Informant Volume 2, Issue 2 April. - June. 2017 Edition Ho Technical University: Adanu Nazu Kekeli

THE

EDITORIAL he 2 n d quarter edition of The TI n f o r m a n t covers activities which PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO @ HTU bring the curtain down on the 2016/2017 academic .E. President Nana Addo Dankwa year. The 'big one' is the Akufo-Addo on Sunday, May 14, 2017 visit of H.E. Nana Addo Hvisited HTU and this marked his first D a n k w a - A k u f o A d d o official visit to a technical university since his President of the Republic of assumption of office. See story at page 6 and Commander in Chief of the . The period also VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BRIEF covers internationalisation e v e n t s i n v o l v i n g e have come to the end of agreements and visit: another successful academic S i g n i n g o f M o U Wyear. The 2nd semester of the Implementation Agreement 2016/2017 academic year was very by HTU with CUT, South eventful for the University. I am Africa; and L'Institute grateful to Management, Academic Nationale Polytechnique B o a r d , F a c u l t y, S t a ff , A l u m n i , Students and all our stakeholders who Houphet Boiny. The edition contributed to the smooth conduct of concludes with major end of the 2nd semester examinations. As we academic year departmental continue to direct our efforts on the and faculty programmes. conversion reforms which in disguise The Editorial Team uses this i s p a r t o f t h e i n s t i t u t i o n a l opportunity to wish our reengineering project, it is my hope continuing students good that staff, will direct their energies on vacation training and best critical academic issues to the benefit wishes to those who have of individuals and the University as completed and preparing for whole. We look forward to an National Service. It is our e x c i t i n g a n d hope that readers would p r o d u c t i v e continue to give us feedback 2 0 1 7 / 2 0 1 8 t o h e l p i m p r o v e t h e academic year. Newsletter.

FIRST CAREER FAIR FACULTY- Page 2 ORGANISED AT HTU A C T I V I T I E S See story at page 8 Regular

tu. applicant/ Call 0504450254 / 0500553508 tu. FACULTY A C T I V I T I E S c o r n e r

Mr. Dickson Tsey HTU HOLDS FASHION SHOW ickson Tsey is a hearty, confident and optimistic young fellow who hails from DZiavi Dzogbe, near Ho in the . He attended Mawuli Primary and Secondary Schools in Ho where he had his O and A level certificates. He holds a B.A. (Art) and Master of Fine Art (M.F.A.) Sculpture degrees from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. He has submitted his PhD dissertation in Arts and Culture at the University of Education, Winneba and awaiting Viva. He taught his Year's Fashion Exhibition and briefly at Oppong Memorial Secondary School in Show came off from 19th to 20th Kokofu–Ashanti after which he gained May, 2017 at the G. M. Afeti employment in Takoradi Polytechnic as a lecturer T Auditorium. Some of the beautiful in 2007. Dickson Tsey is a Sculptor and Senior products on display were exotic designs, Lecturer at the Department of Sculpture Technology, Takoradi Technical University (TTU). children's wear, formal and casual wears, He is a former Dean of Students' Affairs and a customised wedding gowns, stage former POTAG Secretary at that University. He is costumes, academic gowns and African currently on sabbatical leave and lecturing at the prints. The show was on the theme 'To the Industrial Art Department of Ho Technical Altar'. In attendance were students, faculty University (HTU). He is a devout Christian and a and Staff, professionals from the Fashion member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church fraternity and other industry experts. The (EPC) in Sekondi. He loves good choral music. Head of Department, Ms. Obinnim During his student days, he served as the National nd acknowledged the essence of the training at 2 Vice President of the Evangelical Presbyterian HTU in molding fashion designers and Students' Union (EPSU) and was also the KNUST writers, fashion communicators, assessors, Campus President of his old School (OMSU) in 2001. What most of his friends do not know is that, designer facilitators as well as Fashion he enjoys being called Dorm (the short form for entrepreneurs. “D4rm mayi”) than Dickson. Dorm has served on several committees in Takoradi Polytechnic including Appointments and Promotion Board, Finance Committee and Entity Tender Committee. He has attended a number of national and international research conferences where he presented papers, and has participated in several local art exhibitions. He recently organised a solo exhibition on newly created Ewe proverbial symbols (Nunya Symbols) to climax his one year sabbatical leave at HTU. His adventurous and tenacious attitude coupled with his respect for others has been his guiding principle in life. He believes that with God all things are possible. His favourite and thought provoking Bible verse is Matthew 16:26. Please read.

