The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) convened its 51st Delegates Congress at Ho Technical University on Monday, March 9, marking a pivotal transition in the leadership of the Association. The congress, attended by delegates from various technical universities across the country, aimed to address pressing issues affecting the education sector, including the Internal Generation Fund (IGF), post-retirement contracts, and national issues. According to Dr. Francis Mensah, the outgoing National President of TUTAG, the congress provided a platform for members to discuss and find solutions to the challenges facing technical universities in Ghana.
Key Issues Discussed
The IGF, which is a critical source of funding for technical universities, was a major topic of discussion at the congress. Delegates called on the government to increase the fund to enable technical universities to effectively deliver on their mandate.
"The IGF is crucial for the development of technical universities, and we urge the government to prioritize its allocation to ensure that we can provide quality education and training to our students,"said Dr. Richmond Mensah, a delegate from the Accra Technical University. The delegates also discussed the issue of post-retirement contracts, which has been a longstanding concern for TUTAG members. They called on the government to review the current policy and provide a more attractive package for retiring members.
Leadership Transition
The 51st Delegates Congress marked a significant transition in the leadership of TUTAG, with new national executives elected to steer the affairs of the Association. The outgoing National President, Dr. Francis Mensah, hailed the transition as a positive step towards the growth and development of TUTAG.
"I am confident that the new leadership will build on the foundations we have laid and take TUTAG to greater heights,"he said. The new National President, Dr. Solomon Keelson, pledged to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing technical universities and ensure that TUTAG members receive the support and benefits they deserve.
The congress also provided an opportunity for delegates to discuss national issues affecting the education sector, including the implementation of the free senior high school policy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Delegates called on the government to provide more support to technical universities to enable them to recover from the effects of the pandemic and improve their infrastructure and resources. Dr. Kwame Gyamfi, a delegate from the Kumasi Technical University, emphasized the need for the government to invest in technical education to drive economic growth and development.
"Technical education is critical to the development of our country, and we urge the government to prioritize its funding and support,"he said.
Call to Action
The 51st Delegates Congress of TUTAG ended with a call to action, as delegates urged the government to address the issues raised during the congress. The new National President, Dr. Solomon Keelson, vowed to engage with stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing technical universities.
"We will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of our members are heard and addressed, and that technical universities receive the support they need to deliver quality education and training,"he said. As the Association looks to the future, it is clear that the new leadership will face significant challenges, but with the support of its members and the commitment to its mission, TUTAG is poised to continue playing a critical role in shaping the future of technical education in Ghana.
In conclusion, the 51st Delegates Congress of TUTAG marked an important milestone in the history of the Association, as it transitioned to new leadership and reiterated its commitment to addressing the challenges facing technical universities in Ghana. As the Association moves forward, it is likely that its efforts will have a significant impact on the education sector, and it will be important to monitor its progress and continue to hold stakeholders accountable for their actions. With the dedication and perseverance of its members, TUTAG is well-positioned to continue advocating for the interests of technical university teachers and contributing to the growth and development of Ghana's education sector.
