ARCATU 2026 Opens Conversations on Research, AI and Development. ATU brings researchers, industry and government together to explore practical solutions.
Conference participants and general public can download conference images via https://directorateofpublicaffairs-atu89.pixieset.com/arcatu2026opensconversationsonresearchaianddevelopmentday1/ Researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and students have gathered at Accra Technical University for the second edition of the University’s Applied Research Conference.Known as ARCATU 2026, the conference provides a platform for participants to share research, build partnerships and explore practical responses to Ghana’s development needs.This year’s conference is being held under the theme, “Applied Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Development in an Era of Artificial Intelligence.” It attracted 331 submissions, including 138 from international participants. A total of 250 papers are being presented in parallel sessions covering engineering, science, urban sustainability, applied arts, design, communication, business and entrepreneurship. Opening the conference on September 16, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kutsanedzie, said applied research was central to the mandate of technical universities. He explained that institutions such as ATU were expected to develop practical knowledge, train skilled people and contribute to the growth of industry and the economy. Prof. Kutsanedzie said the conference reflected the University’s effort to connect researchers with industry practitioners, policymakers, development partners and students. He noted that new technologies were changing education, healthcare, research, communication and the workplace. AI was already being used in many of these areas, with further opportunities yet to be explored. He encouraged participants to use the conference to share their research experiences, identify gaps and develop partnerships that could move promising ideas forward. Building AI with local knowledgeThe Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, encouraged universities to prepare students and researchers for the changes being introduced by AI. He compared the growth of AI to the arrival of computers, which changed how people worked and accessed information. Prof. Jinapor said AI could improve research, speed up discovery and support the development of solutions to complex national problems.He urged Ghana to contribute to the development of AI instead of depending mainly on technologies created elsewhere. This, he explained, would require more Ghanaian and African data to train systems that understand local languages, culture and conditions.He also encouraged researchers to bring indigenous knowledge into AI development. He identified fashion, manufacturing, building technology, the arts, traditional medicine and other applied sciences as areas with useful local knowledge. Prof. Jinapor further stressed the need for clear ethical and regulatory systems to guide the responsible development and use of AI.Moving research into practiceThe Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, was represented by the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi.In his address, Dr Debrah said Ghana had many ideas but needed better systems for turning research and innovation into practical solutions.He said applied research should begin with a clear need and lead to a solution that could be tested, improved and used.He encouraged universities, government and industry to work together from the early stages of research. This would make findings more relevant and reduce the gap between discovery and application. He also called for research findings to be presented in clear language so that policymakers could understand the evidence and use it in making decisions. On AI, he emphasised the need to protect personal information, respect citizens’ rights and consider local languages and culture.Preparing students for an AI-driven futureThe Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Innovation, Mr Emmanuel Ofori.Mr Ofori said universities had an important responsibility to prepare Ghana for the changes being created by AI. He described AI as a tool that should support human decisions. He encouraged universities to give students practical problems that required critical thinking and the responsible use of technology.He also called for curriculum reforms to help students develop industry-relevant skills in areas such as data science and AI strategy.Mr. Ofori said Ghana’s National AI Strategy placed strong emphasis on research and education. A national framework with clear targets was also being developed to guide its implementation.He challenged participants to identify ideas that could be tested in real working environments, attract support from industry and investors, and help government improve public services.Through ARCATU, the University is creating space for research to move beyond presentation and contribute to practical change. The conversations and partnerships formed during the conference are expected to support further work in applied research, innovation and national development. Conference participants and general public can download conference images via https://directorateofpublicaffairs-atu89.pixieset.com/arcatu2026opensconversationsonresearchaianddevelopmentday1/
Vice-Chancellor Meets Students Pursuing Their Degrees in China
Fourteen students of Accra Technical University (ATU) have taken their studies beyond Ghana through the University’s Two-Plus-Two Programme. They are currently continuing their bachelor’s degree programmes at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) in China. During a recent visit to China, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Engr. Amevi Acakpovi, visited the students at NUIST to learn about their academic progress and general well-being. He interacted with them about their studies and experiences in China, offered guidance and encouraged them to remain focused and make the most of the academic and cultural opportunities available to them. The students are pursuing bachelor’s degree programmes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Under the Two-Plus-Two arrangement, qualified students complete the first two years of their studies at ATU before proceeding to NUIST for the remaining two years. The programme is being implemented under a partnership signed between ATU and NUIST in 2023 to support students’ academic progression and provide them with international exposure. This year, 14 ATU students qualified and were successfully admitted and registered at NUIST. Prof. Acakpovi told the students that their experiences would contribute significantly to the future development of the programme. He encouraged them to represent ATU and Ghana well and demonstrate to other students what could be achieved through the partnership. He also noted that the presence of ATU students at NUIST should give prospective students and parents confidence in the programme. Their successful progression demonstrates that students can begin their bachelor’s degree education at ATU and continue the remaining part of their studies in China. The University is working to create greater awareness of the opportunity among prospective students and parents while strengthening its partnership with NUIST. For Prof. Acakpovi, meeting the 14 students in China was also an opportunity to see the Two-Plus-Two Programme in action, with ATU students expanding their knowledge and gaining valuable experiences beyond their home campus in Accra.
