Library Week Opens With Focus on Reading, Research, and Student Growth
The Accra Technical University Library has officially opened its 2026 Library Week Celebration under the theme Your Library, Our Story, highlighting the library’s growing role in student life, teaching, research, and community service. The opening ceremony took place on February 9, 2026, at the University Auditorium, in collaboration with the Faculty of Built Environment, and marked the start of activities scheduled from February 9 to 13, 2026. In her address, the University Librarian recounted how the library has grown from a quiet study area into an active centre for learning, creativity, and community service. She spoke about new programmes, international support, and efforts to improve access to both print and digital materials. Mr. Patrick Obagonah, the Guest of Honour, intimated the value of libraries in shaping students beyond the classroom. He encouraged students to develop strong reading habits and learn how to search for reliable information, noting that good libraries help produce responsible graduates who can serve society well. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Amevi Ackapovi, who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, described the library as central to teaching and research at the University. He hinted at improvements in online resources, training programmes, and study spaces, and urged students and lecturers to make full use of what the library offers. He explained that in today’s digital world, knowing how to find and use information is key to success. Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment, Professor Bernard Arthur Aidoo, in his remarks, welcomed the partnership with the library and encouraged students to take part in the week’s activities. He noted that good use of library resources helps prepare students for the world of work. As part of the ceremony, the fourth edition of the library newsletter, The Chronicle, was officially launched, highlighting stories, experiences, and key activities of the library over the past year. Guests at the ceremony also toured a photo exhibition showcasing the library’s work, progress, and outreach projects during the year. Students at the ceremony were given a talk on career choices, personal development, and professional tips to prepare them for future employment opportunities. The celebration will also feature a donation to the Mother Love Orphanage at Kwabenya on February 10, 2026, showing its commitment to giving back to the community.
ATU, DQS ZAF Forge Alliance to Promote Global Standards and Sustainability
Accra Technical University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DQS Global South Africa (DQS ZAF), a leading accredited provider of certification, training, audit, and ESG and sustainability assurance services. The agreement was formalised on January 3, 2026, at the University’s Council Chamber. Welcoming guests to the brief ceremony, the Acting Registrar, Adu-Adjei Mensah, expressed Management’s appreciation to the DQS delegation and described the partnership as a timely step toward strengthening industry–academia collaboration. He noted that the MoU supports the University’s agenda to equip students and staff with practical professional skills and to improve institutional systems to meet international standards. Mr. Mensah explained that the collaboration would create opportunities for capacity building, joint training programmes, certification support, audits, and sustainability initiatives, particularly in areas related to quality management and ESG compliance. He added that such engagements are essential in preparing graduates for the competitive job market and enhancing the University’s profile within the global academic community. Speaking on behalf of DQS ZAF, its Chief Executive Officer, Francois Labuschagne, welcomed the partnership and pledged to work closely with ATU to deliver tailored programmes, especially for students, with a strong focus on sustainability. He said the agreement would help position the University as a centre of excellence in sustainability education in Africa while promoting quality assurance and continuous professional development. On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Amevi Acakpovi, expressed gratitude to the DQS ZAF team and highlighted the importance of embedding global standards and quality systems across the University’s centres of excellence. He also revealed plans for ATU to visit DQS ZAF to explore partnerships with South African universities and institutions. The ceremony, graced by the members of Management, Deans, and Directors, concluded with the signing of documents and an exchange of goodwill, as both institutions voiced optimism that the collaboration would bring lasting benefits to students, staff, and the wider University community.
ATU Welcomes International Students with Campus Orientation Programme
International students at Accra Technical University have taken part in a comprehensive orientation programme aimed at helping them understand campus life, academic systems, welfare services and Ghanaian laws as they begin their studies. The event, held at the University Auditorium on January 26, 2026, brought together students from Nigeria, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire and introduced them to key university offices responsible for student support. The Dean of the International Programmes and International Cooperation, Professor Peter Arhenful, outlined the range of services available to international students, including help with resident permits and non-citizenship cards, airport reception, medical escort services, and special academic support for francophone students to improve their English skills and settle into lectures. Students were then taken through sessions on emotional well-being, personal development, and responsible conduct, alongside assurances of confidential professional support throughout their stay.They were also guided on how to utilise the university’s physical and digital learning resources, with explanations on how institutional email accounts provide access to the e-library, academic journals, research articles, and online databases for coursework and project work. Further briefings covered admissions and academic procedures such as certificate verification, transcript requests, ID card collection, and use of the student handbook, with emphasis placed on the need to comply fully with university rules. Legal awareness formed a major part of the orientation, as students were educated on Ghana’s laws affecting them, including immigration requirements, examination malpractice, and other offences, while being encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly on and off campus.Participants also learnt about opportunities for practical training through industrial attachment, both through physical placements and virtual industry sessions that allow them to gain work experience before graduation. The orientation programme also featured a formal handover from the outgoing executives of the International Students Association to newly elected leaders who will steer the affairs of the association in the academic year.