Page TWO ART EXHIBITION JUNE 2017 opportunity to present other creative works. In this regard, Mr Lucas Afedo, a third year painting student, built a helicopter from scrap materials which became a major side attraction during the exhibition. n his welcome address to open the June 2017 Art The Pro-Vice Chancellor opened the Exhibition on Exhibition organised by the Department of Industrial behalf of Prof E.K Sakyi, and expressed his IArt ( 6th -10th June 2017), Dr. Noble Dzegblor, the appreciation for the unrelenting efforts of the Dean, the Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design, said that, the event Head of Department and lecturers of the Industrial Art marked the 2nd exhibition of the Industrial Art Department for contributing to the wonderful works on Department though the Department is barely four (4) display. According to him, the Department of Industrial years old. He encouraged the audience to critically Art is living the motto of the University which says observe and appreciate the breathtaking works of art 'Adanu Nazu Kekeli'. He concluded by stating that 'Art' displayed by the final year students. as lucrative venture, can have transformational effects Mr. Samuel Kwame, the Head of the Industrial Art on students, the University and the society at large. Department stated that the works on display were the Present at the programme were the Interim Registrar, students' own projects which were to be examined by an Deans of Faculty, Heads of Department, Staff and external assessor. Besides these, students were given the Students.

Page THREE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING HOLDS INDUSTRIAL SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP

he Faculty of Engineering of Ho Technical University in collaboration with Aytech Power and Control System TLimited APCS Automation and Raincoat Roofing Limited, organised a day's industrial sensitization workshop for staff and students of the Faculty. APCS Automation is a COTVET registered training institution that provides training in the field of Engineering Automation. The session was opened by the Dean of Faculty, Dr. Richard Akplotsyi, who admonished students and staff to take interest in upgrading themselves since knowledge acquired is an asset that can always be put to use. He further stated that, the Faculty will provide all the necessary facilitations for any member of staff who seeks to upgrade him/herself. In his presentation, the Operation Engineer of APCS Automation noted that, the training program of APCS is aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical field knowledge of graduate engineers and technicians from tertiary institutions and to upgrade the skills of engineering professionals. He further explained that, the methodology of the training is 100% hands-on-practical based. A number of training equipment were assembled and demonstrated for students.

MAIDEN IT WEEK CELEBRATED

he Department of Computer students and staff provided free Science in conjunction with the s e r v i c e s t o t h e U n i v e r s i t y TComputer Science Students community. A quiz competition Association (COMPSSA, HTU) dubbed CODEFEST was organised celebrated her maiden IT Week. The to test students' knowledge in programme which started from Tuesday, programming. The celebration was 25th and ended on Friday, 28th April, 2017 climaxed with an educational tour for was on the theme 'Technology for Social students and staff to Ghana Needs'. Community Network (GCNET) A number of activities including Limited in Accra. workshops were organised during the week-long celebration for both staff and students. As part of the celebration there was an International Workshop on Concepts of Developing Serious Health Games, facilitated by Rob Willems and Harro Leupen from Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands. Other activities included, an IT exhibition and Computer /Phone repair session where