ARCATU CONFERENCE 2026 IS HERE! 🎉
Accra Technical University invites all staff, students, and the general public to the 2nd Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University (ARCATU 2026). 📅 Wed., 16th – Thur., 17th Sept. 2026📍 ATU Main Campus (Opening Ceremony at Ghana Shippers Authority)⏰ 9:00 AM🎯 Theme: Applied Research & Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Development in the Era of AI. Last year was amazing, this year will be even bigger and better. This is OUR International Conference — let’s build and sustain it together!
ATU–Saint Louis University Partnership Signed and Sealed
Following months of engagement and the rollout of our 1+1 MSc in Applied AI and Decision Analytics, the partnership between Accra Technical University (ATU) and Saint Louis University (SLU), USA, has now been officially signed and sealed. The agreement was formalised on 9 September 2026 during a visit to Saint Louis University by a delegation from Accra Technical University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Engr. Amevi Acakpovi. The ATU delegation was received by Kathy E. Johnson, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost of Saint Louis University. The signing strengthens the relationship between the two universities and provides a clear framework for the joint academic programmes and other areas of collaboration being developed. A key component of the partnership is the 1+1 MSc in Applied AI and Decision Analytics, which allows students to begin their studies at ATU and continue at Saint Louis University. Under the arrangement, students who successfully complete the programme requirements will receive two certificates—one from Accra Technical University and the other from Saint Louis University. Beyond the current programme, discussions between the two institutions centred on expanding the collaboration to include other academic programmes. This development could provide more ATU students with opportunities to benefit from international learning experiences and earn qualifications from both institutions. The partnership also provides opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint research and other academic activities, thereby strengthening the sharing of knowledge and expertise between ATU and SLU. Visitors can download news gallery from https://publicaffairsdirectorate11.pixieset.com/atuandsaintlouisuniversitypartnershipsealed/
ATU Launches Digital Skills Initiative with Silvadew Technologies
Accra Technical University (ATU), in collaboration with Silvadew Technologies, has launched a digital skills initiative to give students access to professional training and industry-recognised certifications alongside their academic studies. The initiative was launched on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the University’s Lecture Theatre Auditorium, bringing together students, University officials and industry experts. Through the programme, students will have access to short courses and professional certification opportunities in digital and emerging technology areas. The initiative also seeks to help students build practical and entrepreneurial skills that can prepare them for employment and other opportunities within the digital economy. Speaking at the opening of the programme the Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr. Joseph Dadzie, encouraged students to take advantage of the certification programmes available to them. He thanked Silvadew Technologies for supporting the University’s efforts to expose students to professional training and opportunities within the technology industry. The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. Nana Yaw Asabere, said the initiative supports Pillar 4 of ATU’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening collaboration between the University and industry. He explained that the programme will make digital training and certification more accessible and affordable to students. He also encouraged them to develop ICT and entrepreneurial skills that can help them create opportunities for themselves after graduation. Launching the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Engr. Amevi Acakpovi, encouraged students to complement their academic qualifications with professional and entrepreneurial skills. He said that changes in technology and the workplace require graduates to continually develop new skills. He urged students to make good use of the short courses and certification opportunities available through the initiative, particularly those covering emerging technologies. The Chief Executive Officer of Silvadew Technologies, Mr. Kwame Ampong, gave students a practical demonstration of the Silvadew online learning platform. He took participants through how to access the platform, select training programmes and track their learning progress. He explained that students can follow individual learning pathways at their own pace, while the platform also provides corporate training programmes based on industry needs. The launch follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ATU and Silvadew Technologies on 20 July 2026. Under the agreement, Silvadew is working with the University to provide students with short professional courses, practical digital training and internationally recognised certifications to support their career development.
COUNTDOWN TO 2ND ARCATU CONFERENCE 2026
Get Pre-conference details and brochure on https://atu.edu.gh/arcatu/?p=1611
ATU, Abrantie College Launch HND Paramedical Trichology Programme
Accra Technical University (ATU), in partnership with Abrantie College, has launched a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Paramedical Trichology to provide professional training in hair and scalp care. The programme was launched on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at ATU. It is a three-year, Level 5 competency-based qualification developed with guidance from the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) and the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skills Body. The programme combines scientific knowledge with practical training. Students will learn how to assess hair and scalp conditions, provide appropriate non-medical care and refer cases that require medical attention to qualified health professionals. It also creates a formal academic progression route for more than 8,000 cosmetologists and beauty practitioners who previously had limited opportunities to pursue higher education in their specialised field. Academic leaders, regulators, industry partners and beauty and wellness professionals attended the media launch to welcome the programme. The initiative is expected to help professionalise hair and scalp care and support Ghana’s ambition to become a leading centre for specialised beauty and wellness education in Africa. Strengthening academia-industry collaboration Speaking at the launch, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, said tertiary education must respond directly to the needs of industry and prepare students for available opportunities. He explained that the programme would provide a structured academic pathway for practitioners in hair and scalp care, which has largely depended on informal and short-term training. According to him, the partnership brings together ATU’s academic standards and quality assurance systems with Abrantie College’s practical experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Prof. Acakpovi also called on the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skills Body to work towards establishing a professional regulatory body within the next three years. He said this would help maintain ethical standards and ensure that practitioners have the required skills and competence. Practical Training and Industry Experience The Head of the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles, Dr. William Kwesi Senayah, said the programme would combine classroom teaching with extensive practical training. Students will learn with appropriate tools and equipment under experienced lecturers, while industry professionals will support specialised lessons and share current practices. Internships will also give students practical exposure in professional settings and prepare them for employment after graduation. Creating opportunities for practitioners The Head of Abrantie College, Mr. Brian Obempong, said the beauty and wellness industry had often been viewed as a field limited to lower-level qualifications. He noted that although Abrantie College had trained thousands of cosmetologists over the past decade, many practitioners did not have a clear route to advance academically. He described the partnership with ATU as an important step towards changing that situation. Mr. Obempong said the global hair and scalp care industry was valued at over $90 billion, while scalp conditions affected more than 60 per cent of adults. He indicated that graduates of the programme could work in research centres, specialised hair and scalp care facilities, private practices and other related settings. Government pledges support Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Director of TVET, Ms. Rejoice Danquah, described the programme as an important contribution to national development. She said Technical and Vocational Education and Training plays a central role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and employment. Ms. Danquah reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a TVET system that allows learners to progress from one qualification level to another without reaching an educational dead end. She encouraged the pioneer students to uphold high professional standards, explaining that their performance would influence the development of similar specialised TVET programmes in Ghana. More specialised programmes underway Representing the Chairperson of the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skills Body, Dr. Grace Amey-Obeng, the Sector Secretary, Ms. Winnifred Dake, announced that additional specialised curricula had been developed. She identified the proposed programmes as Paramedical Aesthetics, Health and Wellness, and Beauty Products Manufacturing. Ms. Dake assured ATU management that the Sector Skills Body was working towards establishing a formal regulatory authority for the industry. She said the new qualifications would allow Ghanaian practitioners to receive world-class technical education locally and strengthen Ghana’s position as a destination for specialised beauty, wellness and hair-health training in Africa. Public can access news gallery through the link provided https://publicaffairsdirectorate11.pixieset.com/atuabrantiecollegelaunchhndparamedicaltrichologyprogramme/
ATU Equips Engineering Students with Industry-Demand Skills
