About Accra Technical University.
History & Establishment
Establishment of the Polytechnic
Accra Polytechnic, thePremierPolytechnic inGhanawas established in 1949. It was firstly known asAccraTechnical School. Later became known as Accra Technical Institute in 1957. In 1963, the institute was namedAccra Polytechnicby the orders ofGhana’s First President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Accra Polytechnic by the mandate of the Polytechnic Law of 1992 (PNDCL.321), was elevated to a tertiary status in 1993 to offer Higher National Diploma (HND) certificateprogrammes.
Its elevation was aimed at enhancing tertiary institution through excellence, professionalism and diversity in its programmes. The institution produces all-round, innovative, and disciplinedgraduateswho continually contribute immensely towards the manpower needed in Ghana’s industries.
Notwithstanding some teething problems, Accra Polytechnic has made tremendous progress through the review and expansion of curricula to suit contemporary needs. Courses offered are: Interior Architecture & Furnishing, Secretaryship and Management Studies, Bilingual Secretaryship and Management Studies, Accountancy,Marketing, Purchasing and Supply, Hotel Catering and Institutional Management,FashionDesign and Textiles,Mathematicsand Statistics, and Science LaboratoryTechnology. The technology courses offered by the Polytechnic were maintained.
In 2007, the Polytechnic Act (Act 745) was promulgated and it repealed PNDC Law, 1992 (PNDCL 321). This Act has granted the Polytechnics autonomy to award the Higher National Diplomas (HND), Diplomas and other Certificates accredited by the NationalAccreditationBoard (NAB), and award Degrees subject to the conditions that the Council of that Polytechnic may determine.
Accra Polytechnic currently offers four (6) Degree Programmes and fifteen (15) HND Programmes. These programmes are run in three schools.
As a tertiary institution, Accra Polytechnic is governed by a Council established under the Polytechnic Act, 2007 (Act 745).
The Polytechnic system in Ghana is geared towards the training of high quality and diverse middle level management personnel, who will easily fit into the Ghanaian industrial environment and form the backbone of Ghana’s development.
Accra Polytechnic distinguishes itself primarily in providing continuous excellence in tuition, practical training, learning and research. Thus, we have over the years become the best among the rest and the track record of our past graduates attests to this assertion.
Among its most remarkable successes is the field of knowledge transfer and putting research into practice. Accra polytechnic has thus contributed immensely towards Ghana’s economic growth evident in the fields of research, innovation and development such as in engineering and applied science and technology.
The Unique Features of Accra Polytechnic
The institution’s location, situated in the commercial center of Accra, the capital of Ghana, confers on it many
advantages. It has made Accra Polytechnic the first choice for many professionals who wish to share knowledge and skills. The institution therefore attracts well qualified seasoned staff as well as students from all over the country, including students from neighboring countries. It also draws young professionals already in the field who are time constrained to study during regular study hours. In the past years, Accra Polytechnic has evolved into one of the best tertiary institutions credited with practical industrial knowledge which has had impact on Ghana’s economy. It thus attracts students from the sub- region and across the globe. Currently, the institution has a student population of twelve thousand, six hundred and eighty-five (12,685).
Accra Polytechnic aims at preparing career graduates who combine theory with practical competence. In view of this, the institution has over the years excelled in providing career-focused and community basededucationwhich is developed in partnership with employers. This places the institution far ahead of other analogous institutions in the country.
The institution further offers the platform that allows students to build on their competence, thus enhancing theory and practice, which allow students to participate in applied research and commercialization projects.
The availability of excellent and quality teaching and learning facilities, coupled with committed and experienced lecturers, enriches the study environment of Accra Polytechnic, thereby adding a distinctive mark to its reputation.
The world around Accra Polytechnic
Accra Polytechnic is situated in the CentralBusinessDistrict of Accra, making it uniquely placed as an “Inner-City ‘Polytechnic. Located in the midst of other high profile corporate businesses and institutions, Accra Polytechnic is opposite Movenpick and Novotel hotels, whilst it shares its northern flank with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the City Campus of theUniversity of Ghana. The western gate of the Polytechnic is surrounded by the Central Police Station of Accra, the Ghana Cocoa Board and Airtel and MTN Mobile Communication offices. It also shares its southern boundary with the Assembly Press.
The Polytechnic is a 4km drive away from the Kotoka International Airport. It is easily accessible from all directions in Accra with a guaranteed transport services to all parts of the country
The Mandate, Vision, Mission and Shared Values
By the provision of the Polytechnic Act 2007 (Act 745) the Polytechnic is mandated to provide tertiaryeducationin the fields of manufacturing commence, science, technology, applied social science, applied arts any other field approved of the minister and provide opportunities for skills development, applied research and publication.
Our Vision
To be Centre of excellence for teaching, practical training, learning and research
Our Mission
We provide life- transforming opportunities and experiences for students through teaching, practical training, entrepreneurial skills development and research in the fields of Applied Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Applied Arts andBusinessfor the benefit of society.
Our Objectives
Academics
To provide first class practical oriented tertiary education in the fields of applied science, engineering, technology, applied arts, andbusinessthrough the;
- Engagement and development of competent human resource;
- Admission of qualified applicants;
- Provision of ICT infrastructure platform, workshops, laboratories, and learning and research materials;
- Compliance with quality standards in teaching, learning, examinations and certification; and
- Provision of opportunities and funding for research, innovation and publication.
Governance
To provide leadership, make policies, allocate resources, instill discipline, mediate conflicts and to provide support for individual faculties/schools, sections,departments, and units to ensure that the Polytechnic’s vision, mission and goals are pursued and achieved.
Infrastructure/ Academic facility
To provide sustainable, safe and state of the art academic facilities to meet the needs of the Polytechnic.
The shared values of Truth, Excellence and Service are the principal ideals which determine who we are as an institution. They are the three pillars of the institution and permeate every process and activity and are infused in the character of students, faculty, and staff of Accra Polytechnic.
- Truth: To be sincere in action, character, and utterance;
- Excellence: To exhibit a superior quality in everything we do; and
- Service: To be responsive to the needs of our stakeholders and make a positive impact in the society
