Breaking boundaries through education: Takoradi Technical University adopts New Amanful

In a groundbreaking initiative, Takoradi Technical University (TTU), through its Centre for Gender Advocacy (CEGENDA), declared its official adoption of the New Amanful fishing community.

Prof. Mrs. Abigail Gura, Director of CEGENDA at TTU, highlighted the university’s commitment to community engagement, social responsibility, and gender advocacy during an interview with Beach FM on Tuesday, January 16, 2023, at New Amanful in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

The adoption, according to her, is rooted in TTU’s strategic plan and CEGENDA’s advocacy mandate, which aims to address critical social needs in TTU’s surrounding communities. Prof. Gura emphasized the university’s role in shaping not only students’ minds but also contributing to the well-being and development of neighboring communities.

“Today marks a significant moment in TTU commitment to community engagement as community service and social responsibility as we officially announce the adoption of this fishing community at New Amanful.”

“Our decision to adopt the New Amanful community is rooted in TTU’s SP theme 3, objective 14 (i) which seeks to Identify critical social needs in TTU’s immediate communities and fulfill our Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs) by executing appropriate projects. Further more this resonate with one of the mandate of CEGENDA to be an advocate internally and externally to the University community on gender issues”, she added.

Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice Chancellor of TTU, expressed the institution’s sense of duty to tackle challenges faced by marginalized populations. He underscored the transformative power of education and the university’s commitment to creating lasting impacts beyond its campus borders.

“This decision is driven by a deep sense of duty to address the challenges faced by marginalized and underserved populations. We believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and by extending our reach beyond our campus, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families.”

“…this bond with the New Amanful Community will provide our university with an exceptional opportunity to promote societal progress. We can use our combined resources and expertise to address the problems the community is facing. Universities’ research projects and technology transfers can also boost the economy by launching new ventures and generating employment. This increase in revenue not only helps the university but also enhances the overall prosperity of the adopted community.”

The Vice Chancellor outlined the plan to leverage the university’s expertise in technical education, research, and innovation to develop sustainable solutions for the community.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, through this adoption, we aim to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. The University through its Centre for Gender and Advocacy, ably headed by Professor (Mrs.) Abigail Gura will work hand in hand with the community members, local leaders, and organizations to identify their needs and develop sustainable solutions. Our expertise in technical education, research, and innovation will be leveraged to create programmes that align with the community’s aspirations and empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world”, he explained.

Prof. Mrs. Abigail Gura further emphasized that gender equality is a driving force behind the university’s actions, pledging collaborative efforts to address the community’s challenges. The initiative includes educational outreach, skill development programs, and economic empowerment projects to enhance the prospects of New Amanful.

“Our commitment to gender equality is not merely a slogan but a driving force behind our actions. As we adopt the New Amanful community, we pledge to work collaboratively with its residents to address the unique challenges faced by the community. This will involve implementing programs that promote education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, empowering the members of New Amanful to take active roles in shaping their futures.”

This adoption marks a significant milestone in TTU’s dedication to community service, social responsibility, and gender advocacy, fostering a bond and partnership that transcends institutional boundaries. It sets the stage for a collaborative journey toward positive change and shared prosperity.