GSS Unveils Second Food Price Variability Report at Accra Technical University
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has presented its second Food Price Variability report at Accra Technical University (ATU), highlighting notable disparities in food prices across Ghana, on April 18, 2024. The detailed the prices of various food items, revealing differences within and between the country’s 16 administrative regions over a 14-month period. The report was jointly launched by Deputy Government Statistician Dr. Faustina Frempong-Ainguah, ATU’s Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Cooperation Prof. Ernest C. Winful, and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences Prof. Alice Constance Mensah. The GSS report underscored the importance of regularly assessing regional price variability to better inform consumer choices. Analysis indicated that price variations were more pronounced within regions than across them. For February 2024, the Western North Region emerged as the most expensive for the 10 selected food items, topping the median price rankings and frequently placing in the top three. Data scientist Simon Tichutab Onilimor noted that price changes for imported goods over the past year outpaced those for locally produced items. The study included items such as bread, beans, yam, noodles, cooking oil, tomato paste, milk, beef, iodated salt, and imported rice. It was observed that commodities with standard packaging experienced less price fluctuation, suggesting that standardization could help stabilize prices and curb food inflation. Factors contributing to price variations included transportation costs, local production expenses, supply chain disruptions, and seasonal changes. Western North Region ranked highest with a median rank of 3.0 for six items, followed by Ahafo with a median rank of 3.5. The Upper West Region, with the lowest median rank of 13, was the least expensive. Dr. Ainguah expressed pride in hosting the report launch at ATU and reaffirmed GSS’s commitment to future collaborations with the university.
ATU Acting Vice-Chancellor Commends Graduates from Energy Performance Certification Programmes
The graduation ceremony, which was hosted at the Amonoo-Neizer IDL Conference Room, KNUST, highlighted the achievements of 20 students from each of the three centers, culminating in a national total of 60 graduates. These students completed intensive training in energy auditing and building performance specification, equipping them with the skills necessary to advance sustainable energy practices in Ghana. Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work, stressing the importance of their training in the nation’s sustainable energy future. “This programme marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to advance sustainable energy practices within our nation. During the training session, our students have diligently engaged in both rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on practical experiences. They have meticulously collected, analysed, and reported data on the energy performance of 42 government buildings in Accra. This hands-on approach has equipped them with invaluable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future careers,” he said. Professor Acakpovi highlighted the innovative nature of energy performance rating and its critical role in achieving energy efficiency and effective demand-side management. He stressed that the graduates’ new skills in energy auditing and building performance specifications are essential for reducing energy consumption and costs, thereby contributing to the sustainability and environmental well-being of communities. As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Professor Acakpovi underscored the importance of their contributions to national energy goals. He expressed confidence that their expertise would drive the adoption of best practices in energy management across various sectors, inspiring others and creating a ripple effect that enhances energy efficiency and sustainability on a larger scale.
Accra Technical University Inks Partnership Agreement with Three Major Firms, Signs Contracts to Complete Five-Storey Lecture Complex
Accra Technical University (ATU) has demonstrated its commitment to industry-academic collaboration with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with three distinguished companies.The signing ceremony, held at the Council Chamber, on June 21, 2024, marks a significant step towards enhancing educational and professional development for staff and students. The strategic partnership involves Ideal Home Deco Ghana, Mc-Bauchemie Ghana Limited, and Global-Poly (GP) Ghana Limited. In a similar development, the university also signed contracts with various contractors for the five-storey lecture complex. Each company brings unique expertise and resources, promising to enrichATU’s academic offerings and infrastructural capabilities. The MoU ceremony was attended by representatives from each company and key officers of ATU. These collaborations aim to provide students and faculty with opportunities for practical experience, internships, and joint research initiatives. Strengthening Educational TiesIdeal Home Deco Ghana, a subsidiary of Designers and Decorators Ghana, will integrate creativity and industry standards into ATU’s curricula, particularly benefiting students in the interior design and upholstery programme. The MoU establishes a collaborative framework for awarding scholarships to students in this programme, encouraging academic excellence and developing skilled professionals to address the skill gap in the interior design sector. Advancing Technical ExpertiseMc-Bauchemie Ghana Limited, known for its concrete technology and construction chemicals will enhance ATU’s engineering programmes. This partnership will give students access to advanced technology and methodologies in construction and civil engineering, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry advancements. Global-Poly (GP) Ghana Limited, renowned for its expertise in polymer technology and manufacturing, will collaborate with ATU on projects integrating modern polymer applications and sustainable practices. This alliance aims to strengthen academic collaboration, mutual understanding, and exchange between faculty, researchers, and students of ATU and GP Ghana Limited. Accra Technical University (ATU) also signed contracts with contractors to work diligently on completing its five-storey complex. This project aims to enhance academic work as the student and staff population continues to increase. The new complex is expected to significantly augment teaching and learning facilities, and outcomes. A Vision for the FutureIn his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra TechnicalUniversity Professor Amevi Acakpovi expressed optimism aboutthe potential impacts of these partnerships. “This collaborationmarks a significant milestone in our journey towards academic excellence and industry relevance. By working closely with these esteemed institutions, we are not only enhancing our educational programmes but also contributing to the broader industry landscape in Ghana” he remarked. Representatives from the partner companies echoed this sentiment,stressing their commitment to nurturing the next generation ofprofessionals and fostering innovation through collaborative efforts. These partnerships promise substantial contributions to both academic and professional spheres, reinforcing ATU’s position as a leading technical university in Ghana.
