The Role of Chaplaincy in Public Universities in Ghana: A Study of the University of Cape Coast: 1969-2019

Abstract

The study was a historical appraisal of the Chaplaincy of the University of Cape Coast from 1969 to 2019. The study first examined the history of the Chaplaincy in the University of Cape Coast. Secondly, it explained the profile of chaplaincies in the University of Cape Coast. It also examined the contributions of the Chaplaincy of the University of Cape Coast. The study further identified the challenges facing chaplaincy work on the University campus and offered practical ways of overcoming them and finally, it evaluated the perception about the future of the Chaplaincy. Documentary sources, interviews and focus group discussions, observation, and content analysis were employed to answer questions about the subject under study. The study was conducted on members of the Chaplaincy Committee: chaplains, representatives from chaplaincies and ex-officio members (ordained priests on campus); patrons, teaching and non-teaching staff, executives and members of religious groups, students, and other members of the University community; external stakeholders (mother churches, founders among others) of groups, independent individuals or bodies in the society. The study revealed that the Chaplaincy Committee which was established in 1969 by the University Council as at the time of the research is made up of four main chaplaincies namely: the Anglican Chaplaincy, the Catholic Chaplaincy, the Protestant and Pentecostal Chaplaincy and the Muslim Chaplaincy. The study concluded that the Chaplaincy through its activities has contributed to the religious, social, psychological, economic and political (peace) development of its members as well as the University despite its challenges.