Stories and facts
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is a prestigious public university located in the historic town of Cape Coast in Ghana's Central Region.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the university boasts a unique seafront campus divided into the Southern Campus (Old Site) and the Northern Campus (New Site).
It is situated near two of Ghana's most significant historical landmarks, the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, which are just a few kilometers away.
Established in October 1962 as a university college, UCC was founded to address Ghana's urgent need for skilled manpower in education.
Its primary mission was to train graduate teachers for secondary schools, teacher training colleges, and technical institutions, addressing a gap that the two existing universities at the time could not fill.
By 1972, the institution had achieved full university status, granting it the autonomy to confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates through an Act of Parliament.
Over time, UCC expanded its academic offerings, becoming a multidisciplinary institution that now trains professionals in health, business, agriculture, law, and various other fields.
Its alumni include notable figures such as Ministers of State, CEOs, Members of Parliament, and High Commissioners.
The university started with only two departments—Arts and Science—which became faculties by 1963. As the years went by, it continued to grow, adding new schools and departments to meet the evolving needs of society.
Among the early expansions were the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the School of Agriculture. In more recent years, the institution has established a Medical School, a Faculty of Law, and other specialized schools.
Today, UCC offers a wide range of programs across six colleges, covering fields such as natural sciences, humanities, legal studies, health sciences, and business.
The university operates on two campuses. The Old Site Campus, located within the Apewosika and Kokoado communities, houses administrative offices, the university hospital, and halls of residence such as Adehye Hall, Atlantic Hall, and Oguaa Hall.
The New Site Campus, popularly known as "Science," hosts the Science Complex Building, Casley Hayford Hall, Kwame Nkrumah Hall, Valco Hall, and additional facilities, including the University Zoo and Gardens.
Both campuses contribute to the vibrant socio-economic activities of their surrounding communities.
UCC's student population has grown significantly from its initial enrollment of 155 in 1963 to over 78,000 in the 2022/2023 academic year.
The university serves a diverse group of students across regular, distance, and sandwich programs, offering certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees.
It also runs a robust School of Graduate Studies, coordinating advanced academic programs and supporting research endeavors.
Governance at UCC is overseen by a University Council composed of members from the university community and government appointees.
The council includes representatives from various stakeholder groups, such as students, alumni, and faculty. Principal officers, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Director of Finance, manage the day-to-day operations of the university.
UCC's legacy is built on its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service to society. Its contribution to education, professional training, and societal development continues to make it a leading institution in Ghana and beyond.
With a rich history and a future-oriented vision, the University of Cape Coast remains a cornerstone of academic and professional excellence in the region.
