UCC Seeks Bank of Ghana Support to Establish Smart Data Centre

The University of Cape Coast has appealed to the Bank of Ghana to support the establishment of a Smart Data for Development Centre aimed at strengthening research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.

The appeal was made by the Vice Dean of the School of Economics, Professor Emmanuel Ekow Asmah, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, at the Bank Square in Accra.

Professor Asmah said the proposed centre would boost advanced analytics, improve research infrastructure, provide real-time data for policy intelligence and enhance capacity development for students and researchers.

He explained that the centre would also promote applied research, innovation and digital solutions while expanding the University’s engagement with the informal sector through data-driven interventions.

Highlighting the impact of a Data Science and Artificial Intelligence project supported by the central bank, Asmah disclosed that the initiative had significantly advanced data literacy among students and communities.

According to him, the University received about 400 applications for its online Data Science and Artificial Intelligence training programme after mentoring facilitators. Although only 180 participants could be accommodated, all successfully completed the programme, with plans already underway for a second cohort.

He added that the initiative had been extended to selected Senior High Schools through the establishment of Data Science for Mentorship (DS4M) Clubs, which have so far reached about 140 students.

Beyond the education sector, the University has also provided data literacy training for market women and artisans, including mechanics, to improve business decision-making and financial management.

Professor Asmah further revealed that a University team developed a Smart Business Tracking Tool to help micro and small enterprises improve budgeting, record-keeping and business planning, with plans to expand its adoption nationwide.

He noted that the initiative has attracted the interest of the Ghana Statistical Service, which is considering collaborating with the University to scale the programme into a national project.

The Vice Dean also proposed the introduction of a National Data Literacy Week and urged the Bank of Ghana to upgrade the initiative into a Centre of Excellence, including the establishment of a Bank of Ghana Research Chair to promote research in data intelligence and policy analytics.

Responding, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama welcomed the delegation and announced the introduction of the Monetary Policy Committee Educational Observership Programme (MPC EOP), designed to give university students practical exposure to the work of the Monetary Policy Committee.

He said the programme would help economics students better understand how decisions on inflation, interest rates and exchange rates are made while strengthening transparency and collaboration between academia and policymakers.

Dr. Asiama also assured the delegation that the Bank would consider the University’s request for support towards expanding its data literacy initiatives and establishing the proposed Smart Data for Development Centre.

The Dean of the School of Economics, Professor Isaac Dasmani, thanked the Bank for its continued support, while the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Professor Daniel Agyapong, presented a commemorative memento to the Governor.