Takoradi Technical University, TTU, through its Centre for Gender and Advocacy (CEGENDA), has adopted New Amanful Community, a coastal community in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region as part of effort to deepen the University’s societal relevance.
The adoption is to contribute to the well-being of the people and the community which is confronted with the challenges of high school dropout rate, teenage pregnancy, among others.
Speaking at an event attended by the chiefs and people to formally adopt New Amanful, the Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun said TTU’s decision to adopt the community confirms the University’s recognition that it operates in an eco-system that it must interact and impact positively.
“Our institution is a vital component of society, not an isolated entity, and it is our responsibility to improve and enrich that community. Today’s adoption is a sign of our recognition of the interconnectedness between TTU and New Amanful Community. TTU has always believed in the transformative power of education. We recognize that our role extends beyond the confines of our campus, and we have a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities that surround us. It is with this understanding that we have chosen to adopt this community, forging a partnership that will empower and uplift the lives of its residents. This decision is driven by a deep sense of duty to address the challenges faced by marginalized and underserved populations. We believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and by extending our reach beyond our campus, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families. We believe this bond with the New Amanful Community will provide our university with an exceptional opportunity to promote societal progress.”, he noted.
The Vice Chancellor said TTU will see to it that qualified youth from the community secure admission into TTU to pursue higher learning. He therefore announced an initial full scholarship for 10 brilliant but needy students from the New Amanful community.
On skill development, Rev. Prof. Eshun said that the university through CEGENDA and other departments of the university will provide training, mentorship, and resources to equip individuals with the skills for employment and entrepreneurship to help address youth unemployment and idleness in the community.
“Education and skills development would be at the forefront of our efforts in establishing training programmes that would equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for gainful employment and entrepreneurship. Vocational training, mentorship, and resources would be made accessible to help create pathways to economic empowerment and social mobility.”, he said.
While highlighting the university’s determination to make this modest goal a reality, Rev. Prof. Eshun said that the University in collaboration with the community leadership and other stakeholders will work to address the community needs by offering technical education expertise and develop programmes aligned with the community’s goals.”, he added.
The Vice Chancellor of TTU further called for teamwork among TTU staff and the community towards this agenda.
“I urge our faculty, staff, and students to embrace this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Let empathy, teamwork, and a sincere desire to change our community serve as our guiding principles. By working together, we can establish a positive relationship that exemplifies the transformational potential of education and community involvement. Together, we have the power to create positive change and shape a brighter future.”, he urged.
The Director for TTU’s Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Prof. Abigail Padi, in her address expressed the Centre’s commitment to collaborating with residents to tackle the challenges faced by the community. She outlined plans to implement programmes focused on promoting education, youth empowerment and equality within the New Amanful community.
“Our commitment to gender equality is not merely a slogan but a driving force behind our actions. As we adopt the New Amanful community, we pledge to work collaboratively with its residents to address the unique challenges faced by the community. This will involve implementing programmes that promote education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, empowering the members of New Amanful to take active roles in shaping their futures. Education is a cornerstone of progress, and we intend to extend the benefits of education to every corner of New Amanful. Our faculty and students will actively engage with the community through outreach programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. By fostering a culture of learning, we hope to empower individuals of all ages to reach their full potential”, she said.
She therefore affirmed the university’s readiness to actively interact with the community through outreach programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives for the realization of set goals of the adoption.
“Economic empowerment is a key aspect of sustainable development, and we are committed to working with the New Amanful community to enhance their economic prospects. This includes collaborating on projects that promote sustainable fishing practices, offering training in alternative livelihoods, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship. In adopting the Amanful community, we recognize the importance of listening to their voices. Our approach will be one of partnership and collaboration, ensuring that the community actively participates in decision-making processes that affect them. We are not here to impose solutions but to co-create a future that respects the values and aspirations of Amanful”, she added.
The representative of the Chief of New Amanful, Nana Yalleh Kow Essamuah III, also speaking at the event expressed the community’s gratitude to TTU and advised parents to encourage their children to embrace the various opportunities the adoption project offers.
“We know there are a lot of people who would love to have this opportunity as a result of poverty, but we are privileged to have this opportunity. As TTU has come to help us, I would encourage all parents, to push their children to attain either a skill, or a degree towards a profession they desire. Our school lacks computers and libraries, therefore we plead with you to come to our aid.”, he said.
Municipal Chief Executive for Ahanta West, John Agyare, who graced the occasion expressed confidence that the adoption would bring positive outcomes and encouraged residents of New Amanful community to welcome and actively engage in the initiatives introduced by TTU.
“Education is not only acquiring knowledge but creating bridges and creating opportunities for every member of our community. TTU’S dedication for this path is commendable and I am confident that the adoption of new Amanful community will yield positive results. I encourage residents of New Amanful to embrace this and actively participate in the programme and initiatives that TTU will introduce. Education is a powerful tool that can empower us to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. I want to also encourage us all to work to ensure the success of this partnership for a brighter future for our community and Ahanta West in general”, he urged.
Officials from TTU explained to the community the admission processes and programmes offered at the university as well as opportunities available for people with disabilities.
As a show of goodwill, residents of New Amanful community benefited from a TTU organized free-health screening, while names of students from New Amanful seeking admission into TTU were also taken for free admission forms.
Other officers present at the event included the Registrar of TTU, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, Director of Health, Dr. George Kojo Owusu, Head off Human Resource, Kenneth Boateng, Head of Academic Affairs, Philomena Aboagye Deans of Faculties and TTU staff.
The TTU official adoption of the New Amanful Community event was marked with excitement from cultural displays, dance and singing performances by happy pupils of Basic Schools in the New Amanful community, with the participation of TTU staff.
