Otufuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has urged the Ghanaian government to provide necessary resources to the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) to fulfil its mandate.
According to him, equipping the university is crucial to fostering creativity and innovation, which are essential for job creation and addressing the escalating unemployment crisis not only in Ghana but also globally.
During the investiture ceremony of Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo as the Foundation Vice-Chancellor of AAMUSTED in Kumasi, the Asantehene emphasized the significant role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana’s development.
He commended the government for elevating the Kumasi and Asante Mampong campuses into a fully-fledged universities after years of advocacy.
AAMUSTED
The AAMUSTED, formerly known as the College of Technology Education Kumasi (COLTEK) under the University of Education, Winneba, was established on August 27, 2020, by an Act of Parliament (Act 1026, 2020). Additionally, the Mampong campus, which focuses on agricultural education, was previously referred to as the College of Agriculture Education (CAGRIC).
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government for their bold decision in establishing AAMUSTED. He acknowledged the efforts and work of the University’s Council, management, staff, and students, and regarded the appointment of Prof. Sarfo as a vote of confidence.
The Asantehene urged Prof. Sarfo to continue his diligent work and emphasized the importance of faculty capacity building, regular program reviews, joint research, and relevance of programs, products, and faculty in addressing national and global needs and challenges.
In his address, Prof. Sarfo emphasized that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and TVET are not fundamentally different. He called on the nation to reject underestimating TVET and STEM.
The University’s commitment lies in equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills in teaching TVET, as quality TVET teachers are pivotal to achieving high-quality TVET in the country.
Furthermore, Prof. Sarfo proposed the teaching of TVET and STEM in local languages at the basic education level to enhance students’ understanding and comprehension.
