Koforidua, Ghana – Koforidua Technical University (KTU) has held its Convocation Meeting, where the Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Owusu, presented a comprehensive report on the State of the University. Covering the period from the second semester of 2025 to date, the report highlighted remarkable achievements in governance, academic excellence, infrastructure development, digital transformation, staff development, internationalisation, and student support, while outlining the University’s strategic priorities for the future.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the University’s Governing Council, Convocation, staff, students, alumni and development partners for their unwavering support, noting that the prevailing peace and stability on campus continue to provide a strong foundation for institutional growth.

Chairman of Convocation Calls for Unity, Institutional Identity and Collective Responsibility

Delivering his address, the Chairman of Convocation expressed appreciation to members of Convocation for their strong attendance and commitment to the affairs of the University. He emphasized that Convocation members serve not only as employees and alumni but also as custodians of the University’s values, traditions, and long-term aspirations.

He urged members to strengthen their sense of institutional identity, deepen their commitment to KTU, and work collectively towards advancing the University’s reputation as a leading technical university. According to him, great universities are built not only through modern infrastructure and academic programmes but also through a shared vision, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment by their people to institutional excellence.

Reflecting on Convocation’s advocacy during the University’s leadership transition two years ago, the Chairman recalled the collective support for the appointment of qualified internal candidates to key leadership positions, including the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers. He noted that the decision had fostered renewed institutional pride, continuity, and confidence among staff, while preserving valuable institutional memory and reinforcing the University’s unique culture.

However, he observed that the full benefits of internal leadership could only be realised when expectations are aligned with institutional realities. He therefore encouraged members of the University community to periodically reassess their expectations and evaluate leadership based on objective standards, institutional progress, and shared responsibilities.

The Chairman called on staff and stakeholders to continue supporting the University’s leadership while recognising that constructive criticism remains essential to good governance. He stressed that criticism should always be respectful, objective, evidence-based and solution-oriented, aimed at strengthening the institution rather than creating division or undermining confidence.

He further reminded members that the greatest contribution each employee can make is excellence in their own professional responsibilities. He encouraged academic staff to continue delivering quality teaching and research, administrators to provide efficient services, support staff to discharge their duties with integrity, and alumni to remain active partners in the University’s development agenda.

Concluding his remarks, the Chairman urged the University community to reject unnecessary divisions, remain focused on initiatives that enhance academic quality, research, innovation and institutional reputation, and renew their collective commitment to the University’s strategic vision. He expressed confidence that through unity, professionalism and shared purpose, KTU would continue to strengthen its position among leading technical universities in Ghana and beyond.

KTU at a Glance: Key Statistics

Indicator	Achievement
Total Student Population	13,621
Accredited Academic Programmes	71
Newly Accredited Programmes	4
Master’s Programmes Currently Running	10
Staff on Further Studies	32
Total Promotions Since December 2023	141
New Academic & Administrative Appointment Slots	19
Staff Sponsored on Erasmus+ Mobility	6
Students on Erasmus+ Mobility	8
Short Course Participants Trained	66
STEM Scholarships Awarded by Zonta	50 students
Value of Zonta Scholarship Package	GHS 1.29 million
Computers Installed in Computer Science Laboratory	70
Computers Installed in Applied Mathematics Laboratory	24
Desktop Computers Procured for Offices	30

Strengthening Governance and Institutional Leadership

The Vice-Chancellor’s report highlighted significant progress in strengthening the University’s governance framework through the inauguration of a new Governing Council, the establishment of Council and Academic Board committees, and the approval of key institutional policies, including the Hostel Management Policy, Endowment Fund Policy, and the ongoing development of an Artificial Intelligence Policy to guide the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Academic Growth and Innovation

KTU continues to expand its academic portfolio through new postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in engineering, computing, business, environmental management and health sciences. Four new programmes have already received accreditation, while several others are progressing through the accreditation process. The University has also strengthened professional development programmes, library services and digital learning resources to enhance teaching and learning.

Enhancing Teaching, Research and Infrastructure

Significant investments have been made in laboratories, workshops and learning facilities, alongside major improvements in ICT infrastructure through the procurement of computers, networking equipment, certificate printers, ID card printers and the digitisation of institutional records. These investments are expected to improve both academic delivery and administrative efficiency.

Expanding Global Partnerships

Internationalisation remains central to KTU’s strategic agenda. During the reporting period, the University strengthened collaborations with institutions in South Africa, Germany and other countries, while staff and students benefited from Erasmus+ mobility opportunities. New partnerships with industry and professional bodies are also expected to expand opportunities for research, innovation and student exchange.

Investing in People

The report also highlighted Management’s continued investment in staff development through postgraduate sponsorships, recruitment, promotions and welfare initiatives. A total of 141 staff members have been promoted since December 2023, reflecting the University’s commitment to recognising excellence and supporting career progression.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While acknowledging the University’s significant achievements, Professor Owusu identified several challenges requiring sustained attention, including inadequate classroom space, limited student accommodation, delayed payment of school fees, insufficient transport facilities and the need for better-equipped laboratories. He assured Convocation that Management remains committed to addressing these issues through prudent resource management, strategic planning and stronger stakeholder collaboration.

A Shared Vision for the Future

In his concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed Management’s commitment to positioning Koforidua Technical University as a leading institution in technical and vocational education, applied research, innovation and industry partnership. He expressed confidence that with the continued support of Convocation, staff, students, alumni and development partners, the University would continue building on its achievements and realise its vision of delivering globally competitive technical education.

 

An alumnus of Koforidua Technical University, Issaka Osumanu, popularly known as Bkay, is making waves in the film and digital industry with two exciting projects.

The 2019 HND Computer Science graduate has been working diligently on “KOFTOWN: Beneath the Surface”, a film shot in Koforidua, Eastern Region, showcases the rich Ghanaian culture and creative abilities to the world.

Issaka Osmanu (Bkay), who also did his National Service at the ICT Directorate of the University, explained that his “journey began as a dream—a dream to tell a story rooted in our people, our culture, our struggles, our aspirations, and the realities that exist beneath what we often see on the surface”.

 

According to him, “As a filmmaker from Koforidua, he has always believed that our indigenous stories deserve to be told with authenticity, passion, and excellence. Too often, our communities are seen only through a narrow lens. With KOFTOWN: Beneath the Surface, we wanted to go deeper. We wanted to explore the hidden emotions, relationships, ambitions, conflicts, and choices that shape the lives of ordinary people”.

In a related development, the alumnus has also launched the Bkay Studios App, a digital distribution platform, created to support filmmakers, content creators, and storytellers across Ghana and Africa. He intimated that, “one of the greatest challenges facing creatives today is distribution. He said, many great stories are created, but only a few find their way to the audiences they deserve.

He stated that, the Bkay Studios App aims to bridge that gap by creating a platform where creators can distribute their content directly to audiences, showcase their work, and build sustainable careers through digital technology.

He noted “The platform will serve as a home for original films, series, documentaries, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes features, and future productions from Bkay Studios and, ultimately, other creatives who share our vision for African storytelling”.

 

The past KTU student believes that “creating great content is important, but creating access to that content is equally important. The Bkay Studios App, according to him, represents our commitment not only to producing stories but also to ensuring those stories reach audiences both locally and globally”.

With “KOFTOWN: Beneath the Surface” and the Bkay Studios App, Issaka Osumanu is paving the way for African storytelling and supporting local creatives.

Bkay’s success story is a proof of KTU’s ability to nurture creativity, tech skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Photos: Issaka Osumanu engaged the media on his two projects on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 in Koforidua

(c) Public Affairs Division