Takoradi Technical University, TTU, is set to host the 2026 Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana, ARCTUG, a flagship biennial research and innovation forum for all Technical Universities that brings together Vice Chancellors, Deans, Registrars, Directors, Faculty members, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, experts, investors, industry leaders and policymakers from far and near.
The conference has the purpose of creating a common platform for these stakeholders to interact to trigger cross-sector collaborations and turn research findings into real-world solutions.
The 2026 ARCTUG is scheduled to take place from 25th to 29th May 2026 and will be on the theme, “Advancing TVET for Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,”.
The TTU edition will be the fourth to be organized under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana, VCTU-G, after Ho, Accra and Sunyani Technical Universities hosting it respectively.
Chairman of VCTU-G, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, who is also the Vice Chancellor of TTU, speaking on the essence of the ARCTUG and theme, noted that it helps to drive home the overall mandate of Technical Universities.
“It aligns perfectly with the vision of VCTU-G, that is, to champion excellence, collaboration and innovation in technical university education. The theme further underscores our collective commitment to shaping a competitive and knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
He expressed the importance of the conference to TTU as a host.
“Takoradi Technical University is proud to host this transformative event, offering a platform where ideas become impact. As a university, it is with great pride and anticipation that we look forward to the 4th edition of ARCTUG,” he added.
Rev. Prof. Eshun therefore encouraged stakeholders within the Technical Universities and beyond to take advantage of the platform and the opened call for papers to submit their research works and innovations to participate fully for the attainment of the anticipated benefits.
Also giving some highlights of the upcoming conference, the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee of ARCTUG 2026, Prof. Maame Afua Nkrumah, said the conference promises to be packed with refreshing and impactful activities.
“There would be keynote addresses, presentations, exhibitions, interactive panel discussions and networking forums. ARCTUG is a media-worthy event that brings together Ghana’s brightest minds. The President of the Republic will be in attendance with industry trailblazers and policy architects to unveil solutions that directly impact our economy, education as well as communities. It’s where research meets relevance, and where technical universities prove their power to shape the future,” she said.
Prof. Nkrumah, while noting that various committees have been set up and working to cover all aspects of the conference, gave a hint of what patrons can expect at the TTU edition of the ARCTUG.
“This year’s gathering will be very exciting because the conference is hosted by Takoradi Technical University, the premiere TU. Expectations are very high, given that the best always comes from the West and we the Local Organizing committee, with representatives from other TU’s are also working vigorously to live up to those expectations. To us, this landmark event is not just a conference but a national catalyst for innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship. The conference also brings together the three pillars of progress – university, industry, and government to a forum necessary for tackling real-world challenges through applied research,” she emphasized.
She added that the presence of Ghana’s first Habour, beautiful hotels, beach resorts and tourist centres within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and along the Western Coast including Nzulezu, Fort Orange, Fort Metal Cross, Fort Apollonia, Ghana’s first Gas Processing plant at Atuabo among others, promises to be worthy side attraction for patrons.
For sponsors and partners, the Chairperson for ARCTUG 2026, Prof. Afua Nkrumah, said Takoradi Technical University for that matter, all the Technical Universities in Ghana are bursting with untapped potential, making it the perfect hub for business and investment, hence said the Local Organizing Committee’s doors are opened for collaborations to support to make the TTU ARCTUG-2026 edition impactful and historic.