Accra Technical University and ESUP-JEUNESSE Forge Educational Partnership
In a significant stride towards enhancing educational collaboration in West Africa, Accra Technical University (ATU) and L’ecole Superieure Polytechnique Privee De La Jeunesse (ESUP-JEUNESSE) of Burkina Faso signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the University Council Chamber. The newly formed partnership aims to promote quality education, facilitate exchanges of staff and students, encourage joint research initiatives, and share best practices between the two institutions. This collaboration is poised to create a collaborative environment that will enhanceeducational experiences, broaden academic horizons, and leverage the strengths ofboth universities for mutual growth and excellence in education and research. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, highlighting that the partnership will bridge language barriers and foster diverse cultural experiences. He intimated that such collaboration is vital for preparing graduates for the global economy. Mr. Touré, Director General for ESUPJEUNESSE, also shared his excitement, noting that the collaboration aligns perfectly with their strategic plan to partner with an English-speaking university. He mentioned that part of their initiative will involve reaching out to professors from ATU to assist in educating their students and enhancing the academic resources available at ESUP-JEUNESSE. Present at the signing ceremony were the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and Directors from ATU. They were joined by Mr. Sékou Traore, Programme Coordinator, who accompanied the Director General for ESUP-JEUNESSE.
ATU to Build New Six-Storey Hostel, Scheduled to Commence in Three Weeks
Accra Technical University (ATU) has entered into a contract with FT Global, a local construction firm, to build a six-storey hostel facility on its Kinbu Campus. The official signing ceremony took place at the Council Chamber, marking a significant step towards alleviating the accommodation challenges faced by the university’s growing student population. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, highlighted the urgent need for the new hostel, citing the rapid increase in student numbers due to the introduction of new programmes. He noted that the current on-campus accommodation is inadequate for the university’s staggering student population of 25,000. He said, “The completion of this project will bring much-needed relief to our students.” He stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s terms and deadlines, and assured FT Global of the university’s full support to ensure timely and successful completion. Issah Mohammed, Managing Director of FT Global, pledged to deliver a high-quality building within the stipulated timeframe. He expressed delight in the confidence reposed in his company, promising that the project would be completed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. The sod-cutting ceremony and commencement of construction are scheduled to take place in three weeks, with an estimated project duration of 30 months. Several key university officials, including the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Internal Auditor, the Director of Procurement, and the Director of Works and Physical Development attended the signing ceremony. This new hostel facility is expected to significantly improve the living conditions for ATU students, providing a modern and spacious accommodation option that meets the growing demands of the university community.
ATU to Launch Incubation Centre and Virtual/Physical Museum
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), Professor Amevi Acakpovi, has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a state-of-the-art Incubation Centre and a Virtual/Physical Museum at the university. He made this announcement during the inaugural Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition on Education and Skills Development, held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on June 12, 2024. The proposed Incubation Centre aims to foster innovation and provide essential resources and mentorship for startups, positioning ATU as a pivotal player in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Meanwhile, the Virtual/Physical Museum will preserve and showcase cultural heritage through immersive and interactive experiences, making history accessible to a wider audience. “The Incubation Centre will serve as a crucial platform for nurturing new ideas and supporting emerging businesses,” stated the Acting Vice-Chancellor. “It is our hope that this project will attract significant support and assistance to help bring it to fruition, ultimately benefiting the broader community,” he said. The Acting Vice-Chancellor added, “the ATU Virtual/Physical Museum will bridge the gap between the past and the future, offering a unique way to experience our heritage. He called on the conference participants, stakeholders and well-wishers to support and assist the university to bring these visionary projects to fruition. The conference, which focused on advancing education and skills development across the continent, was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including Honourable Reverend John Ntim-Fordjour, the Deputy Minister for Education. Reverend Ntim-Fordjour highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between education and practical skills, ultimately contributing to national development. The ATU Incubation Centre and the Virtual/Physical Museum are set to become significant assets, not only for the university but also for the broader community, providing a platform for innovation and a repository for cultural preservation. As these projects progress, they are expected to attract further investment and interest from both local and international partners, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and learning. The Acting Vice-Chancellor was presented a citation for his contributions to the success of the conference.
