AUCC Introduces New Programmes

Faculty members(seated)and flanked by some of the stakeholders

The African University College of Communications (AUCC) held a stakeholders' meeting at the University's Ekua Yankah Board Room last Thursday to announce the introduction of two new short programmes expected to commence in May 2014.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Bankers, Local Government Institute and STRATCOM Africa, among others, were in attendance.

The two programmes, Certificate in Public Diplomacy and Global Communication, are part of the University's efforts to provide participants with a critical understanding of the role of public diplomacy locally and within global community.

The faculty members for the new programmes are Ambassadors Dr. William George Mensah Brandful, Patrick Reginald Dennis Hayford, Ellen S.Nee-Whang and Lawrence R.A Satuh, (all four are Fellows).

The President of African University College of Communications (AUCC), Prof. Kwaku Armah, in his welcome address, noted that the University has since its inception kept faith with its clients and nation by grooming students to believe in themselves as Africans.

He said the new programmes fall perfectly in line with the core values, mission and vision of the University.

A member of the New Programmes Faculty, Dr. William George Brandful, said the introduction of the programmes is timely and relevant.

In the past, issues which had to do with diplomacy and communications were the sole right of government.

The faculty member said the programmes were opened to media personnel, bankers, lawyers, contractors, local and international agencies and people engaged in social work.

A pioneer in Ghana's first Foreign Service, Ambassador Richard Akwei urged the stakeholders at the meeting to endorse the new programmes which he said were relevant for today's businesses to thrive.

Mr. Akwei, who is also a tutor in Diplomacy, said the world has gotten to a competitive stage, where such programmes would serve as a bridge to help people and businesses to make sufficient impact on their respective clients.

The 90-year-old career diplomat, who commented on a number of issues, also decried the attitude of Ghanaians to remain silent when things are not working in government and other institutions.

By Solomon Ofori