Accra Technical University (ATU) has hosted an Industry-Demand Skills and Specialist Training Programme for engineering students as part of efforts to prepare them with the practical and specialised skills needed in today’s engineering industry. Held on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the University Auditorium, the programme brought together engineering students, University officials and industry experts to discuss the skills employers are looking for and how students can prepare themselves for a profession that continues to change with technology. Welcoming participants, the Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Cooperation, Prof. Peter Arhenful, said one of the major challenges in the job market is finding professionals with the specialised skills required by industry. He therefore encouraged students to go beyond earning academic qualifications and deliberately develop practical skills that respond to the needs of employers. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Engr. Prof. Felix Y. H. Kutsanedzie, also drew attention to the changing nature of engineering and the influence of new technologies on the profession. He explained that engineering students need to understand the skills currently in demand and how these skills are being applied in industry. He urged them to keep learning and updating their knowledge as technology and engineering practices evolve. Speaking on the importance of collaboration between universities and industry, Dr. Richard Addo-Tenkorang, Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, explained the thinking behind the partnership between Integrity Access Solution (IAS), UK, and Accra Technical University. According to him, engineering education should provide students with opportunities to experience real industry situations alongside what they learn in the classroom. Such exposure, he said, would help students understand professional practices, industry expectations and international standards. Dr. Paul Sukpe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IAS, UK, encouraged students to position themselves as specialist engineers who can respond to the changing needs of modern industry. He noted that opportunities are opening up for younger engineers as experienced professionals gradually leave the workforce. Students, he said, must prepare themselves with the right skills to take advantage of these opportunities. Dr. Sukpe added that the future engineer will need a combination of technical knowledge, specialised skills, adaptability, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. He encouraged students to develop the habit of carefully examining problems, considering available evidence and making informed professional decisions. The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Stephen Bani, reminded the students that academic qualifications become even more valuable when they are supported by practical skills. He encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills and build competencies that would make them stand out when they enter the job market. The Industry-Demand Skills and Specialist Training Programme reflects ATU’s continued focus on practical and industry-responsive education and its efforts to prepare students with skills that can be applied in the workplace.
ATU Student Entrepreneurs Bring Business Ideas to Life at Product Exhibition
Students of Accra Technical University displayed an impressive mix of food, fashion, cosmetics and household products as they put their entrepreneurial ideas to the test at the University’s Product Development Exhibition on Friday, August 21, 2026 at the forecourt of the University Auditorium From sobolo, soya milk, pastries, shito and smoothies to plantain chips, baobab powder, liquid soap, cosmetics, clothing and beads, the exhibition gave students the opportunity to turn ideas developed in the classroom into products they could package, promote and sell to real customers. The programme brought together students from different academic areas, including Fashion Design and Textiles, Hotel Catering and Institutional Management, and Interior Design and Upholstery Technology. The exhibition formed part of the requirements for Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, a course designed to develop creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset among students. It was organised under the auspices of the University’s Entrepreneurial Working Committee, established in 2014 through Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET). Developing the products was only one part of the exercise for the students. They began by developing business ideas, writing proposals and business plans before moving to the practical stage of executing those ideas and presenting the final products at the exhibition. Coordinator of the Entrepreneurial Working Committee, Prof. Collins Owusu Kwaning, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm shown by the students, particularly their ability to apply what they had learnt in class. He explained that the students were given responsibility for organising the exhibition, including reaching out to stakeholders and potential partners. This allowed them to experience some of the practical demands that come with running a business or organising a commercial activity. Their marketing and communication skills were also put to work as they had to attract people to their stands, explain their products and convince potential customers to buy. Another important part of the exercise was teamwork. Students worked in groups, allowing them to combine ideas, skills and resources while learning how partnerships can support the creation of new businesses. “We put the students in groups for collaboration and teamwork, where students pool resources, which is essential in our part of the world where getting capital to start a business becomes challenging sometimes,” Prof. Kwaning explained. He said the Committee