The Registrar of Takoradi Technical University, Dr. Moses MaClean Abnory, has called on the newly appointed Head of the University’s Disability and Support Services Unit to continue the good works already established by the previous head.

Dr. Abnory gave the call during the orientation ceremony for newly admitted persons with disabilities, an occasion also used for the formal handing over by the outgoing Head of the Unit, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, to Richard Apori Anfo, as the new Head.

While commending the sacrifices made by the outgoing Head, Dr. Abnory acknowledged that though it is a new unit in the affairs of the University, the Disability and Support Services Unit has achieved some successes which needs to me advanced.

“We were taken through the milestone, the struggles, and also the modest achievements the unit together with management has successfully achieved. There is a roadmap for the way forward and I trust that the new coordinator and his team will make sure they don’t leave anything behind.”, he said.

To the 25 first-year students with disabilities who were admitted this year to pursue 4-year BTech programmes among others, the Registrar urged them to work hard academically and be of good behaviour as the university is also working hard to support them.

“This academic year, I single-handedly lobbied and worked closely to generate GH¢27,000 plus, and this came from Prof. Duncan who has promised to sustain these scholarships for you. So there is a lot we can do to support all of you to make sure that you achieve your God-given talents and potentials, but all that can sustain if you work hard academically, show good behavior and right attitude.”, he advised.

The outgoing Head of the Unit, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, while highlighting the beginnings and achievements of the Unit, said the unit faces some challenges in terms of funding and inadequate personnel for interpretation.

“Irrespective of these successes that we have achieved over the years, the following continue to be some challenges. There appears to be some form of limited support in terms of funding for the unit. Over the period, the unit finds it very different to access its budget for its programmes. The issue of inadequate personnel at the unit. Currently, there is only one permanent staff and interpreter,” he said.

He also assured the students and the unit that he will still be at  their service.

“For our deaf students and other persons with other forms of disability, though I’m exiting today from my office, I have not departed the unit entirely. I will still come around and find out what is going on and have regular contacts with you,” he assured.

On his part, Richard Apori Anfo, who is the new Head of the Disability And Support unit, thanked management for the honour and therefore assured management that he is ready to take up the task ahead.

“I believe the roadmap has been made clear and therefore the task is on all of us to make sure we run the unit to the best so that the university can thrive with whatever we do. At this juncture, I’m poised and ready for the job, and I want to put on record that we will not let the university down. The successes made by my boss, we need to do and do more. Therefore, we want to assure management that where we have reached, we will carry the task ahead and also do better and make the university proud,” he said.

He also added his voice to the call to support the unit with logistics as well as train more essential service providers sign language.

“Due to the challenges of accommodation and tuition, we could not admit all students but had deferred some of the students to next year. What we want to add on is to establish a sign language club that will compromise both students and staff. Also, we want to train staff who are interested in sign language, especially offices like university hospital, finance, and administration, these areas that students receive services. We want to train the staff there so that basic sign language they engage of people to make our work very easy for them,” he stated.

Deans and Directors who were present at the ceremony also advised students to take their academics seriously and not listen to negative comments from other people because of their disabilities and challenges.

The unit presented the outgoing head with citation to show their appreciation for his hard work during his stay at the unit, while Mr. Asirifi-Mensah in return also presented citations to the Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor for their support over the years.

Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Former Head of Human Resource Directorate, Joseph Eshun, Madam Philomena Aboagye, Head of Academic Affairs. Prof. Abigail Padi, Director CEGENDA, Prof. Bruce Amartey Junior, Dean of Student Affairs and Jonathan Cudjoe, Deputy Registrar in charge of the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

The Disability Support and Services Unit is a unit in the university that supports and aids students with disabilities and physical challenges in the pursuit of academic excellence.