The Ho Technical University (HTU) has received clearance to offer new programmes seeking to produce human resources to help improve Ghana’s economy.

The programmes include Bachelor of Technology in Estate and Facilities Management, Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Innovation, and Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Engineering.

The Vice Chancellor of the Ho Technical University, Prof. Ben Honyenuga announced this at the 24th Congregation of the University.

“The curricula of these programmes have been carefully drawn to ensure that our graduates come out with the desired competence, coupled with entrepreneurial and employable skills needed to transform our economy.

"Generally, our bachelor, diploma and certificate programmes are aimed at equipping graduates with employable skills for sustainable development,” he said.

He added that essential academic resources have been acquired to give students “excellent academic experiences and results in the University.”

According to him, “The creation of smart classrooms and retooling of the Octagon Computer Laboratory (Phase I) among many others, are indicative of our commitment towards effective teaching, learning and research at HTU.”

Prof. Honyenuga disclosed that new policy documents have been approved to enhance the governance of the university, while there is a renewed commitment to supporting the faculty build its capacity.

He further indicated that projects are being undertaken to upgrade the HTU Clinic into a hospital to make it the preferred choice for healthcare services in the immediate environs of the University.

“I am happy to announce that the University has established an Ultrasound Centre which was duly commissioned on 3rd October, 2023. An experienced Specialist has already been engaged to manage the facility in consultation with the Medical Director.

"Additionally, other critical laboratory and diagnostic equipment have been procured and installed at the HTU Clinic”, he said.

He, however, lamented the inability of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to complete four projects with some commencing as far back as 2009.

“As a matter of urgency, I also wish to appeal for financial clearance for the recruitment of academic and critical staff to replace all retired and exited staff as we continue to provide academic service delivery to our students", he added.

The Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Dr Yayra Dzakadzie indicated that financial clearance has been given to academic institutions to recruit staff and assured of the completion of the GETFund projects.

He said the government has increased the loan amount of the ‘No Guarantor Students Loan Policy’ by 50%. The money ranges between GH₵1,500 and GH₵3,000.

The Guest Speaker who is an alumnus of HTU and a successful agro-investor, Evelyn Fortitude-Terkpor urged the graduates to venture into entrepreneurship and leverage technology to promote their brands.

In all, 1,552 students who have met the necessary requirements for graduation were awarded degrees and diplomas.

They included the first batch of students who pursued the 4-year Bachelor Degree programme in Hospitality, and the second cohort of students who pursued Master of Technology programme in Agriculture and Automobile Engineering.