TIG Post

Tag: Accra Technical University

  • Let’s work towards gender inclusiveness in the tech sector – Chief of Staff

    Let’s work towards gender inclusiveness in the tech sector – Chief of Staff

    The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has expressed admiration for Ghanaian women’s significant contributions to driving the nation’s digital transformation.

    Speaking at the 7th Ghana Female CEOs Summit, themed “Leading Ghana’s Digital Renaissance: Women CEOs shaping the future of Business and Innovation,” Osei-Opare emphasized the profound impact of technology on reshaping industries and societies.

    She noted the unparalleled opportunities technology offers for enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability, with women leaders leading the way in this transformative journey.

    “As female CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators, you are not just shaping the future of business in Ghana; you are architects of change, catalysts for progress, and champions of empowerment,” she stated, recognising the pivotal role played by women leaders in driving innovation and progress.

    However, Osei-Opare also recognized the enduring gender disparities within the business landscape, particularly in the technology sector.

    She highlighted the barriers hindering women’s access to resources, opportunities, and leadership positions, impeding the realization of their full potential.

    Advocating for collective action, the Chief of Staff urged attendees to intensify efforts in promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive environments, and dismantling barriers that hinder women’s progress.

    She emphasized the importance of creating supportive ecosystems that empower women to thrive, innovate, and lead with confidence.

    “Let us seize the opportunities that the digital age presents, harness the power of technology to drive meaningful change, and ensure that women are not just participants but change leaders in shaping the future of business and innovation in Ghana and beyond,” Osei-Opare said.

  • Master’s programs at Accra Technical University gains accreditation

    Master’s programs at Accra Technical University gains accreditation

    Acting as the voice of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi proudly declares that the institution has attained accreditation to launch master’s programs, thereby enriching the landscape of education.

    Among the 25 master’s programs submitted for accreditation to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, nine have received partial approval to commence in the upcoming academic year.

    These programs encompass a diverse range, including Master of Science (MS) in Logistics and Transport Management, MS in Marketing Strategy, Administration, and Management, MS in Construction Technology and Management, MS in Food and Bioprocess Engineering, MS in Integrated Infrastructure Systems, and MS in Interior Design Technology.

    Professor Acakpovi unveiled this milestone during the university’s 23rd congregation, celebrating the achievement of 5,862 graduates across Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Higher National Diploma (HND), and certificate programs in Accra.

    The ceremony was on the theme: “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation.”


    He announced that the University’s Governing Council had given the green light for a scholarship fund, along with a budget allocation of GHc 400,000.00, earmarked for distribution throughout 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.


    In 2023, Progress in Education, a charitable organization, extended scholarships worth GHc 3,500.00 per recipient to support 10 financially disadvantaged female students enrolled in STEM programs.

    Additionally, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation awarded scholarships to 13 deserving students pursuing various HND and BTech degree programs.

    The University, he mentioned, had established Centers of Excellence, backed by external stakeholders’ grants, to provide training in the AFOS DigiCap Laboratory. This initiative aims to equip both staff and students with digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence skills. Collaborating with A-Tech Korea, the Center has developed drone technology to train and certify students in operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Drones.

    Prof Acakpovi highlighted the University’s progress in developing a 134-acre facility at Mpehuasem, Samsam in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. This space facilitates practical sessions for engineering and built environment students.

    Furthermore, the University has entered into several Memoranda of Understanding, including one with Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, fostering exchange programs.

    According to the Times Higher Education rankings for 2022, the University secured the 28th position in sub-Saharan Africa and ranked 4th in Ghana.

    He advised graduates to maintain a positive outlook to propel their future endeavors despite challenges such as encroachment at the Mpehuasem campus, poor access roads, and obstacles to employment due to non-financial clearance.

    Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education, assured the University of government support to safeguard its property and address challenges. He emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia for sustainable employment opportunities and growth.

    Dr. Eugene Asiamah-Boadi, Lead Counsel of Legal Relief Trust, urged graduates to have a clear vision, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achieving goals.

    Encouraging collaboration, he urged graduates to uphold integrity and avoid practices hindering their growth. Michael Ayiku, the Overall Best Student in the BTech program, expressed gratitude for the transformative power of generosity and pledged to utilize acquired knowledge for national development.

    Johnson Antwi and Abraham Asoyele were recognized as the best-graduating students in engineering and BTech Science Laboratory Technology, respectively. Naa Odoley Amoako-Asiedu and Husseini Muhammadu were honored as the best graduating students in BTech Fashion Design and Textile Production, and BTech Accounting, respectively, receiving plaques, certificates, and monetary awards for their outstanding performances.

  • Accra Technical University ranked 4th best in Ghana

    Accra Technical University ranked 4th best in Ghana

    Accra Technical University has achieved the 4th position among Ghanaian universities and 28th out of 88 universities in the sub-region, according to the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023, released on June 26, 2023.