ATU, Vanuatu Trade Commission Sign MoU to Train Students in AI
The MoU formed part of a partnership between the commission and the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to train some young people across Africa in AI for free, starting from Ghana. A key component of the collaboration is the establishment of a dedicated AI training centre at the ATU for 2,000 students and staff at a sponsored cost of $250 per participant, costing $500,000 in total. Additionally, a stimulus package of $100 per participant, amounting to $200,000, brings the commission’s overall sponsorship cost for the AI training programme to $700,000. The commission will also provide a seed fund of $200,000 to support the ATU Research Innovation Funds (ARIF) to award grants to staff, students and researchers with innovative applied research projects in the university community and for advancing science and technology. The acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, said the MoU represented a pivotal moment for both institutions, as it had set the stage for a robust exchange of knowledge, resources and expertise in the field of AI. “At ATU, we believe in the transformative power of technology to drive innovation, solve complex problems and improve the lives of our societies. Through this partnership, we are committed to harnessing the potential of AI to address pressing challenges and foster sustainable development in our respective regions,” he said. Prof. Acakpovi expressed gratitude to the Vanuatu Trade Commission for its commitment towards collaboration and the vision to harness AI for positive change across Africa.
ATU Management Donates MiFi Devices to Teaching Staff to Enhance Remote Teaching and Research
Management of Accra Technical University (ATU) has donated MiFi devices to its teaching staff to support remote teaching and research. The donation, which took place on May 30, 2024, at the council chamber, aims to address the challenges associated with online learning. According to the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, this initiative is a plus for management and teaching staff. He emphasised that the devices would complement teaching and research, creating a safe and conducive environment for learning. Prof. Acakpovi highlighted the need to strengthen quality assurance around online learning, ensuring that teaching staff have the necessary tools to excel. He encouraged staff to utilise the devices effectively, promoting remote work and flexible learning. Mr. Hanson Obiri-Yeboah, Chairman of the Technical University’s Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), representing the teaching staff, received the devices on their behalf and thanked the Management for the donation. He assured Management that the devices would be used for their intended purpose. He acknowledged the challenges faced by lecturers working on and off campus and urged management to continue supporting staff with modern tools to enhance teaching and learning. He added that TUTAG will continue to collaborate with Management to identify issues bothering teaching staff and proffer solutions to effectively tackle them.
Peter Arhenful – Profile
Apply Online iCampus Pay Fees LMS HelpDesk Staff Alumni Contact Us AHRIF ATU @ 75 ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY Integrity, Creativity, & Excellence ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY Integrity, Creativity, & Excellence Peter Arhenful – Profile (PhD Bus Admin, MSc Accounting & Finance, MA Economics, BA Economics & French) Faculty BUSINESS DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTANCY & FINANCE professional title Dr. Personal Title Mr. Email NO EMAIL Dr. Peter Arhenful is a senior lecturer in the Accounting and Finance Department of the Faculty of Business in Accra Technical University. He has over fifteen years of experience in teaching at the tertiary level in Ghana. He earned his PhD from Ghana Communication Technology University in Accra and CASS European Institute of Management Studies in Paris. He obtained his Master of Science in Accounting and Finance, Master of Arts in Economics, and Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. Dr. Peter Arhenful has served as Departmental Examinations Officer, Head of Accounting and Finance Department, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business, and is the current Head of the Accreditation Department at Accra Technical University. He has also chaired some committees and served on the Academic Board, other ad-hoc and standing committees, including the Development Committee of the Governing Council of Accra Technical University. His research interests include risk management practices of universal banks, monetary policy and economic growth. RESOURCES ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY A Technical University of global excellence in competency based and practice-oriented training, applied research and technology transfer. ONLINE SERVICES QUICK LINKS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Your email Δ CONNECT WITH US Facebook Twitter Youtube © 2021 Accra Technical University | Powered By ICT Directorate
Accra Technical University and Accra Marriott Hotel Sign MoU to Enhance Hospitality Education
Accra Technical University (ATU) and Accra Marriott Hotel owned by African Hospitality Limited, have entered a formal partnership to strengthen academic and industry collaboration in the hospitality sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the ATU Council Chamber. During the signing ceremony, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, expressed his optimism about the collaboration. He intimated that the agreement would facilitate knowledge exchange and professional development for the University’s faculty. “Working closely with Marriott’s team of experts, our educators will gain insights into the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices,” he said. Mr. Luciano Scelza, General Manager of Accra Marriott Hotel, also conveyed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He highlighted the importance of providing students with practical experience to complement their theoretical studies. He added that the collaboration is the first of its kind, with more in the offing to ensure that students benefit immensely. “We don’t want to give a job; we want to give a career and brighter future for everybody. Want to use our name, our standard operating procedures and our policies to make sure this dream come true for our students”, he said. The MoU aims to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two institutions, focusing on practical training, research collaboration, and knowledge transfer. This initiative is designed to enhance the practical training of students in the hospitality industry, ensuring they acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The primary objectives of the MoU include training students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to meet the human resource needs of the hospitality industry, enhancing the relationship between academia and industry, and promoting the growth and self-development of ATU students through exposure to best practices. Key components of the collaboration will involve practical training in hospitality management for students and teaching staff, practical attachment and internship programs, research collaboration, and knowledge transfer through seminars, workshops, and guest lecture series. This partnership is expected to address the skills gap and reduce shortages in the hospitality industry, producing a job-ready workforce and improving the employability of ATU graduates. Additionally, the MOU provides an opportunity for staff of Accra Marriott Hotel to receive certification from ATU. Prof. Acakpovi signed on behalf of ATU whereas Mr. Scelza signed on behalf of the hotel.
