students to see themselves as protectors of Ghana's natural heritage for future generations. He emphasised that today's decisions would determine whether future Ghanaians inherit lush green landscapes or barren lands. His closing stressed that safeguarding forests required collective action from the government, the private sector, academia, communities, and individuals.

Prof. Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei, Chairman of the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee, led a fundraising session for the Anniversary's Legacy Project—a 2500-Bed Capacity Students’Hostel, to address accommodation needs.

The programme concluded with urgent calls for environmental stewardship and underscored CCTU's commitment to producing graduates who will tackle Ghana's pressing challenges with innovation, integrity, and responsibility.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs