Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, has declared that the institution has secured accreditation to introduce master’s programmes. Out of the 25 master’s programmes submitted to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, nine have received partial accreditation and are set to commence in the upcoming academic year. These programmes include a Master of Science (MSc) in Logistics and Transport Management, an MSc in Marketing Strategy, Administration, and Management, an MSc in Construction Technology and Management, an MSc in Food and Bioprocess Engineering, an MSc in Integrated Infrastructure Systems, and an MSc in Interior Design Technology.
The announcement was made by Professor Acakpovi during the University’s 23rd Congregation, where 5,862 graduates in Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Diploma programmes were honoured. The event, themed “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation,” took place at the National Theatre in Accra. Additionally, Professor Acakpovi revealed that the University’s Governing Council has sanctioned a scholarship fund and allocated GHc 400,000.00 for disbursement in the 2022/2023 academic year. “For the 2023/2024 academic year, the Council has again approved an amount of GHc 400,000.00, with the scholarship committee working on selecting successful applicants,” he said. He added that Progress in Education, a charitable organisation in 2023, offered scholarships worth GHc3,500.00 per beneficiary to 10 needy female students in STEM programmes. The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation also granted scholarships to 13 deserving students pursuing various HND and BTech degree programmes.
He mentioned that the University had established Centers of Excellence with backing from external stakeholders via grants, aimed at providing training in digital literacy and artificial intelligence skills through the AFOS DigiCap Laboratory for both staff and students. Additionally, the Center collaborated with A-Tech Korea to develop drone technology, facilitating the training and certification of students in operating unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.
Prof. Acakpovi highlighted the University’s progress within its 134-acre facility at Mpehuasem, Samsam in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, particularly in providing practical sessions for engineering and built environment students. Furthermore, he noted various Memoranda of Understanding signed by the University, including one with Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, fostering exchange programmes. In terms of rankings, he mentioned the University’s placement as the 28th best in sub-Saharan Africa and 4th in Ghana according to the 2022 Times Higher Education rankings. Prof. Acakpovi advised graduates to maintain a positive outlook to drive their future endeavours forward. However, he also pointed out challenges such as encroachment at the Mpehuasem campus, poor access roads, and obstacles in obtaining financial clearance for employment.
The guest of honour for the occasion, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education, assured the University of government support in safeguarding their property against encroachment and addressing their challenges. He emphasized the government’s efforts to bridge the gap between industry and academia to create sustainable employment opportunities and foster growth. The Deputy Minister called for international collaboration to tackle societal challenges and redefine the principles of higher education.
Dr. Eugene Asiamah-Boadi, Lead Counsel at the Legal Relief Trust and the Congregation Speaker, urged the graduating class to cultivate a clear vision for their future endeavours, emphasizing that “everything starts with the mind.” He encouraged them to collaborate in teams, uphold principles of integrity, and avoid practices detrimental to their progress. Michael Ayiku, recognised as the overall best student in the BTech programme within the Faculty of Built Environment, attributed his success to the transformative influence of generosity. He vowed to utilise his acquired knowledge for the betterment of the nation. Johnson Antwi was honoured as the best-graduating student in the engineering program, while Abraham Asoyele received the same accolade in BTech Science Laboratory Technology. Naa Odoley Amoako-Asiedu excelled as the top graduate in BTech Fashion Design and Textile Production, and Husseini Muhammadu stood out as the best-graduating student in BTech Accounting. Each awardee received a plaque, certificates, and a monetary reward in recognition of their achievements.