    ATU stands out as the only technical university in the country to make it onto the list, with Ashesi University, University of Ghana, and Academic City taking the top three spots, respectively.

    The rankings were based on five pillars: resources and finances, access and fairness, teaching skills, student engagement, and African impact. Each pillar includes various metrics, with a focus on a university’s contributions to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Recently, ATU was honored with the title of “Best in SDG Research” at the inaugural SDGs Awards held at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra. The award recognizes the university’s dedication to innovative, sustainable, and impactful research, showcasing its commitment to excellence in higher education.

    Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the hard work and dedication of the university’s management, staff, faculty, and students.

    He sees it as a motivation to continue striving for excellence and producing competent graduates for the global job market.

    The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, known as the “THE Rankings,” are highly regarded in the academic community and are published annually by the Times Higher Education magazine.

  • Accra Technical University takes home SDG research award

    Accra Technical University takes home SDG research award

    Accra Technical University (ATU) has been honored with the Best Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Research Award at the inaugural Think Energy SDGs Awards.

    This achievement establishes ATU as the first Technical University to receive this accolade, which recognizes the research conducted by its Sustainable Energy Service Centre.

    Mr. Humphrey Tetteh, the Chief Executive Officer of African Global Response Energy Environment Limited (AGREE), visited ATU on July 5, 2023, to present the award plaque and citation to the university’s management.

    Mr. Tetteh commended ATU’s nomination for its high scores in categories such as innovativeness, impactfulness, and sustainability of their work.

    Highlighting the significance of education in the nation’s transition to clean energy, Mr. Tetteh expressed his excitement at witnessing ATU’s notable achievements in the field of sustainable energy.

    Professor Amevi Acakpovi, serving as the Lead Applicant on behalf of the University, received the prestigious award. He regarded it as a tremendous motivation for ATU to continue pushing the boundaries of research and development, actively engaging in and benefiting from the fourth industrial revolution.

    Professor Acakpovi emphasized that the ATU Sustainable Energy Service Centre (ATU-SESC) was established on July 26, 2022, through a collaboration between the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), the Energy Commission of Ghana, and with funding from the United States Government via the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The ATU-SESC has been at the forefront of the university’s research endeavors in the field of sustainable energy.

    The Best SDG Research Award serves as a testament to the significant progress made by the ATU-SESC and the university as a whole in the area of sustainable energy.

    Other universities, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, and University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, were also nominated in the research category.

    The award ceremony took place as part of the 4th Africa Energy and Sustainability Summit, an annual event organized by AGREE Ltd. in collaboration with the SDGs Advisory Unit of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Energy in Ghana. The summit received support from the Ghana National Gas Company Limited.

     

  • E-levy reduction: I support you like a ‘witch’ – Dr. Asah Asante tells Akufo-Addo

    A prominent lecturer at the Accra Technical University’s (ATU) Faculty of Business has urged the government to be transparent about the benefits and savings that will result from the restriction on the use of V8 and V6 vehicles in government operations.

    The government’s plan to reduce spending, which is outlined in the 2023 budget statement that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta delivered to parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, is not yet known to have a financial impact.

    “Review the E-Levy Act and more specifically, reduce the headline rate from 1.5% to 1% of the transaction value as well as removal of the daily threshold,” Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta said.

    The Senior Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Asah Asante, wondered why it took government so long to effect this change because the 1% reduction is long overdue.

    He was however pleased with the new development believing this will ensure all Ghanaians are included in the payment of the levy aimed at providing infrastructure development.

    Making his submissions on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” programme, Dr. Asah Asante said “now that they have reduced it to 1 percent, I support them like a witch”.

  • Ban on V8s, V6s: Government must come clear on cutback gains – Lecturer

    A prominent lecturer at the Accra Technical University’s (ATU) Faculty of Business has urged the government to be transparent about the benefits and savings that will result from the restriction on the use of V8 and V6 vehicles in government operations.

    The government’s plan to reduce spending, which is outlined in the 2023 budget statement that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta delivered to parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, is not yet known to have a financial impact.

    Mr Daniel Osabutey called on the finance minister to be categorical in telling Ghanaians the savings as a “nation we will be making on the ban on the use of V8s and V6s vehicles.”

    Mr Osabutey raised this concern on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Emmanuel Quarshie (The Hitman) on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

    He asked who will do the monitoring of the vehicles to ensure that the V8s and V6s seen around town are used for cross-country purposes.

    He said these are some of the lacunas in the policy announced by the government.

    He said if care was not taken the policy will only be on paper but the implementation will be difficult.

    He added that another area that will render the policy redundant is the policy to replace some of these vehicles after five years.

    He called for a review of this policy to make the programme work.

    According to him, the law must be amended to make the replacement of vehicles pushed to seven years.

  • Covid-19: Accra Technical University’s academic department shut down

    Management of the Accra Technical University has shut down the academic department of the school after a national service personnel tested positive to Covid-19.

