Five students from the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences of University of Cape Coast [UCC] have received the Community Service Award from Osei Kusi Foundation with a cash prize of 10,000 Ghana Cedis at this year’s National Youth Volunteerism and Patriotism Awards held in Accra.

The students; Adeisu Dinna Vigah, Osei Emmanuel, Danso Tony, Godswill Hygienus and Ajoa Owusuaa received the award for coming up with an idea to develop a modern fish smoking device for the people of Duakor, a fishing community close to University of Cape Coast in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

The device when operational will improve the fish smoking methods of the people, enhance safety and improve the hygienic condition under which they work.
The students beat other colleagues from seven other universities to claim the award.

Receiving the award on behalf of the university, the Pro Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. George K.T Oduro commended the Osei Kusi Foundation, initiators of the awards, for identifying the crucial need to empower young ones and instill in them the sense of volunteerism to come up with ideas to support their communities.

Prof. Oduro said the project, as initiated by the students, is a good course and believes will serve a great importance to the Duakor community.

The Executive President of the foundation, Dr. Osei Kusi speaking to ATL FM NEWS said, the award is a platform for tertiary students to exhibit volunteerism and patriotism in their contribution towards national development.

According to him, the community service award is focused on helping young people to believe in themselves, cultivate the habit of volunteerism and patriotism.