Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 October - December 2019 Edition Ho Technical University: Adanu Nazu Kekeli

EDITORIAL HTU INDUCTS PROF. BEN e bring to you the Q. HONYENUGA AS FIRST Wlast edition of The VICE-CHANCELLOR Informant as we bring down the curtains on the year, he Governing Council of Ho Technical University held an 2019. This edition features T investiture for Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga the Vice-Chancellor’s New on Saturday, October 12, 2019, to Year message, Induction of induct him into Office as the Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga first substantive Vice-Chancellor of as first Vice-Chancellor of the University. See story at page 4 the University, 3rd Vice- VC’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE 019 has been a fruitful year for Ho Technical University. Chancellor’s Distinguished 2We must be grateful to the Lord Almighty for all His blessings upon us as a family. Lecture Series and the 20th We successfully hosted maiden Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities and Congregation Ceremony of Polytechnics in , two Congregations and the Investiture of the first Vice-Chancellor Ho Technical University. of the University. Our Students and Faculty won a number of Awards, projecting our image. Others include HTU taking Our internationalisation efforts have seen a major boost in terms of partnership with other Universities across the world. The icing on the cake is that we have started a 4-year degree full administration of the programme in Hospitality Management and others yet to start hopefully in the New Year. We Ho Poly Basic School can only be grateful to God. and a working visit by the Even though we had our own challenges, we need to count our blessings delegation from Rhine for how far the Lord has brought us as individuals and a University. Waal University to Ho As we celebrate the Yuletide, let us be rebirthed in our individual Technical University. We resolutions and be refreshed during the holidays for a new year, 2020. Let us be optimistic of the future which looks bright. May the Good wish you the best of the Lord be our helper as we aim at achieving greater things for HTU and festive season. ourselves in 2020 and beyond. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY ASSUMES 3RD VICE-CHANCELLOR’S DISTINGUISHED FULL ADMINISTRATION OF THE THEN HO LECTURE SERIES OF HO TECHNICAL POLY BASIC SCHOOL See story at page 2 UNIVERSITY see story at page 6 FACULTY ACTIVITIES February Regular Admissions in progress. Application E-vouchers are on sale at all branches of Ghana Post Company and Zennith Bank. ADVERTISEMENT SPACE Apply for B.Tech, HND and other programmes by logging on to available for institutions and organizations admissions.htu.edu.gh/applicant/ Call 0504450254 / 0500553508 Ho Technical UniversityCall 0208824092 Informant Volume or 4, email:[email protected] 4 for further information. FACULTY ACTIVITIES corner

Mr. Nicholas Kofi HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY ASSUMES Awagah FULL ADMINISTRATION OF THE THEN r. Nicholas K. Awagah is a Charted HO POLY BASIC SCHOOL MQuantity Surveyor with over 18 years of diversified experience in Procurement Management practices, Quantity Surveying and Building Technology. Mr. Awagah holds MSc. in Procurement Management and BSc. in Building Technology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Ghana. He also holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building Technology from Accra Technical University (formerly Accra Polytechnic). In addition to his academic qualifications, Mr. Awagah is a certified member of Ghana Institute of Surveyors (MGhIS), Ghana Institute of Construction (MGIOC) and Institution of Engineering and Technology, (MIET) Ghana. His area of interest and expertise are: procurement management; handling of procurement processes, general quantity surveying (building and civil engineering works) and project management skills/contract administration. Mr. Awagah has a vast experience in Works and o Technical University (HTU) Basic School was launched Physical development during his tenure as Head Hat a colorful ceremony on Wednesday, December 18, of Works Department at Lower Manya Krobo, 2019, at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium of Ho Technical University. Ho West District Assembly, Ashaiman Municipal The School, formerly known as Ho Poly Primary and JHS, Assembly and Keta Municipal Assembly. He, was established in 1985 in an Engineering Laboratory of the also, served as the Municipal Quantity Surveyor at Ga-East Municipal Assembly. University. It is, now, fully under the Management of the He participated in several professional training, University. seminars and workshops key among them The University assumed full administration of Poly Basic were: Donor funded project management School after the Ghana Education Service through the Regional skills-procurement, Information Technology Directorate presented documents of the school to Prof. Ben for Rural Development (National Institute for Rural Development-NIRD Hyderabad, Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor. This act has transitioned the Andrea Pradesh-India), Hydrological Survey & erstwhile Ho Poly Basic into Ho Technical University Basic Contract Management, Terms of Reference for School. Consultancy & Contract Works, etc. Mr. Freeman Gobah, the Country Director of Pencils of Mr. Nicholas Awagah was appointed as the Promise, an educational non profit organisation in the Volta Director of Works and Physical Development by the Governing Council of Ho Technical Region, chaired the occasion. University after successfully going through a rigorous Search Committee interview and In a speech read by the Regional Public Relations Officer of was recommended for appointment. He was Ghana Education Service, Mr. Divine Agoha, on behalf of appointed for a 4-year tenure which commenced the Regional Director of Education, advised staff, parents and 1st September, 2019. pupils entering the new system to be ready to adjust to the

