Ghana must invest in technology to drive the oil and gas economy - Rector GIMPA

Ghana must invest in modern technologies and create the necessary pool of Information Communication Technology (ICT) - human resources to drive her oil and gas economy.

Professor Yaw Agyeman Badu, Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) gave the advice in Accra at the third congregation ceremony organized for 253 students of the Ghana Telecom University College (GTUC) at the weekend.

He called for commitment of resources to integrate technology into the country’s educational sector from primary, through secondary to the tertiary educational levels.

Prof Badu said “in Ghana, we need to move quickly to bridge the technological gap. If we are able to do this, then Ghana can truly use ICT to leverage this country’s developmental process.”

He extolled the management of GTUC for setting the pace in the field of ICT.

Prof Badu called on the graduates to use their ICT tools and entrepreneurial skills to create jobs, adding “we certainly do not want you to join the Association of Unemployed Graduates.”

Dr Osei K. Darkwa, President of GTUC, said management had rolled out a number of activities to strengthen graduate education at the University.

These, he said, include the establishment of Quality Assurance Unit to promote and pursue quality education, research and community service, the founding of an Internal Moderation Committee to ensure that examination questions set by faculty addressed the teaching and learning outcomes of modules and courses offered.

Dr Darkwa charged the graduates to use their knowledge to make a difference in the lives of their families and the nation.

The 252 students received either an MSc or MBA degree certificates for the various programmes they studied.

Some of the family members and friends were ecstatic as they were spotted taking pictures, holding small picnics and having hearty chats.

The mixed-feeling graduation ceremony which was witnessed by Mr. Attuquaye Armah, Deputy Minister of Communications, was however used to announce the death of Mrs Florence Onny, Head of University and International Programmes of GTUC.

She was reported to have died in the morning at her office on Thursday, July 5, 2012.

A minute of silence was observed for her after which the Ghana Police Band played a tune in her honour.**