Page FOUR RAINCOAT ROOFING LTD INSTITUTES AWARDS FOR BEST GRADUATING STUDENTS a i n c o a t R o o fi n g L t d interacted with faculty and Rstudents of the Departments of Building Technology and Civil HTU LAUNCHES AGROSA Engineering to introduce its products and services. Mr. James Akpakli, Head of Finance of Raincoat Roofing Ltd in a presentation, took students through areas of operation of the company and noted that as part of measures to bridge the gap between industry and academia, the company he Agro Students Association (AGROSA) of HTU was formally seeks to collaborate with the launched on Thursday, 8th June, 2017 under the theme D e p a r t m e n t s o f B u i l d i n g 'Improving Agricultural Training through Planting for Food and Technology and Civil Engineering in T Jobs: The Role of the Agro Entrepreneur'. The programme was chaired the areas of technical report by Mr. Edward Ayimey, the Dean of the Faculty of Business and preparation, roofing estimation, Management Studies. He enumerated the role of Agriculture in the preparation of woodwork and metal socio-economic development of Ghana and that one of the biggest work for roofing and re-roofing. challenges in the Agricultural sector is the inability to see Agriculture as a business or enterprise. He challenged the AGROSA to take it upon The company promised to offer itself to educate other students and the public on the important role of attachment placements to ten (10) Agribusiness. According to Mr. Phanuel Klogo, Head of Agro students of the Departments with the Enterprise Department, the aim for the formation of the Association is to possibility of offering employment provide sufficient training opportunities for students; establish career to deserving students after the paths in the Agro-supply-chain; and to acquire relevant Agro attachments. The company further development programme. He noted that, if the necessary support is promised to institute awards for the st nd provided, the Department can serve as a life line for the University and 1 and 2 best graduating students of other organizations in the Agricultural sector. He hinted that the HND Building Technology and Department has commenced a 20 hectare mango plantation at Adaklu- HND Civil Engineering programmes Kodzobi with other food crops being intercropped. The Keynote starting with the forthcoming Speaker for the launch was Mr. Joseph Sarpong, General Manager of congregation of the University. Mr. Adidome Farm Institute. Other invited guests were the Country Akpakli assured members of the Director of Green Innovation Centre of GIZ- Germany, Representatives University that Raincoat is ready to of CALTECH Ventures Limited, Hope FM's 'Operation feed Ghana' give discounts on all items purchased programme and other experts from the sector. Present at the event were from the company and proposed to Ms. Paulina Adzoyi, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and provide samples of roofs on any part Technology, other Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty, staff and of the campus as determined by students. Management of the University.

Page FIVE PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO VISITS HO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

.E. President Nana Addo commensurate with their new status. industrial revolution in the country Dankwa Akufo-Addo on He therefore appealed that staff of the a n d e n j o i n e d t h e m t o w o r k HSunday, May 14, 2017 converted Technical Universities assiduously in the realisation of their visited HTU and this marked his first should be placed on conditions of dreams and that of their parents. He official visit to a technical university service that pertains in public said it is worrisome for the nation to since his assumption of office. The universities to serve as motivator in remain producers of raw materials a i m w a s t o i n t e r a c t w i t h attracting and retaining the requisite after 60 years of independence. He Management, Faculty, Staff and Faculty and Staff. The Interim Vice- therefore urged the youth to avail Students of the University. In his Chancellor concluded by appealing themselves to become agents of the welcome address, the Interim Vice- to the President to intervene in n e e d e d t r a n s f o r m a t i o n t h e Chancellor, Prof. E. K. Sakyi, ensuring the completion of all government and all Ghanaians are expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the uncompleted projects on campus looking for. President for the visit and recounted within the shortest time possible. The President noted that, government the legacies left by Former President Mr. Prosper Dzikpe, the President of had made substantial investment in Kufour at the University and the Students' Representative Council, education, especially in the area of expressed the hope that the current on his part, asked for government's Technical and Vocational education. administration would be inspired to intervention in the payment of the He further stated that former continue from where Former huge Utility Bills as it is becoming President Agyekum Kufuor invested President Kufour left off. Prof. Sakyi increasingly difficult for the heavily by way of projects in Ho took the opportunity to enumerate a Institution to do so. He further Technical University because he number of challenges and concerns of appealed to the President to build shared in the vision of technical the University. These spanned more laboratories and retool existing education. In his response to issues infrastructure, critical human workshops to enhance the skills of relating to ongoing projects, the resource and conditions of service for students. President assured the University staff. Regarding conditions of Addressing a large gathering in the G. Community of his readiness to service, Prof. Sakyi noted that complete and commission these Faculty and Staff of the converted M. Afeti Auditorium, the President reminded the students of the vital role projects during his first tenure in Technical Universities are yet to be office. g i v e n c o n d i t i o n s o f s e r v i c e they could play in promoting

Page SIX 2017 GHAPSA GAMES AT BOLGATANGA he University's sportsmen and women participated in the 2017 edition of the Ghana Polytechnic Sports Association (GHAPSA) TGames which took place from 15th April, 2017 to 23rd April, 2017 at Bolgatanga Polytechnic in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The HTU team participated in multiple sport disciplines including football, handball, track and ield events, and basketball among others. The Interim Vice-Chancellor, in his good will message, urged participating teams to show good sportsmanship, solidarity, and true friendship throughout the tournament since the main purpose of the tournament was to promote unity and brotherliness.