Page TWO Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 changes in the pipeline. She added: “May I advise that the traditional authorities led by Togbe Anikpi III of Ho we all quickly make the necessary adjustments that this Heve. change is bringing so that no one gets left behind”. HTU Basic School was established in 1985 by Mr. J.Y Vodzi, the then Principal of Ho Technical Institute, with On his part, Prof. Ben Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor the aim of providing quality education for children of of Ho Technical University, assured the gathering of a the staff in the Institute and the surrounding community committed process to see the University Basic School in a workshop of the Engineering Department of the achieve the aims of its founding fathers. He, further, Institute. added that staff of the school will be migrated tothe It moved to its current location in 1998 because of the University payroll with corresponding earnings. The swift increase in pupils’ enrolment. Vice-Chancellor, further, elaborated plans to address The school currently has a population of 458 pupils (243 infrastructural and logistical needs of the school to make girls & 215 boys) with the staff strength of 29 comprising it a model school of choice. 23 regular teachers, 2 Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by pupils and staff and 4 National Service Personnel. of the HTU Basic School, parents, officials of GES and

Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 Page THREE HTU INDUCTS PROF. BEN Q. HONYENUGA AS FIRST VICE-CHANCELLOR

he Governing Council of Ho Technical University Management of the University not to relent on discipline. Theld an investiture for Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga on To expatiate further, Prof. Yankah disclosed that when Saturday, October 12, 2019, to induct him into Office as discipline breaks, excellence cannot be meaningfully the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University. determined. Also, he called on students and staff of the The investiture of Prof. Honyenuga was held in the University to respect the rules and regulations of the G.M. Afeti Auditorium. University at all times to maintain a sterling image for Present at the event were dignitaries from the public the University. and private sectors, regulatory bodies, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of Technical Universities and Polytechnics, To add his voice, Prof. Emmanuel James Flolu, Heads of Government Departments & Agencies, Chiefs, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Faculty and staff. said that the appointment of Prof. Honyenuga was The Induction of the Vice-Chancellor was conducted historic and a blessing to the University. This is because by Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu (SVD), Catholic Prof. Honyenuga is the first internal faculty member Bishop of Ho Diocese. appointed as the academic and administrative head of The Guest of Honour for the ceremony, Professor the University. Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State-in-Charge of Tertiary The Chairman of Council beseeched staff and students Education extolled Prof. Honyenuga’s appointment. In of the University to support Prof. Honyenuga to succeed his speech, he noted that the educational landscape of the stating his “office is the embodiment of the soul of the country was fast changing in response to critical needs of University,” and, further, pledged the support of the the society, thus, he challenged Technical Universities, Governing Council of the University. specifically Ho Technical University, to chart new path Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, the newly inducted Vice- of enhanced research and innovation which should be Chancellor of the University, pledged to push forward distinct from other Universities. the internationalization agenda of the University in a bid to expand existing international collaborations and Prof. Yankah, further, charged Prof. Honyenuga to move research in the University from the cradle to the build a solid foundation and future for Ho Technical international level. University, whose vision carved a niche and led to the In addition, Prof. Honyenuga pointed out his commitment blooming of Ghana’s hospitality industry. to provide quality leadership, promote enhanced Again, he admonished the Vice-Chancellor and research and publication and practical innovations