ATU Reopens Refurbished Gym to Promote Fitness and Healthy Living on Campus
Accra Technical University (ATU) has officially reopened its campus gym today, January 30, 2025, following refurbishment works aimed at improving access to fitness and wellness facilities for staff and students. The reopening marks the university’s renewed commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles. At the brief ceremony, the Chairman of the Sports Committee, Mr. Kabu Oman, expressed gratitude to University Management for prioritising the project and ensuring the gym was restored for use. He noted that the Sports Unit would soon roll out a structured fitness programme tailored to the needs of the entire university community and encourage regular physical activity. Mr. Oman also stressed the importance of proper maintenance of the equipment to ensure its longevity, adding that care and responsible use would be key to sustaining the facility. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, highlighted the vital role of exercise in supporting physical and mental well-being and described the refurbished gym as part of ATU’s broader effort to promote a healthy and supportive campus environment. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated members of the Sports Committee and all individuals whose efforts made the reopening possible. He further outlined plans for the future expansion of the gym and encouraged staff, lecturers, and students to make time within their busy schedules to exercise regularly and keep fit. The University, he disclosed, has appointed a permanent gym instructor to provide professional guidance and ensure safe use of the facilities. The Vice-Chancellor urged users of the facility to strictly adhere to the gym’s rules and regulations to promote safety and order. Following the remarks and ribbon cutting to signify the official reopening of the facility, the gym instructor led staff and students on a guided tour of the gym, explaining the functions and proper use of the various exercise equipment available. The reopening of the gym is expected to enhance campus life by providing a dedicated space for wellness, stress relief, and healthy social interaction, reinforcing ATU’s commitment to holistic education and staff welfare.
Matriculation 2026
25th Congregation for Higher National Diploma (HND) and All Other Programmes
ATU Business Students Get Preview of New Business School Vision at Dean’s Meeting
Students of the Faculty of Business at Accra Technical University have been given a glimpse into a new future for their faculty as leadership outlined plans to transform it into the ATU Business School alongside steps to improve teaching, internships, and career readiness. The engagement took place on January 28, 2026, at the ATU Career Centre, where association executives and class representatives met with faculty leadership under the theme “Enhancing Student Experience.” The session created an open platform for discussions on academic issues, digital learning, industry links, and upcoming reforms within the faculty. Leading the discussions, the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Prof. Ocloo, shared the approved plan to rebrand the faculty into the ATU Business School, a move endorsed by the university’s academic board and alumni. He explained that the change is aimed at aligning ATU’s business education with global standards and preparing students for a fast-changing job market. He also spoke about efforts to strengthen collaboration between the faculty and industry players so that courses remain relevant to workplace needs. Plans to expand hands-on teaching, grow internship placements, and work closely with the Liaison Directorate were outlined as part of this direction. Online learning featured strongly in the discussions, with the Dean acknowledging the challenges students face in virtual classrooms. He called for closer cooperation between staff and students to make digital lessons more engaging and useful. A new partnership with a leading mentorship organisation, which will open doors to career coaching, internship opportunities, and job placements, was announced to students on the occasion. They were encouraged to take advantage of these programmes to gain practical experience before graduation. The Deputy Registrar and Director of Public Affairs, Fausta K. Ganaa, reminded students to rely on official university channels for information about internships and career opportunities, urging them to remain proactive while avoiding rumours and unverified sources. She raised concerns about low student participation in events and communication gaps and urged students to make better use of the platforms designed for their development.
