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TU launches 75thanniversary

Ms Gifty Twum Ampofo (middle) with Dr. Wilfred Anim-Odame(right)
and prof Amevi Acakpovi about to cut the tape
The Accra Technical University (ATU) has launched its 75th Anniversary celebrations last Thursday.
Under the theme “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation,” the year-long celebrations would see a lineup of activities to engage state officials, former students and lecturers as well as the public.
Activities for the Diamond Jubilee anniversary includes an Alumni homecoming, debate and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Series/Public Lecture, sports, presentations to adopted basic and Senior High Schools (SHSs),faculty mini exhibitions and cooking competition.
There would also be an old school and food bazaar, international student’s day, Vice-Chancellor’s conference, anniversary concert, grand exhibition and fashion show, awards and dinner night and a thanksgiving service to crown it all.
Launching the anniversary, the Deputy Minister of Education, Gifty Twum Ampofo reiterated the relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana’s development.
She said, the TVET contributes to poverty and unemployment reduction, an area the ATU had supported government’s quest by developing the human resource for the nation.
“Modern TVET is very dynamic and requires a lot of calculations and other parts of education. Work towards perfection so that Artificial Intelligence (AI) do not take your job,” she stated.
The Chairman for the launch, Dr Wilfred K. Anim-Odame who doubles as a Chairman ofthe school’s governing council, said the anniversary was a significant milestone that allowed them to reflect on past glory and look into the future with joy.
The university, he explained, started with 15 students and now boasts of over 23,000 students with decent facilities.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr Amevi Acakpovi added that, the future was bright for the university with new branches, enhanced library services, advanced frontiers of research, growth and impact of research fund and to generate additional grants.
He said, they would also develop bilateral relationships, push the agenda to go green, construct the university clinic and student hotels as well as develop lecturer facilities.
The Guest Speaker, Engr. Davor Wonder Salami also appealed to government to support the university with laboratories and machines to drive innovations.
The launch was also used to unveil the anniversary logo and cloth.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Confrontation with Police over unauthorised parking: Mayor of Accra apologises

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has apologised to the Police following an incident involving an officer from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), stressing that his actions were not targeted at the police but were intended to ensure compliance with city regulations.
Speaking to journalists on his usual monitoring exercise of the ongoing decongestion exercise, the Mayor said he returned to the same location where the confrontation occurred to demonstrate that enforcement was impartial and continuous to ensure a city where vehicles and pedestrians could move freely.


“You can see, today I’m back here again to the same place where the incident happened,” he stated explaining that the disagreement arose because the officer in question was allegedly allowing drivers to park and load passengers at unauthorised locations within the Central Business District.
According to him, such practices undermined the Assembly’s efforts to maintain order and reduce congestion.
“The police officer was not doing the right thing, and the people are still here today because of that,” he remarked, gesturing to clamped vehicles lined along the roadside.
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Prof. Dodoo named ARSO President Emeritus

The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has unanimously conferred Professor Alex Dodoo with the honorary title of President Emeritus following resolutions by both its executive council and general assembly.
The decision, which was taken during the 31st General Assembly of ARSO in Zanzibar, Tanzania, last Friday, recognised Prof. Dodoo’s exceptional leadership in advancing continental standards for trade, safety and sustainable development.
The resolution ensured his continued advisory role in the strategic direction of ARSO while mentoring future standardisation leaders across Africa.
The Secretary-General of ARSO, Dr Hemogene Nsengimana, said the title of President Emeritus was reserved for leaders whose impact transcended their tenure, reflecting lifelong dedication to their field.
Excellence
As immediate past ARSO President and Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Dodoo spearheaded the creation of critical structures within ARSO and influenced harmonisation initiatives supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Professor Dodoo, an expert in pharmaceuticals, public health, and standards regulation, has played a pivotal role in shaping the standardisation landscape of Africa.
Under his leadership, ARSO saw effective collaboration among member states culminating in the general assembly this year, and bringing together a record 34 countries, the highest in the history of the organisation.
The advocacy of Professor Dodoo for “One Standard, One Test, One Acceptance” across Africa has been instrumental in reducing technical barriers to trade and fostering economic integration.
In his new role, Professor Dodoo would continue to provide strategic guidance to ARSO, mentor emerging leaders in standardisation, and champion the voice of Africa in global standards bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Professor Dodoo, in his acceptance remark, said, “This honour is not just a personal milestone but shows the collective efforts of all stakeholders working toward a standardised, competitive, and quality-driven Africa.”
He said, “Our journey is far from over, and I remain committed to the vision of an Africa where standards fuel prosperity.”
As President Emeritus, Professor Dodoo is expected to focus on critical areas such as strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure, advocating for standards in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital economies and bridging the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers in standardisation.
Competence
The Executive Director of the Standards Division at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, said Prof. Dodoo had contributed towards the leadership of the ARSO Council in driving strategy, governance, “reviewing our laws and statutes and ensuring their implementation”.
“I hope he will still serve the needs and aspirations of ARSO in his new role,” he said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Private sector leaders who attended the event also lauded Professor Dodoo’s efforts to align African standards with global best practices.
The Regional Director of COTECNA, a key partner in the continental standards community, Antoine Anne, for his part, said the appointment of Professor Dodoo reaffirmed the commitment of the African continent to excellence.
Source: Graphic.com.gh