Page FOUR Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 to reposition the University as the reference point of University. Technical Vocational Training and Education (TVET) in Ghana and globally. He called for unity among faculty and staff stating, ‘the future of Ho Technical University looks bright and Subsequently, the Vice-Chancellor hinted that the promising but dependent on support for one another’. University is in the process of organising series of He cautioned against indiscipline and negative publicity. capacity building fora with the formation of intra and Goodwill messages were, warmly, received from Staff inter disciplinary research teams to address Technical Unions in the University, former heads of the institution, and Vocational Education and Training challenges close relatives of the Vice-Chancellor, the immediate facing the world. past interim Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Chairman of Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities, Prof. Honyenuga gave an assurance that his administration Ghana (VCTU-G), Asogli Traditional Council, Bishop would promote collegiality among faculty and staff. He Herman Old Boys Association (BHOBU), etc. noted that the University under his leadership would A well-attended Dinner and Thanksgiving Mass were be run as an “entrepreneurial University” by providing held in honour of Prof. Honyenuga on the eve of commercial services to its community as a source of Saturday, 12th October, 2019, and Sunday, 13th October, student practical training and income generation for the 2019, respectively.

Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 Page FIVE Page SIX Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY HOLDS ventures to boost the SME Sector aside having access 20TH CONGREGATION to higher level of training. He, further, urged the graduands to always prove to be worthy ambassadors o Technical University held its 20th Congregation of the University, by upholding the high standards, Hon Saturday, 7th December, 2019, in the G.M. integrity and values the University inculcated in them. Afeti Auditorium of the University. One Thousand, One Ms. Florence Kwadade, a graduand in HND Purchasing Hundred and Twenty-Three (1,123) graduands from the and Supply was adjudged the Overall Best Graduating 2018/19 Academic year were awarded Degrees and Higher Student with a CGPA of 4.77. National Diplomas (HND) after successfully completing their programmes of study. Out of this number, 1,057 pursued Higher National Diploma (HND) and 66 pursued Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) Programmes.

Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, the Vice Chancellor of the University, in his address said the institution has recorded massive progress in the quest of fulfilling its core mandate of training highly competent human resource through career focused education, skills training and research, in partnership with stakeholders, hence, contributing to national development. He added that the University was undergoing series of reforms to reposition itself as a global player in teaching, research and extension services. Our current focus, to make Ho Technical University a global player, resulted in training and exchange programmes for faculty, staff and students in partner Universities and industries worldwide. The University has embarked on other programmes aimed at improving teaching, learning, research and innovation, Prof. Honyenuga reiterated. He commended the graduands for their sacrifices during their period of study and urged them to justify their skills and knowledge in the world of work, while being worthy ambassadors of this noble University. For the first time in the annals of the University, students were graduating in the same year of successfully completing their programmes of study, a feat, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, said would be sustained as he commended faculty and staff for their contributions to the change in status-quo (paradigm shift). Prof. James Flolu, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ho Technical University, in addressing, the Congregation gave the assurance that the University would continue to engage and work with all stakeholders to deepen its reputation as the reference point of Technical and beyond. Professor Etienne Ehouan Ehile, the Secretary General of the Association of African Universities, who graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, in his speech, stated that the reform and transformation of the TVET system are important if we want our country to take an upward economic trajectory. He challenged the graduands to use part of their national service allowances as start-up capital as the certificates they have been awarded would inevitably open up new avenues for entrepreneurial

Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 Page SEVEN RHINE WAAL UNIVERSITY DELEGATION PAYS WORKING VISIT TO HTU

team of 8 officials from Rhine Waal University University. There were co-sharing engagements between Aof Applied Science in Hochschule Rein-Waal, the two sides during the period. Germany, paid a working visit to Ho Technical University from 11th November to 15th November, 2019. Some of the topics for discussion were Renewable Energy and Storage, Global trends of Humans Rights This was the third delegation from the Rhine Waal of Staff in Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Taxation University of Applied Sciences who visited the and International Law. The others were Renewable University as part of a 4 year academic exchange Internationalization and Funding of Universities. programme between the two partner Universities. The team, also, visited some tourist sites, such as; Mount Gemi at Avatime – Amedzofe and Tafi Atome Monkey As part of activities for the visit, members of the team Santuary all in the . did presentations during seminars for members of the various Faculties and Administrators of Ho Technical

27TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

he 27th Matriculation Ceremony of Ho Technical the Vice-Chancellor of the University charged them to TUniversity was held on Thursday, 7th November, count themselves privileged and take advantage of all 2019, in the G.M. Afeti Auditorium. This ceremony was opportunities in the University to excel academically. to usher fresh men and women for 2019/20 academic He encouraged the matriculants to merge academic year into the University. excellence with moral integrity and be self-disciplined. A total of 1,440 students were admitted and matriculated for Higher National Degree (HND) and non-tertiary Prof. Honyenuga admonished the matriculants that the programmes for the 2019/2020 academic year. University frowns on examination malpractices and that is the quickest way to get out of the University if Nine (9) postgraduate students were, also, matriculated they so wish. Furthermore, he advised the matriculants to pursue Master of Technology (MTech) programmes in against inappropriate use of social media and negative Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering at the School peer-influence behavours such as: drug abuse, of Graduate Studies. alcoholism, sexual assaults and other social vices and Dr. Christopher K. Amehoe, the Registrar of Ho Technical urged them to make the Students’ Handbook their University, warmly welcomed all matriculants to the guide. ceremony and took them through the matriculation oath. In addressing the matriculants, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, Page EIGHT Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 On the issue of sex for grades, the Vice-Chancellor reminded the matriculants that the University has zero tolerance for ‘sex for grades,’ therefore, the students should be confident, study hard and graduate successfully.

3RD VICE-CHANCELLOR’S DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES OF HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

he 3rdVice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture of the University T was held on Wednesday, 13th November, 2019, at 10:00 am in the G.M. Afeti Auditorium. The lecture was dubbed “Implication of the Triple Helix Model for Technical Universities in Ghana: Fulfilling the University’s Third Mission”. The main Speaker, Professor Domwini D. Kuupole, the Former Vice Chancellor of University of Cape Coast, declared that technical universities must be strategic in outlook, think differently and deliver innovation and high-level practical skills learning culture at all times. He said the harmonious synergies between technical universities, industry and government, an act described as the Triple Helix Model, would position the institutions as

Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 Page NINE indispensable partners in the country’s industrialisation industry and government in order to deliver the Technical drive. University’s agenda as a fulcrum for accelerated national Prof. Kuupole added that the interdependence and development discourse. relationship between the trio had the propensity to Again, he reminded us that the technical universities’ drive the general agenda of building and delivering a agenda, in full flight, should run as entrepreneurial developed economy and knowledge-based society. institutions which provide the commercial services and He, therefore, called on the leadership of Technical patents for income generation and skills transfer. Universities to shun mediocrity which he defined as ‘the Prof. Honyenuga envisioned lessons from the lecture region in our lives bounded on the north by compromise, series. He noted that the lecture series would be taken on the south by indecision, on the east by past thinking seriously to engender the national discourse on technical and on the west by lack of vision’. and vocational skill training to sustain the growth Prof. Kuupole concluded that technical universities were agenda. bedeviled with several challenges amidst globalisation, Dr. Christopher K. Amehoe, the Registrar of the technological explosion and rapidly changing industrial University, was of the view that the lecture series demands, which included inadequate facilities and had stimulated many academic discourses to steer equipment or poor training and environment or mismatch development in the right direction and believed the between acquired skills and market needs or inadequate students, lecturers and partners would make good use of professionally qualified technical faculty and negative the issues raised to better their lots. public mindsets. Prof. Honyenuga, as part of the event, presented On the other hand, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, the Vice- a citation to Prof. D.D. Kuupole for exemplifying Chancellor of Ho Technical University called for a academic prowess in the delivery of the lecture and for stronger collaboration betweenTechnical Universities, his professional progression.

Page TEN Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4 HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY HOLDS 4TH ENGLISH PROFICIENCY GRADUATION CEREMONY

n Wednesday, 4th December, O2019, twelve (12) students from the Republic of Benin, who undertook a 3-month English Proficiency Programme, received their Certificates from the Vice- Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga. The students who attained the Intermediate level were the 4th batch of students enrolled on the programme being run by the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences of the University.

Editorial Team Mrs Eli Atatsi Editor-In-Chief

Ms Yvonne Nutakor Editor

Mr Isaac S. Meyir Production Manager

Mr Samuel Kwame Layout Designer

Ms Divine A. Gbagbo Production Assistant Post Office Box HP 217 Tel: +233-3620-26456 Mr Hubert M. Yevu-Agbi Ho-Volta Region Fax: +233-3620-28393 Production Assistant Ghana-West Africa E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.htu.edu.gh Page TWELVE Ho Technical University Informant Volume 4, Issue 4