Department of Social Studies Education Hosts 2018 National Conference
The Department of Social Studies Education under the Faculty of Social Science Education (FSSE) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) on Thursday, 16th August, 2018 hosted its maiden Social Studies National Conference at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, UEW.
The Conference which was held under the theme “Attitudes and Values for National Development: The Role of Social Studies” bequeathed prominence to attitudes and values in the development agenda of Ghana. The theme therefore, raised questions about sustainability of programmes and policies being implemented in the country.
Dean, Faculty of Social Science Education, Dr. Seth Peter Frimpong
In his Welcome Address, the Dean, FSSE, Dr. Seth Peter Frimpong emphasised that Social Studies is a subject which is circumspect and has a clear mission. He however, stressed the need to instill in Ghanaians the understanding that the subject seeks to inculcate positive attitudes and values in students to make them good citizens.
“Everybody in Ghana agrees that what our nation needs to develop are not natural or human resources; we have these in abundance. What our nation lacks are the attitudes and values that are required for development.” He said.
Prof. Cosmas Cobbold, University of Cape Coast giving the Keynote Address
In his Keynote Address, the Director, Centre for Teacher Professional Development, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Prof. Cosmas Cobbold thanked the leadership and members of the committee that planned the conference for selecting a theme which was relevant for the occasion.
“As a Social Studies educator myself, I would have liked to take the position of a participant, at least for the duration of the keynote address, so that I would listen to a speaker possibly from outside the social studies fraternity give this address.
“This would have enabled me to see from another perspective how social studies rates and ranks among the comity of subjects in Ghana’s school system, and particularly social studies’ role in our national development efforts.” Prof. Cobbold said.
Prof. Yaw Ameyaw, Director Quality Assurance, speaking on behalf of the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, UEW
In his Remarks, the Director, Quality Assurance, UEW, Prof. Yaw Ameyaw on behalf of the Chairman, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni charged Social Studies Tutors to inculcate good behaviours in pupils and students as well as their colleague teachers and lecturers.
“Let us shape our identities very well and look at the national ID card issue as social scientists provide laudable ideas to the Government so that things can be done very well. I think that Social Studies has a big role to play in the society and it is high time we give it a good image. Social Studies has suffered along the line in so many ways and it is high time as you elect new executives sit up and come out with good planning that will bring about development and growth to our nation Ghana." He said.
Prof. Yaw Ofosu Kusi, University of Energy and Natural Resources
There were presentations by Prof. Kankam Boadu, University of Cape Coast and Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, Dean, School of Management Sciences and Law, University of Energy and Natural Resources on the topics “History of Social Studies” and “Citizenship Education in National Development” respectively.
Prof. Kankam Boadu, University of Cape Coast
The event also saw the establishment of the first ever National Social Studies Association (NaSSA) and the inauguration of pioneer national and regional executives to steer the affairs of the body.
Also in attendance were the Head of Department of Social Studies Education, UEW, Dr. Lucy Effeh Attom, lecturers from University of Cape Coast, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Valley View University, Tutors from Colleges of Education, Teachers from Basic and Senior High Schools, representatives from all ten regions of the country, staff and students of UEW.
Head, Department of Social Studies Education, UEW, Dr. Lucy Effeh Attom
Participants from various institutions all across the country were in attendance
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