Takoradi Technical University, TTU, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ, has officially commissioned a biodigester and digitalization project aimed at strengthening practical training, research, and commercialization at the university. The GIZ-funded initiative forms part of a broader effort to promote green technology, sustainable development, and industry-focused TVET skills.
During the commissioning, the Director of Research and Innovation Development at TTU, Prof. Maame Efua Nkrumah, highlighted the significance of the new facility and the longstanding collaboration between TTU and GIZ. She noted that the partnership has supported several initiatives over the years, including the current greening project, which encompasses both the biodigester and the digitalization hub.
She explained that the biodigester component includes the construction of a specialized laboratory for producing enzymes for industry players, while the digitalization component comprises software and hardware laboratories designed to enhance training, particularly for Software Engineering students.
“It is supposed to be used for training and also an aspect of commercialization. The essence is the green concept — we need to save the environment,” she added.
The Pro Vice Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Ebenezer Boakye, expressed TTU’s profound appreciation to GIZ for its continuous support. According to him, the project will not only enhance training but also boost the visibility of the university, adding that TTU intends to make full use of the facility.
“Once we are having it in our university, it is going to help us with our training and it’s also going to add on to the visibility of the university. We hope our people will make good use of it and I trust that we will be having more GIZ projects,” he said.
Representing GIZ, Sabstein Mens, Senior Project Manager for the Technical, Vocational and Educational Training Project, commended TTU for developing a strong proposal aligned with GIZ’s goals. He noted that the project has been under implementation for two years and emphasized GIZ’s readiness for future partnerships.
“When we saw the project proposal, we thought it fit for supporting such a project, hence the partnership and collaboration between GIZ and TTU. This particular one has been ongoing for a period of two years. We are very much looking forward to more collaborations,” he noted.
The newly commissioned biodigester and digitalization hub is expected to serve as a centre for practical learning, applied research, training, and the development of commercial solutions in renewable energy and digital technologies.
