Ghanaian technology entrepreneur and industrialist Tsonam Akpeloo has been sworn in as Chairman of the newly constituted Governing Board of the Applied Technology Institute (ATI), East Legon, with a mandate to help reposition the institution as a world-class centre for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The inauguration, held under the theme ‘Strengthening Governance for Quality Technical and Vocational Education’, was attended by officials of the Ghana TVET Service, the Institute’s management and staff, members of the newly constituted Governing Board and other stakeholders in education and industry.
The Applied Technology Institute is one of Ghana’s foremost technical and vocational institutions under the Ministry of Education.
The Institute is focused on equipping students and trainees with practical, industry-relevant skills in areas including Automotive Technology, Heavy-Duty Diesel Technology, Electrical Technology, Electronics, Computer Hardware and Software Technology, and PV Solar Energy Technology, among others.
The institution has, over the years, played an important role in developing technical expertise and preparing young people for the world of work. Its growing focus on emerging technologies also places it at the forefront of efforts to modernise Ghana’s TVET sector.
Notably, the Institute was the first technical institution in Ghana to formally offer solar technology as a programme, reflecting its longstanding commitment to responding to emerging technological and industrial needs.
The Institute is also preparing to venture further into the emerging electric vehicle (EV) sector, with plans to launch EV systems manufacturing and technical training to equip a new generation of professionals with the skills required to participate in this growing industry in West Africa.
The inauguration of the Governing Board marks an important new chapter in the development of Applied Technology Institute.
The newly constituted Board has been tasked with providing strategic guidance and supporting efforts to revamp and reposition the Institute as a world-class technical institution, comparable with leading technical institutions internationally.
The Board is expected to contribute to strengthening institutional governance, quality assurance, industry partnerships, infrastructure development, innovation, resource mobilisation, student welfare and graduate employability.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Institute’s Principal, Ing. Emmanuel Kotey Ashie, expressed the full support of Management for the newly constituted Board and welcomed the experience and expertise that its members bring to the Institute.
He noted that effective governance would be critical to the Institute’s continued growth and its ability to respond to the changing demands of industry and technology.
The Board’s inauguration was conducted by Her Worship Rhoda K. Donkor, a Circuit Court Judge, who administered the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to the members.
In congratulating the newly constituted Board, Her Worship Donkor encouraged the members to approach their responsibilities with commitment and ensure that they delivered on the mandate entrusted to them.
The Board is chaired by Tsonam Akpeloo.
Its membership includes professionals and institutional representatives from education, industry, government, the PTA, the Old Students Association and the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipal Assembly:
Ing. Emmanuel Kotey Ashie — Principal, Applied Technology Institute
Norbert Ayamga — Vice Principal, Administration & General Services / Board Secretary
Isaac Annancy Inkoom — Director-General’s Office, Ghana TVET Service
Ing. Emmanuel Essah Agyemang — Old Students Association
Frederick Tetteh Padi — Automobile Industry
Eric Kwame Arhin — Parent-Teacher Association
Issah Ibrahim Kamara — Local Government of Ghana
In his acceptance speech as Chairman, Mr. Akpeloo underscored the strategic importance of TVET to Ghana’s development, particularly in the country’s efforts to accelerate industrialisation and close the longstanding gap between education and the world of work.
He argued that technical and vocational education should not be viewed as a second-class pathway, but rather as a critical component of national development.
According to him, the future of Ghana’s industrial economy depends significantly on the country’s ability to produce people who possess not only academic knowledge, but also the practical skills required to apply that knowledge in real-world environments.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between industry, TVET institutions and government, particularly in designing training programmes that respond directly to workplace requirements.
Such collaboration, he noted, should extend beyond curriculum development to include internships, apprenticeships, workplace exposure, industry partnerships and practical training opportunities that allow students to understand and experience the realities of the industries in which they hope to work.
Strong Prospects for TVET GraduatesSpeaking on the question of job prospects for TVET graduates in industry, Mr. Akpeloo said the outlook is strong, given the increasing demand for people with practical and technical capabilities.
However, he stressed that obtaining a certificate alone is not enough.
“The key issue is not simply having a certificate, but having the competence employers need.”
He explained that modern employers increasingly require graduates who can demonstrate practical ability, problem-solving skills, digital competence, communication skills and adaptability.
For this reason, he called for a stronger alignment between what is taught in TVET institutions and what industry actually requires.
From an industry perspective, he said, TVET graduates have opportunities across manufacturing, construction, automotive, energy, technology, engineering and other technical sectors.
They can also use their skills to pursue entrepreneurship and build businesses of their own.He stressed that the responsibility for maximising these opportunities cannot rest on TVET institutions alone.
Industry, government and TVET institutions must work together to ensure that graduates leave school with the practical competencies required to succeed.
Building Skills for the FutureThe Chairman’s vision for the Applied Technology Institute comes at a time when Ghana’s industrial landscape is changing rapidly.
Emerging areas such as renewable energy, electric mobility, digitalisation, automation, advanced manufacturing and green technologies are creating new demands for specialised technical skills.
For institutions such as the Applied Technology Institute, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
The challenge is to ensure that training keeps pace with technological change.
The opportunity is to position TVET institutions as critical partners in Ghana’s industrial transformation.
Mr. Akpeloo’s appointment therefore comes with a clear emphasis on strengthening the connection between education and industry, while supporting the Institute’s ambition to become a leading centre for practical, innovative and industry-driven technical education.
The broader objective is to ensure that young people are not only trained to seek jobs but are also equipped to create employment, solve problems, innovate and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.
The inauguration of the Applied Technology Institute Governing Board represents more than the formal appointment of a new leadership structure.
It signals a renewed commitment to strengthening governance and positioning TVET as a central pillar of Ghana’s economic and industrial development.
With the experience of the newly constituted Board, the support of Management and staff, and collaboration with the Ghana TVET Service, industry and other stakeholders, Applied Technology Institute is expected to embark on a new phase of institutional development.
For Mr. Akpeloo, the task is ultimately about ensuring that technical education delivers tangible value to Ghana’s young people and the economy.
The ambition is clear: to strengthen governance, modernise technical education, deepen industry collaboration and equip a new generation with the skills required to build and participate in the industries of the future.
As Ghana seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment, institutions such as Applied Technology Institute will remain critical to building the skilled workforce required to drive sustainable industrialisation.
And with its new Governing Board now formally in place, the Institute begins a new chapter in that journey.