By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Dec. 19, GNA – The University of Cape Coast (UCC), has graduated the first cohort of Culture and Creative Arts Management students who undertook an intensive one-year certificate course during the 2023/2024 academic year.
Through a collaboration between the National Commission on Culture, the Department of Music and Dance of the Faculty of Humanities and Legal studies, and the Institute of Affiliation Affairs of the University of Cape Coast, the programme was meticulously crafted to align with the intricate cultural landscape of Ghana.
It forms part of the Commission’s endeavours to enrich the skills of its personnel across the 16 regional Centres for National Culture.
In all, 45 graduates, majority being females to complement gender balance, went through the academic exercise that entailed rigorous theoretical and practical sessions throughout.
This initiative stemmed from the realisation that many of the Commission’s staff were enlisted based on diverse specialised backgrounds.
Hence, it became imperative for the Commission to aid staff members who possessed such qualifications ranging from basic education certificates, diplomas, first degree and master’s degree holders.
Upon completion, the graduates could again, further their education at UCC to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
During the graduation ceremony, Dr John Doe Dordzro, the Head of the Department of Music and Dance, UCC, emphasised that formal certification in creative arts nurtured a more skilled and esteemed creative workforce.
He highlighted that certification bolsters credibility and professionalism, ensuring that artists were acknowledged for their expertise and training.
Formal education, he explained, offers systematic training, aiding artists in honing their skills and comprehending industry benchmarks.
He noted that certified professionals were often more competitive in the employment sector, attracting superior opportunities and backing within the creative sphere.
Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, the Executive Director of the Commission, hailed the first Cohort as the Commission’s most notable accomplishment in 2024.
He commended the graduates for their perseverance in self-empowerment and urged them to leverage their skills effectively.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Commission for prioritising the empowerment of its workforce and motivated themselves to further elevate the status of the creative arts sector in Ghana for mutual benefits.
GNA