University of Cape Coast School of Business honours outstanding students

The University of Cape Coast School of Business recently recognized and honoured 302 outstanding students for their academic achievements at the 2024 edition of the Dean's Award ceremony.

Comprising 186 males and 116 females, the awardees represent 7.61% of the Business School's level 200 to 400 population. This figure marks a slight increase from the previous year, with 302 awardees in 2023 compared to 297 in 2022, reflecting a 1.68% rise.

The Dean's Award, instituted in the 2008/2009 academic year, aims to acknowledge and motivate high-performing students with a CGPA of 3.6 and above in each academic year from level 200 to 400.

Themed “Sustaining Hard Work and Creativity,” this year's ceremony received support from esteemed partners such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana, GCB Bank, and KPMG.

Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, the Dean of the School of Business, congratulated the awardees while emphasizing the need to increase their numbers. He stressed the importance of skill acquisition alongside academic excellence, highlighting the evolving demands of the job market.

In response to these changing dynamics, Professor Gatsi revealed the school's commitment to integrating skills development into its curriculum, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant competencies for the workforce.

As part of the school's upcoming anniversary celebrations, plans include organizing competitions for Senior High Schools and targeting students from deprived backgrounds, particularly females, for admission. Additionally, efforts will be made to increase graduate enrollment, acknowledging the current shortfall of 214 students.

Guest speaker Mr. Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, urged students to prioritize determination and hard work in pursuing their goals. He emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks and advised students to continuously develop their communication and collaboration skills, essential for success in today's world.

The Dean's Award ceremony not only celebrates academic excellence but also underscores the importance of holistic skill development and resilience in navigating the complexities of the modern job market.