Eight-member committee to work on modalities for converting polytechnics to universities

An eight-member technical committee has been commissioned to work out the modalities and plans towards converting polytechnics into technical universities.

The committee, chaired by Dr George Afeti of the National Inspectorate Board, has up to September 30, 2013 to complete its work.

The establishment of the committee is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to convert the polytechnics into technical universities.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Media Relations said Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Deputy Minister of Education incharge of Tertiary Education, commissioned the committee on behalf of the sector minister.

It  named the other members of the committee as Dr. J. A. C. Combey, representing the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI); Dr J. V. K. Afun, president of the Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics; Prof. G. K. S. Aflakpui, Rector of Wa Polytechnic; Mr Kwame Dattey of the National Accreditation Board (NAB); Dr Albert Sunny of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Ms Divina Nkwatabisa from the Attorney-General’s Department and Prof. Mahama Duwiejua, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE).

Mr Ablakwa has appealed to members of the committee to make far-reaching recommendations which would stand the test of time and fulfil Ghana’s development interest.

The statement said the deputy minister stated that polytechnic education ought not to be regarded as a second option but that the practical technical education offered by the polytechnics had a special place in President Mahama’s development vision for Ghana.