remains committed to practical and competency-based entrepreneurship training that can prepare students to create businesses and employment opportunities after graduation. Prof. Kwaning was particularly impressed with the students’ attention to value addition, packaging, product presentation and branding, areas he believes are important in turning a good idea into a product that can compete on the market. He disclosed that the Committee intends to identify promising student products and support them through the formal registration process. Where applicable, assistance would also be provided towards meeting regulatory requirements with the Food and Drugs Authority. The ambition is to help promising ideas developed through the course move closer to becoming actual businesses. For students who began the semester with business ideas on paper, the exhibition provided a practical test of those ideas, developing a product, working with others, packaging it, communicating its value and finding someone willing to buy it. And for the University’s entrepreneurship programme, the colourful collection of products on display offered a glimpse of what can happen when students are given room to create, experiment and put their ideas to work. News gallery can be accessed here https://publicaffairsdirectorate11.pixieset.com/studentsentrepreneurshipproductexhibition/
ATU Alumni Reconnect at Networking Cocktail
The gardens of the Accra City Hotel carried a familiar warmth on Friday evening. Music played softly as old friends found one another, handshakes turned into embraces and conversations moved easily between memories of school days, careers, families and life after graduation. Many of them had seen Accra Technical University, once upon a time, Accra Polytechnic. They had walked through its corridors, sat in its classrooms and workshops, made friendships there and left with skills that would take them into different professions. On this evening, those different paths brought them together again. The ATU Alumni Networking Cocktail, organised on 21st August 2026, formed part of activities marking the University’s 10th anniversary of its transition from a polytechnic to a Technical University. Alumni joined University Management, corporate partners, industry leaders and invited guests at the Accra City Hotel Gardens to reconnect and reflect on the institution they once called home. The Chairman of the ATU Alumni Association, Mr David Ayisala captured the mood of the evening in his welcome address, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to “reflect on a remarkable journey, celebrate the progress we have made” and appreciate the people who have contributed to the University’s development. He said that the memories also carried responsibility. He reminded the alumni that wherever their careers had taken them, business, industry, academia, public service and other fields , they remained ambassadors of their alma mater. He therefore called on them to bring their experience, professional networks and resources back into the development of the University and to “reconnect, share memories, build new relationships” and renew their commitment to giving back. The story of the past decade was brought into proper perspective when the Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, took the gathering through some of the progress the University has made and the direction it is taking. Today, ATU has grown to approximately 35,000 students, with around 35 Bachelor of Technology programmes and 25 Master’s programmes, bringing together engineering, applied sciences, business, built environment, applied arts and other professional disciplines. The growth has also changed what students can experience beyond the classroom. Centres such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Incubation Services, DigiCAP Centre, Sustainable Energy Service Centre and Career Development Centre are helping students develop entrepreneurial, digital, employability and innovation skills alongside their technical training. That practical orientation remains central to the University’s development. Students are increasingly exposed to laboratories, workshops, industrial attachments, project-based learning and prototype development, with the larger goal of preparing graduates who can create solutions and employment rather than depend solely on existing jobs. Partnerships have equally opened new doors. ATU’s relationships with industry and international institutions are creating opportunities for internships, mentorship, technical training, research and student exchanges. Some students have undertaken six-month internships in Germany, while others are being prepared to complete the final two years of their studies at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology in China. The University’s recent partnership with the California Community Colleges also provides opportunities through the Pan African Virtual College. These developments provided context for the Vice-Chancellor’s appeal to the alumni. As the University grows, its former students represent a pool of experience, influence, professional connections and resources that can help create opportunities for the generations following them. The evening brought ATU’s ten-year journey into one space; the people who remember where it came from, the progress that defines where it stands today and the ambition shaping where it wants to go. While old memories remained very much alive, new conversations about what alumni can contribute to the next chapter of the University brewed among those who were present. Download event gallery via this link https://atudirectorateofpublicaffairs83.pixieset.com/collection/
