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Hearing impaired student excels at TTU
The Disability Support and Services Unit (DSSU) at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), has celebrated one of their products, Ms Ama Andowa Buabeng, for being the overall best deaf performing student at the 6th congregation of the university.
Ms Buabeng,24, last Saturday, graduated with Second Class Upper (Honours), Diploma in Graphic Design for the 2020/21 academic year.
The Spectator has been hinted that, Ms Buabeng, who would work as a national service person at Graphic Design Department, is on her way to achieve more feats, and that, there is an opportunity for her to become a Teaching Assistant and a lecturer in future.
“ Your outstanding learning ethics is evidenced in your sustained progression and eventual excellence. Your groundbreaking project work which mounted on the walkways of the University campus leaves a lasting memory of your contribution towards research and problem solving.” A citation in recognition of Ms Buabeng’s academic excellence stated.
The citation signed by Head, Disability Support and Services Unit, Mr Joseph Mensah Oti -Asirifi, the Registrar, Dr Moses Maclean Abnory and the Pro -Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor K. Bondzie- Micah, noted that, Ms Buaben was a role model, with high moral principles, and, revered by everyone in the university.
It said, she successfully communicated and exemplified that disability was not inability or limitation.
“You epitomises the university motto’ adwen, Akoma, nsa ma mpuntu. The Disability Support and Service Unit is extremely proud of your monumental contribution in building a reputation for deaf students in particular, and students with disability in general.” it concluded.
Meanwhile, reacting to Ms Buabeng’s feat, Head, DSSU at TTU, Mr Joseph Mensah-Oti Asirifi, noted that, her performance was ample statement of what the unit had yearned for all these years, that disabled students would be appropriately recognised within the academic arena and society.
He argued that such students needed national recongnition and also given a proven career so that they did not populate the streets as beggars.
The media and societal mindset, Mr Oti-Asirifi said, must also be discarded that that such persons were not normal or nor knowledgeable, saying that “ we must work to encourage them to excel.”
‘Deaf is only limited by hearing, but, the other four senses are well activated. It’s TTU responsibility to work towards bringing out the potentials of these disabled for the benefit of the family and society,” he said.
Mr Oti-Asirifi said TTU believed that the situation where the hearing impaired class becomes an exclusive one must be broken for policy makers to ensure an integrated system whereby hearing impaired would sit in the same class with other students.
This, he told The Spectator, was to ensure inclusiveness within the academia and industry. Takoradi Technical University values and supports the principle of universal access to employment and education for all staff and students respectively, including those with a disability.
“The University shall be committed to the provision of a work and training environment in which staff and students shall not be subject to any discrimination or any form of bigotry because of a disability.” Mr Oti-Asirifi added.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Takoradi
The Africa Investment Network has entered a new partnership with 17 Asset Management to expand investment opportunities for Africans in the diaspora.
The two organisations will work together to open more pathways for diaspora investors, provide better data on markets, and connect investors to viable projects across the continent.
The partnership will focus on mapping investment opportunities across countries and sectors, building a Diaspora Pathways Program to guide new investors, and creating a shared research platform that provides market insights, returns benchmarks, regulatory updates and sector outlooks.
The two groups will also develop a trade and deal catalogue to help match businesses with partners.
As part of the collaboration, both institutions will host investment roadshows through the Global Africa Summit series, starting with GAS Accra from December 11 to 12 at the Alisa Hotel.
The event will showcase deals, hold sector briefings and connect investors with government and private sector actors.
Africa Investment Network founder and Chief Executive Jane Reindorf Osei noted that diaspora capital remains one of Africa’s strongest advantages because it is patient, purpose driven and closely linked to local development outcomes.
She explained that the partnership will help direct more diaspora investment into areas where it can make the most impact.
Chairman of 17 Asset Management, John Morris, highlighted that the joint effort will blend strong investment design with Africa Investment Network’s networks and convening power.
He stressed that improved research and compliant market access will give diaspora investors more confidence across different markets.
The two institutions will open their diaspora investment platform in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the launch of a co investment window.
Investment roadshows will also be held in North America, the Caribbean and key African centres next year.
Africa Investment Network and 17 Asset Management invited governments, development finance institutions, family offices, asset managers and other partners to support deal creation, risk sharing and market building initiatives aimed at boosting diaspora participation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu insists that neither President Mahama nor the National Democratic Congress has filed any petition seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and her two deputies.
In a one on one Interview with GHone, he explained that the President only forwarded petitions he received, as required by law, and has not initiated any action against the EC leadership.
According to him, the identities and motives of the petitioners remain unknown to government, and the Presidency is not involved in that part of the process.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while the NDC has openly disagreed with some actions of the Electoral Commission in the past, the party has not submitted any petition asking for the removal of the EC Chair or her deputies.
He noted that comments by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, questioning the EC’s competence, do not amount to a formal petition.
He added that criticism of public officials is normal and does not automatically translate into a request for their removal.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that once a petition is received, the President’s only role is to forward it to the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice then decides if the allegations have merit. If they do, a committee is set up to investigate.
He said those named in the petitions will be officially informed by the Chief Justice, not the Presidency.
They will then have the opportunity to appear before the committee, respond to the claims, and provide any evidence in their defence.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed confidence that the process will be fair and will protect the rights of all those involved.
By: Jacob Aggrey
