The Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has organized its 50th Annual Delegates Congress in Accra, bringing together executives and local union representatives from technical universities nationwide to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of technical education in Ghana. The congress, held on August 27, 2025, at Accra Technical University, was themed “Sustainable Skills for a Sustainable Future: Aligning Technical Education with National and Global Development Goals.”
In his welcome address, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, congratulated TUTAG on its golden jubilee and lauded its decades-long advocacy. “Fifty years is no small feat. It reflects resilience, purpose, and commitment to Ghana’s technical education agenda,” he noted. He urged members to remain focused on their core mandate as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. “Let us redeem and shape the image of technical universities. We must not only train students but also contribute to national conversations that shape our future,” he added.
TUTAG National President, Professor Uriah S. Tetteh, welcomed delegates and highlighted the congress as both a celebration of achievements and an opportunity to craft a forward-looking strategy. “This congress is not just a celebration of our past; it is a strategic moment to examine current challenges and commit to a future where technical education drives national development,” he emphasized.
Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu represented by Dr. Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry, praised the theme as timely and underscored the need for stronger collaboration between technical universities and industry to bridge the gap between academia and the job market. He assured delegates of the government’s continued support for TVET initiatives to build a skilled workforce for national growth.
Professor Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General of, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, called for curriculum innovation and regular reforms to meet emerging needs, warning against the misuse of academic titles, which he said undermines the integrity of Ghana’s academic institutions.
Dr. George Smith-Graham, CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, acknowledged TUTAG’s role in national development and stressed aligning technical education with global trends. “Technical universities are critical to Ghana’s transformation. The future requires that we equip students not only with knowledge but also with practical skills to solve real-world problems,” he said. He proposed dedicated funding for staff development and research, supported by alumni, the private sector, and development partners, while encouraging income generation through consultancy, short courses, applied research, and innovation hubs.
Goodwill messages from Mr. Maxwell Bunu, National President of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), and Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), reaffirmed the solidarity among tertiary education unions in advancing higher education in Ghana.
As TUTAG celebrates its 50th anniversary, the association reiterated its commitment to promoting technical education and developing a workforce equipped with sustainable skills to meet national and global development needs.