    The first case of the disease on the campus of the university came a week after final-year tertiary students returned to school after months of closure.

    In an interview with Accra based radio station Starr FM, the Public Relations Officer of the school, Faustina Nana Kwadua said the staff of the academic department have been quarantined and the block fumigated.

    She therefore assured that there was no cause for alarm since samples had been taken from the eight persons who came into contact with the Covid-19 victim.

    “The number of people that had closed contact with her were counselled and re-assured. Their samples were taken so currently we are waiting for results. We are talking about eight people. At the moment we have to wait to get the results of the other people.”

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Accra Technical University records first COVID-19 case

    The Accra Technical University formerly known as Accra Poly has recorded its first COVID-19 case, authorities announced to students on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

    The affected patient is a national service personnel at one of the academic departments, a circular to the university community said.

    “The said person is currently in isolation at a medical facility and responding well to treatment. Six colleagues who came into contact with the confirmed Covid-19 patient, have been counseled, re-assured and their samples taken for laboratory testing.

    “The contacts have been asked to self-isolate while waiting for the results of the test. The University Medical team and the Safety and Health Committee are however in touch with the patient and contacts, to provide the needed medical and psychological support,” the letter to students said.

    The ATU authorities say efforts are underway to fumigate the affected offices among others.

    It added: “Members of the University Community are entreated to remain calm while adhering strictly to the published personal protection etiquettes.”

    Below is a statement:

    Our Ref:     ATIJ/COVI /2020                                                                                          88.06/2020

    Your Ref:

    To The Accra Technical University Community
    CONFIRMED COVID -19 CASE AT ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

    We are writing to inform you that we learned yesterday, Monday, 22nd June 2020 at I I .20am, a member of our University Community (a National Service Personnel in an Academic Department) has tested positive for COVID-19.

    The personnel reported to a medical facility in her neighbourhood after experiencing symptoms of fever, headache and runny nose. After Covid-19 tests were conducted, the result was communicated to the service personnel on Sunday, 21 stJune 2020.

    The said person is currently in isolation at a medical facility and responding well to treatment. Six colleagues who came into contact with the confirmed Covid-19 patient, have been counselled, re-assured and their samples taken for laboratory testing.

    The contacts have been asked to self-isolate while waiting for the results of the test.The University Medical team and the Safety and Health Committee are however in touch with the patient and contacts, to provide the needed medical and psychological support.

    The offices of the affected Department and its environs will be fumigated while contact tracing continues.

    Please, continue to do everything you can to stay healthy: Wash your hands; frequently; Wipe down surfaces; avoid touching your face whenever possible. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm and elbow. Remember that social distancing remains the key strategy in the University response.

    Members of the University Community are entreated to remain calm while adhering strictly to the published personal protection etiquette.

    Sincere

    Ag. irect r Public Affairs

    Cc: ice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Ag. Registrar

    All Staff, Students, Notice Boards

    Source: https://mynewsghana.net

  • Accra Technical University confirms first COVID-19 case

    The patient, a National Service Personnel with the academic department, is said to have tested positive for the disease on Sunday, June 21, after showing symptoms of fever, headache and runny nose.

    A press statement dated Tuesday, June 23 and signed by the Acting Director of Public Relations, said six colleagues who came into contact with the affected person have had their samples taken for testing.

    “The personnel reported to a medical facility in her neighbourhood after experiencing symptoms of fever, headache and runny nose. After Covid-19 tests were conducted, the result was communicated to the service personnel on Sunday, 21st June 2020.

    “The said person is currently in isolation at a medical facility and responding well to treatment. Six colleagues who came into contact with the confirmed Covid-19 patient, have been counselled, re-assured and their samples taken for laboratory testing,” the statement said.

    It added that the contacts have been asked to self-isolate while waiting for the results of their tests.

    “The University Medical team and the Safety and Health Committee are however in touch with the patient and contacts, to provide the needed medical and psychological support,” the statement added.

    The statement also noted that the offices of the affected department and its environs would be fumigated while contact tracing continues.

    “Members of the University Community are entreated to remain calm while adhering strictly to the published personal protection etiquettes,” the statement said.

    Tertiary institutions reopen

    Tertiary institutions across the country reopened to final year students on June 15 for academic work to begin and end on July 24.

    Prior to that, a disinfection exercise was carried out on all campuses under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Ltd.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, said it the disinfection exercise followed a directive passed down from the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for all tertiary and second-cycle institutions to be fumigated and disinfected before the final-year students returned to prepare and complete their exit examinations.

    Ghana case count

    As at Tuesday, June 23, Ghana had confirmed 14,568 cases of the COVID-19 disease, with a death toll of 95.
    The total number of recoveries/discharged stood at 10,907.

    The current active case in Ghana now stands at 3,566.

    Source: graphic.com.gh