Page SEVEN FIRST CAREER FAIR use of their time to attain some level of financial freedom and also appealed to Management of the University to ORGANISED AT HTU consider incorporating ways by which students could Career Fair was organized by the make some money while in school into the school Guidance and Counseling Centre from curricular. The last but not the least presentation was 23rd to 24th May, 2017, to provide a delivered by Mr. Harrison Adjimah, a Lecturer and A Coordinator of the Centre for Innovations, platform for students to interact with employers and industry players. The chairman of the Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer (CIET) of planning committee, Mr. Sedem Amedome, in his HTU on the topic 'Becoming an Entrepreneur: From welcome address, expressed his joy at the fact School to Business Model perspective. that the maiden fair had seen the light of day and hoped the objectives would be attained. On his The fair attracted exhibitors from the banking, part, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the HTU, Dr. educational, and manufacturing sectors. Others came Ben Honyenuga, commended the organisers of from electrical & electronic and oil & gas industries, the fair and the industry partners, and stated that business promotion, policy and regulatory bodies. it would afford students and industry the needed platform to deliberate on issues such as projects, internships, start ups as well as the recruitment needs of companies. He challenged the students HTU SIGNS MoU to reap the full benefits of the fair. IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT WITH CUT, SOUTH AFRICA ollowing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaboration between FHo Technical University (HTU) and the Central University of Technology (CUT), South Africa, the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E.K. Sakyi, and the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Studies (FOBAMS), Mr. Edward K. Ayimey, paid a working visit to CUT, South Africa on 3rd April, 2017 to consolidate the agreement. They met with the Management of CUT and the Faculties and Departments to discuss the modalities of the MOU and how the Agreement could be implemented for the mutual benefit of the two institutions.

Series of lectures were also delivered during the fair. In delivering the first lecture on the topic 'Overview and prospects of the industry and service sectors', the Deputy Manager of Top Oil Company Limited, Mr. Yao Gbenu elaborated on the requirements of industry and the skill sets that industry looks out for in graduates and the need for Universities to fill the gap between industrial demand and students skills. Dr Ben Q. Honyenuga took students through Curriculum Vitae/ Resume preparation and what interview panels look out for during interviews. He advised students to be circumspect in what information they put on the various social media platforms as those things could be retrieved during background checks. The Volta Regional Officer of Food and Drugs Authority, Mr. Eugene Addo in his presentation on the topic, 'Overview and prospects of campus and off-campus part-time vacation jobs', challenged students to make good Page EIGHT CAPACITY BUILDING 2017 The visit was facilitated by Prof. Dzansi who hails from the Volta Region and lectures at CUT. s part of the change management agenda of the The Interim Vice-Chancellor described the visit University to enhance service delivery, as fruitful and he hoped that faculty and staff will AManagement has outlined series of training take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade workshop for Faculty and Staff. The first part of the training workshop commenced on Monday, 22nd May themselves. Over 20 Faculty and Staff have th enrolled for the PhD programmes as part of the and ended on Thursday, 15 June. Agreement. Opening the workshop, the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E. K. Sakyi admonished participants to ask all the questions regarding the various topics that would be covered during the period. He noted that, the facilitators HTU HOSTS KNUST were not to teach them new things but to share their experiences and create an interactive platform through ALUMNI AND ICA-GHANA which leverages could be attained in enhancing human he 9th Biennial Congress of the KNUST resource capacity. He further stated that the era of the Alumni Association was organised at Ho Polytechnic is gone forever hence faculty and staff Technical University from Friday, 28th should acclimatise with the demands of the New T th Technical University. Prof. Sakyi thanked the Interim April to Sunday, 30 April, 2017. The theme for the Congress was: 'Re-Engineering Funding of Registrar for putting together the training and ensuring Tertiary ; the Role of the that experienced resource persons have been brought in Alumni'. In a welcome address read on behalf of to facilitate the training. the Interim Vice-Chancellor of HTU by the Some of the areas covered in the first part included: Interim Pro VC, he admonished stakeholders of • Financial administration structure, procedures universities and alumni to rise up and contribute and Regulations for public universities their quota to support the growth and • Management of students fees and registration development of their respective alma maters • Professional healthcare delivery practices in the since government alone could not continue to be school environment the sole financier of higher education in the • Health education, food safety, processing and country. Present at the Congress were the Vice- preservation practices Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors of • Basic university library functions and use of e- KNUST and UHAS who are themselves past resources students of KNUST. • Advance MS word and Excel for Secretaries • E t h i c s o f t h e O rg a n i s a t i o n d r i v e r, Another notable event was the Annual Defensive/anticipatory driving skills Accountants' Week and Congress of the Institute • Security Service Delivery on Campuses of Chartered Accountants (ICA) Ghana held from st st • Effective cleaning, maintenance and sanitary 31 May to 1 June, 2017. The theme for the techniques in a university environment, Congress was 'Transformation of Ghana's Leadership and supervisory skills Economy at 60'. The Guest of Honour was HE. Alhadji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President • Publication ethics and publishing in credit of the Republic of Ghana who was represented by Journals Hon. Kwaku Kwarteng, the Deputy Minister of • Internal Academic quality Assurance and Finance. The Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr. quality management system in Universities Ben Honyenuga was a Discussant on the topic • Effective conduct of University Examination: 'Research, Development and Economic Stability Procedures and arrangements before, during in Transforming Ghana's economy@60'. The and after examination Interim Vice-Chancellor addressed the The second part of the training is expected to take off in participants at the closing ceremony as a Special September. Guest. He admonished participants at the congress to uphold moral rectitude and eschew all forms of corrupt and unproductive practices.

