The Management of Takoradi Technical University with the approval of the school's governing council has renamed the Ghacem Hall to Prof. Duncan Hall.

The change in name of the all-female hall to Prof. Duncan Hall comes on the back of the adoption and subsequent renovation of the old Ghacem Hall by Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, who is the Chief Executive Officer of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company, the producers of COA FS.

Prof. Duncan in April 2023 after signing a five-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding with TTU for joint research, students and staff exchange programmes among others, also announced his adoption of the Hall, and immediately commenced renovation works at the hall which had many deterioration concerns.

As part of the renovation, the CEO of COA refurbished the reception area, restored the hall sculpture piece, painted the Hall, renovated the kitchens, Junior Common Room (JCR) and erected a signpost for the Hall among others.

Speaking at the official commissioning event of the renovation works and renaming of the hall after Professor Duncan, the Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, said it is within the University’s strategic plan to collaborate with industry players to advance the course of TTU, a position which has the backing of the Governing Council.

“This objective in the Strategic Plan is being achieved through this important collaboration between TTU and COA Research and Manufacturing Company. It is, therefore, worthy to note that the Governing Council of the University in pursuit of the Strategic Plan has unanimously given its support and blessings to the renaming of the Hall after Prof. Duncan.

"The Council is of the firm believe that this collaboration will inure to the benefit of both TTU and COA Research Manufacturing Company Limited. The Management is mindful of the welfare of students and therefore will go all out to ensure that the necessary facilities and services that are of international standard, affords comfort and safety are provided for students to create an enabling environment for excellent academic exploit.“, he said.

While commending TTU staff who worked hard to make this collaboration with COA possible, Rev. Prof. Eshun however expressed the appreciation of TTU to Prof. Duncan for his initiatives and good intensions for the University.

“Your unweaving support and belief in our vision have been instrumental in making this moment a reality. We pay tribute to an exceptional individual whose contribution to our institution has been extraordinary. Professor Duncan is a man who resonates excellence, knowledge and inspiration. Throughout his career he has epitomized the spirit of fostering innovation and shaping the lives of individuals who have had the privilege to learn from him.

"This is evident in this collaboration with TTU which has resulted in the adoption of this hall…The adoption of GHACEM Hall is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and the impact he has made in the development of the only female hall in the University. This hall will bear the name of Professor Duncan Hall and serve as a constant reminder of his remarkable legacy.“, he emphasised.

Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan who attended the official renaming event with a large entourage of COA staff and representatives of his media affiliates, in his acceptance, said the decision to collaborate with TTU comes from COA’s belief of impacting society beyond business.

While thanking Takoradi Technical University for the honour done him, Prof. Duncan promised to ensure COA’s collaboration with TTU yield far reaching fruits.

“let me thank the management of TTU, led by the Vice Chancellor for the honour done me today. I also encourage you the students and managers of GHACEM Hall to take very good care of the refurbished hall to ensure others come to meet a beautiful hall to stay for their studies. I would like to reiterate our commitment to the partnership with Takoradi Technical University.

"We hope that our shared vision in making the world a better place through innovation and collaborating in research towards the manufacturing of herbal products will continue to flourish. We are honored to call Takoradi Technical University our partner and hope that the future will bring about even more opportunities from this collaboration.“, he added.

He also assured the Prof. Duncan Hall management of a new larger Television set at the JCR he renovated as well as continued support to the 10 students with impairment that he has also adopted.

Chief Executive Officer of EIB Network, Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye-Adisi, known as Bola Ray, who accompanied Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan to the renaming of the Hall, by way of support to the collaborative relationship started  between COA an TTU, also gave TTU GHS100,000 worth of airtime on EIB’s GHOne TV and Empire FM.

The newly renamed Prof. Duncan Hall Warden, Prof. Abigail Padi, in addition to assuring Prof. Duncan of proper care for the renovated Hall, on behalf of the Hall and the University expressed gratitude to Prof. Duncan.

“I express our heartfelt appreciation for the adoption of the hall and generous renovations of some facilities in the hall. It is our fervent hope that this will mark the beginning of a warm and mutual relationship which we shall jealously guard.“, she said.

Prof. Duncan was once again presented with a citation by the the students and management of the Prof. Duncan Hall.