The Technical Adviser to the Minister of Education, Prof. George Kweku Toku Oduro, has hailed Takoradi Technical University for setting a record as the first Technical University in Ghana to graduate the first Deaf student with a Master’s degree, after Miss Andowa Ama Buabeng, a deaf student, successfully completed a Master’s programme in Graphic Design at the University. Miss Andowa Ama Buabeng, a student with a disability, was part of the second cohort of the 26th Special Congregation of Takoradi Technical University, who received various awards including the Vice-Chancellor’s Barrier-Breaking Award.
Addressing the second cohort of the 26th Special Congregation, where 2,280 graduands graduated with Master of Technology and Bachelor of Technology degrees, Prof. Oduro said such a feat is worth celebrating as it marks a truly barrier-breaking achievement that also falls in line with government’s commitment to inclusive education.
“I am particularly delighted to highlight that among today’s graduands is the first deaf student in the history of technical university education in Ghana to enrol in and successfully complete a Master’s programme. This is a truly barrier-breaking achievement, demonstrating exceptional determination and the transformative power of education. I extend special congratulations to this remarkable graduand for reaching this historic milestone. This achievement also resonates with Government’s commitment to inclusive education. It is in line with these outstanding examples that Government began implementing the Free Tertiary Education policy for Persons with Disabilities last year. This policy ensures that students with disabilities can access higher education without financial constraints, enabling them to pursue their academic goals, excel in their studies, and create new opportunities. The benefits of this policy are already evident here at Takoradi Technical University, and I congratulate you for that,” he said.
Beyond praising TTU for the historic achievements in inclusive education, Prof. Oduro, who represented the Minister of Education, also commended management for its recent national successes and for ensuring a peaceful academic environment.
“It is also my honour to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate Takoradi Technical University for its remarkable achievement in being ranked the number one Technical University in Ghana in the AD Scientific Index 2025 Rankings. Equally commendable is the peaceful and stable academic environment that continues to characterize Takoradi Technical University. Such an atmosphere is essential for teaching, learning, research, and institutional growth, and I wish to commend the University Council, Management, staff, students, and stakeholders for sustaining this culture of harmony and academic focus,” he noted.
He further congratulated the graduating students for their sacrifices and successful completion, as well as parents and staff who made it possible.
“Graduands, I challenge you to use the knowledge you have acquired as a tool to drive innovation, to promote inclusivity, and to contribute to the greater good. Irrespective of the many interventions by Government, Ghana continues to face developmental challenges, and it is your responsibility to make a difference in your communities, in our nation, and beyond. I am inspired by your accomplishments and encouraged by the role that institutions like Takoradi Technical University play in translating educational opportunities into meaningful national impact. Government, on its part, continues to implement policies and initiatives that ensure education remains accessible, equitable, and impactful. One of these is the “No Fees Stress” policy, which seeks to ease the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that no deserving student is denied education because of fees-related challenges,” he commended.
The Education Minister’s adviser, while urging the need for Technical Universities to embrace technology, further acknowledged some challenges TTU is confronted with and hinted at plans to address them.
“While celebrating these successes, it is important to acknowledge some of the challenges confronting the University, particularly the government-wide recruitment embargo, which has affected the timely replacement of exited academic and administrative staff. Understandably, this situation has had implications for teaching workload, service delivery, and institutional operations across several public universities, including Takoradi Technical University. I am pleased to inform you, however, that these concerns have been formally brought to the attention of Government through engagements with the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana. The Ministry of Education is actively engaging the Ministry of Finance to obtain temporary clearance that will enable institutions to replace critical exited staff, while broader steps are being taken to progressively ease the recruitment embargo in the education sector,” he assured.
TTU Governing Council Chairman, Ing. Prof. Christian Kwaku Amuzuvi, on his part, while thanking Government for his appointment, promised to work hard to justify it. He congratulated graduands for their achievement and urged them to use their acquired skills to help solve societal problems, as well as support TTU as alumni.
“You step forward with confidence, courage, and optimism, ready to make a difference in your communities, in our nation, and across the globe. Be leaders, entrepreneurs, thinkers and problem-solvers. Use your knowledge and skills to uplift communities, inspire change, and contribute to both national and global progress,” he advised.
Ing. Prof. Amuzuvi, however, commended management and faculty for nurturing Ghana’s workforce.
The Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, in his report to the 26th Special Congregation Second Cohort of the 2025/2026 academic year, emphasised the University’s commitment to its mandate of producing the required technical manpower.
“Permit me to reiterate the University’s unwavering dedication to providing high-quality education, strengthening meaningful industry collaborations, and preparing our graduands with the competencies required to thrive in their respective careers. We remain resolute in advancing our core mandate of excellence in teaching and learning, impactful research, innovation, and community service, with the aim of ensuring that our graduates are fully equipped to contribute positively to both society and the world of work,” he assured.
Rev. Prof. Eshun highlighted the University’s continued commitment to inclusive education, with praise to supporting institutions.
“Takoradi Technical University remains strongly committed to supporting students with disabilities. Notably, one (1) MTech and one (1) BTech student are among the graduating cohort. Since establishing a dedicated support unit in 2018, the University has provided tailored academic and personal support to enhance their overall well-being. Through partnerships with organizations such as the GNPC Foundation, SRC, COA, and the Mastercard Foundation, scholarships and flexible learning opportunities have been introduced to ease financial challenges and promote access to quality education. Additionally, in collaboration with Ghana Gas, the University has set up a well-equipped reading room with assistive technologies to support effective learning. Efforts to promote inclusivity also include capacity-building initiatives, such as sign language training for staff and students. To date, 173 students with disabilities have benefited from these interventions, reflecting the University’s strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity,” he noted.
The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned the continued investment by TTU in infrastructure and other teaching aids to ensure quality teaching and learning at TTU, amidst the introduction of new programmes.
“The University has introduced the following new programmes: BSc Human Resource Management and BTech Environmental Engineering. Looking ahead, the University will, from the next academic year, roll out Competency-Based Training (CBT) programmes in Robotic Technology, Biodigester Engineering Technology, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes, Mechatronics, and Cosmetic Science and Technology,” he highlighted.
Representing the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Frederick Faustinus Fiadoo, emphasized the important role of Technical Universities in driving Ghana’s development.
“Technical and vocational education stands at the very heart of national development. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and industrial transformation, nations that prioritize skills development are those that thrive. Takoradi Technical University is essential in producing a skilled, industry-ready workforce capable of transforming the country’s natural resources into sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He said Government is committed to supporting technical education for the country to reap its benefits.
Out of the total 2,280 graduands at the 26th Special Congregation Ceremony, 44 were awarded Master of Technology degrees and 2,236 received Bachelor of Technology degrees.
Three hundred and twenty-six Bachelor of Technology graduands received First Class, while 1,543 had Second Class Upper.
Deborah Fofo Adjei, from BTech Medical Laboratory Technology, was adjudged Overall Best Graduating Student with a 4.906 CGPA, while Felix Kudjo Mlagada from MTech Hospitality and Tourism Management was adjudged Best Graduating Master’s Student with a 4.595 CGPA.