Page NINE L'INSTITUTE NATIONALE POLYTECHNIQUE HOUPHET BOINY PAYS WORKING VISIT TO HTU TU and the L'Institute Nationale Polytechnique Houphet Boiny (INP-HB) Hof Yamoussoukro have signed MoU since 2014 to collaborate on a number of academic activities. Even though the implementation of the MoU has already commenced with the visit of some students and staff of the two institutions in 2016, there was the need to officially outline an implementation plan. It was in view of this that a seven member delegation of INP-HB led by Mme Kouadio-Bouadou, the Human Resource Manager paid a working visit to HTU on 14th June, 2017 to consolidate and signed the implementation agreement. The delegation met with the Management and key officials of the University. The following are some of the thematic areas agreed upon for implementation: Ÿ Exchange of faculty and students for technical language skills acquisition Ÿ Mobility of faculty and students for theoretical and practical training Ÿ Opportunity for academic credit transfers between both institutions Ÿ Organisation of scientific, academic and cultural events Ÿ Provision of internships and placements for students Ÿ Organisation of English and French Language courses for international certification Ÿ Joint organisation of summer schools Ÿ Opportunity for sabbatical leave for lecturers of both institutions Ÿ Exchange of external Examiners and Ÿ Development of multi-media educational materials for teaching and learning in both institutions.

Call 0504450254 / 0500553508 Page TEN Together As One ife's avenue is mapped by many doors; L sometimes in meandering mazes; yet, each opens into insightful realities; labelled with varied accolades of memorable events and thoughts; as one navigates the arduous path to ascend the peak. Doubtless, clicking and scraping occurs. The face of the coin depicts different images with either telling a different story. The crafter's wisdom perturbs the metal, as anvil and hammer in artistic display of purpose shapes the designs, symbolic of what they stand for, and unifying in heritage. View closely and you'd see; each unique symbol has a savvy; and together they tell the story of valour, strength and prestige.

AW! Men of many parts and shades; yarns of different colours; strong and bold to build the towers of fame; in loftiness to ideas so dialogued; as each puts the hand to the plough; in unique awareness that all the fingers are unequal. It takes more than one to tie a strong knot; that two heads are better than one; and together we build strong foundations for formidable generations. No one knows and has it all; just chunks of the whole block. Lest! Visionary dregs remain undrunk; in a vacuum of muffled, mangled feelings; away from the known paths; with a constant chatter of what could have been. Man is never an island; threaded together are we in a cloth; to uphold the values that be. O time, tell your tale with glorious affluence of the sages' strength in unity. At the summit we will rejoice. Our wealth and worth are adjudged by the memories left.

Eli Atatsi Page ELEVEN Editorial Team Dr Ben Honyenuga Chairman Dr Chris Amehoe Editor Chief) Mr Isaac Meyir Production Manager Mr Samuel Kwame Layout Designer Post Ofce Box HP 217 Ho-Volta Region Mrs Eli Atatsi Ghana-West Africa Editor Tel: +233-3620-26456 Fax: +233-3620-28393 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.htu.edu.gh Page TWELVE