Converting polytechnics into technical universities

-the road map

The Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) - Kumasi, wishes to acknowledge the pronouncement of the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency John Dramani Mahama of his intentions to convert the Polytechnics into Technical Universities.

It will be noted that the President in delivering the State of the Nation’s address, under Pillar one - Putting People First, stated his government’s resolve to convert the Polytechnics into fully fledged Technical universities. POTAG Kumasi commends the President for this bold decision.

It willhowever remain a decision unless concrete steps are taken to make it a reality. Whiles the idea is highly commendable, swift action needs to be taken on it immediately.

POTAG Kumasi greatly embraces the idea and is willing to cooperate fully to make this possible.

POTAG- Kumasi has gone ahead to form a Committee to help facilitate the process for the smooth implementation of this noble decision.

The Minister of Education has in recent times called for Polytechnics to come out with programmes that aremore innovative and relevant in present times. Whiles this call is timely and appropriate, perhaps the conversion of the Polytechnics into Technical Universities will enable just that.

The running of relevant programmes by the Polytechnics is often challenged by the inability to obtain accreditation. It is indeed anticipated that with the conversioninto Technical Universities, Polytechnics will have enough autonomy and be empowered to run the much needed technical programmes.

The Polytechnics need to fulfill their mandate of training the technical manpower needed for the industrial development of the nation, hence the urgent need for the roadmap affirmed by the President. The advantages that would accrue to the nation are enormous.

In terms of human resource and infrastructure the Polytechnics are far ahead as far as converting them into Technical University status is concerned.

Indeed some of the Polytechnics such as Kumasi can boast of enough qualified staff for the running of technical degree programmes.

POTGA look forward to a timely response from Government to discuss the way forward to converting the Polytechnics into Technical Universities. Thank you.

Edmond Oppong-Peprah (Chairman)