Ghanaian researchers and academics from the country’s technical universities were prominently represented at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA), held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Durban. The conference, running from 25th to 29th August 2025, brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) under the theme, “Empowering Africa through TVET: Driving Sustainable Development, Youth Empowerment, and Economic Integration in the Era of Industry 4.0.”
Ghana’s delegation included a strong team of researchers and presenters who showcased the country’s technical expertise and research output. The group comprised Prof. Maame Efua Nkrumah, Prof. Victor Kwaku Bondzie Micah, Ronald Osei Mensah, Bismark Ocran, Selwyn Ebenezer Mensah, and Prof. Victor Fannam Nunfam from Takoradi Technical University (TTU); Prof. Eli Atatsi and Dr. Liticia Effah-Manu from Ho Technical University (HTU); Dr. Afia Sakyiwaa Amponsah and Job K. Manu from Sunyani Technical University (STU); and Prof. Joseph Osei from Kumasi Technical University (KsTU). From Accra Technical University are Mubarak kataali, Isaac kofi Yornu and Peter Arhenful.
Leading the Ghanaian administrative delegation was Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor of TTU and Chair of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities in Ghana (VCTU-G), and Prof. Hamidatu Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU). Both Prof. Eshun and Prof. Darimani are members of the prestigious ATUPA Board, reflecting Ghana’s leadership in continental technical education. They were joined by Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah (STU), Prof. Ben Quarshie Honyenuga (HTU), and Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh (KsTU). Coordinating the delegation was Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, Executive Secretary to the VCTU-G.
Speaking to the media during the plenary, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun emphasized Ghana’s continued commitment to advancing technical education across Africa. He stated, “”Our participation at the ATUPA International Conference is more than just representation. Ghana’s technical universities are contributing to Africa’s TVET agenda through research, innovation, and skills development. By working with our continental partners, we are building collaborations that will improve curricula, support the movement of skills, and prepare our graduates for the challenges of Industry 4.0. We are proud that our universities are recognized for excellence, and we are committed to strengthening cooperation across Africa.”
The opening plenary featured remarks from Dr. (Honoris Causa) Jahou Samba Faal, Secretary General of ATUPA, who emphasized building strong continental linkages and breaking institutional silos. Dr. Eng. Tafadzwa Mudondo, ATUPA Executive Board Chairperson, highlighted the need to align education with Africa’s industrial demands, while Professor Saidou Madougou, Director for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union Commission, stressed the central role of technical universities in Africa’s industrialization and digital transformation.
A video presentation showcased UNISA’s achievements, followed by remarks from Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UNISA, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusive and transformative education across the continent.
By leading the research presentations, actively participating in plenary sessions, and engaging with the media, Ghana’s academics and researchers projected the country’s technical universities as key contributors to continental knowledge exchange, innovation, and TVET development, reinforcing Ghana’s leadership role in Africa’s technical and vocational education sector.