McDan Urges Strong Industry Link as ATU Invests New Vice-Chancellor
The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Mr. Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has called for stronger collaboration between industry and academia as Accra Technical University (ATU) formally invested Professor Amevi Acakpovi as its second substantive Vice-Chancellor. Speaking at the investiture ceremony, on January 15, 2026, at the University’s ceremonial grounds, McDan said universities, especially technical universities, have a key role to play in preparing students not just for certificates, but for real work and business life. He noted that leading a university comes with responsibility and service, and encouraged the new Vice-Chancellor to lead with humility, kindness, and a clear sense of purpose. McDan, who is a well-known Ghanaian businessman and founder of the McDan Group with interests in logistics, aviation, construction, and trade, said the country needs universities that are innovative and closely linked to industry. According to him, leadership positions are temporary, but the impact made through service and results will last. He stressed the need for practical training, proposing a model where students spend fewer years in the classroom and more time gaining hands-on experience in industry before graduating. He explained that technical universities are well placed to produce entrepreneurs, adding that students should leave school ready to create jobs, not only to look for them. McDan further encouraged ATU to deepen its partnerships with private sector players and focus on research that can solve real problems. He assured the University of the readiness of the McDan Group to work with ATU by offering industry exposure, practical knowledge, and opportunities that connect classroom learning to the world of work. He congratulated Professor Acakpovi on his investiture and expressed confidence that under his leadership, ATU would grow into a centre of excellence that produces graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development.
Prof. Acakpovi Invested as ATU Vice-Chancellor, Commits to Leadership That Listens
Accra Technical University (ATU) has formally invested Professor Amevi Acakpovi as its second substantive Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant chapter in the university’s journey as a fully-fledged tertiary institution. The colourful ceremony, which was well attended, brought together dignitaries, directors, corporate partners, staff, alumni, and students to witness the historic occasion. Professor Acakpovi, who previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor, has already led the University through important milestones in academics, staff development, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure improvement. His investiture now confirms his mandate to steer the affairs of the university going forward. Addressing the gathering, Professor Acakpovi expressed gratitude to the University Council and the entire ATU community for the trust placed in him. He acknowledged that the appointment comes not only with honour but also with responsibility and assured the university of his readiness to lead with humility and purpose. He emphasised his commitment to a leadership style that listens, engages, and values the contributions of staff and students. He shared the strategic direction of the university, which is drawn from ATU’s strategic plan and will guide management decisions over the next five years. Key focus areas under his leadership include skills-based and future-ready teaching and learning, digital transformation, modern infrastructure, quality assurance and compliance, applied research and innovation, staff development and welfare, strong partnerships, and sustainability through green technologies. He noted that these priorities are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and are expected to have a positive impact on both the university and society. Professor Acakpovi described the strategic pillars as clear and practical commitments, supported by defined implementation plans and monitoring systems. He also called on the university community to support the administration, describing staff and students as the backbone of the institution and the custodians of its values and standards. He reaffirmed his pledge to lead in a way that empowers people and supports their growth. The guest speaker, Professor George K. T. Oduro, urged the university community to work closely with the Vice-Chancellor to achieve the shared vision of ATU. He stressed the importance of allowing systems to function effectively within the framework of the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922), noting that strong systems are essential for protecting academic life and integrity. In a speech delivered on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration between industry and academia. The message encouraged the Vice-Chancellor to build a university that remains closely linked to industry while putting systems in place to support staff and students. It noted that such partnerships help students succeed and drive national development. With his formal investiture now complete, Professor Ackapovi begins his tenure with a clear message of inclusive leadership. His pledge to listen, engage, and work closely with staff and students sets the tone for the next phase of ATU’s growth, as the university moves forward with shared responsibility and a common vision for progress.
Vice-Chancellor Leads Staff Durbar to Set Agenda for 2026
The Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, has once again demonstrated his commitment to inclusive leadership by spearheading a staff durbar to officially usher the university into the 2026 academic year. The durbar, held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the University Auditorium, brought together management and staff to openly discuss issues affecting the institution and to share ideas aimed at advancing the university’s growth and development. Addressing the gathering, Professor Acakpovi outlined key priorities and initiatives for the year 2026. These include the finalisation and launch of the Accra Technical University Strategic Plan, capacity building in artificial intelligence, strengthening Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) through clear performance targets, and the introduction of cost rationalisation measures to ensure efficient use of resources. The forum also provided an opportunity for staff to raise concerns and contribute to discussions on critical operational challenges. Key among these were campus security, health and sanitation, teaching and learning activities, infrastructure development, and internet connectivity.The interactive nature of the durbar was evidence of the Vice-Chancellor’s listening approach to leadership, as staff were encouraged to freely express their views and propose practical solutions to the challenges discussed. The staff durbar set a positive tone for the year, stressing management’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility in building a stronger and more responsive Accra Technical University.
