By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, March 2, GNA-The Fifth National delegates congress of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) is underway at the Ho Technical University (HTU) with a call for a solid front for teacher unions and deepened industrial harmony.
It is under the theme, “Dialogue at the Centre: Sustaining Industrial Harmony through Engagement and Diplomacy in the Technical Universities of Ghana.”
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice Chancellor Ho Technical University, in a welcoming remark acknowledged that TUTAG had demonstrated unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare and professional dignity of technical university teachers while contributing meaningfully to policy discourse within the sector.
He said dialogue embodied maturity, leadership and institutional patriotism, and when dialogue is prioritized, the pathway shifts from confrontation to collaboration, from suspicion to understanding and from conflict to productive progress.
He said the dialogue process is vital for technical universities, which play pivotal roles in national development.
“May this Congress deepen our unity, strength industrial harmony, promote fairness, academic excellence, improved conditions of service, institutional stability and position Ghana’s Technical Universities for greater impact.”
Prof Honyenuga indicated the collective mission and a call to action is to provide competency-based education, applied research and industry-responsive training must occur within a stable and peaceful academic environment saying “A harmonious environment fosters innovation, productivity and excellence.”
He congratulated all the newly elected local and national executives of TUTAG, who have accepted the responsibility to serve and acknowledged the efforts of outgoing executives.
Prof Uriah S. Tetteh, Outgoing President of TUTAG in a farewell remark said the Association has metamorphosed into a principled and responsible labour union, that understands that industrial harmony is cultivated through respectful engagement with key actors such as the government, strategic collaboration with regulatory bodies and internal agreement among members.
He said the Congress signifies the importance of partnership, which reinforces the belief that dialogue remains he most sustainable pathway to progress.
“The congress marks a moment of transition of administration, which affirms continuity, demonstrates democratic maturity and a reminder that leadership of TUTAG is a trust, temporary in tenure but enduring in responsibility.”
Prof Tetteh is optimistic Congress would emerge not only with renewed leadership but renewed purpose guided b wisdom, mutual respect and shared commitment.
Mr Maxwell Bunu, National President of Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) remarked in a solidarity message said CETAG and TUTAG are sister unions in the same struggle, though the context may differ but their collective mission is to protect the welfare of teachers and to advance education in the country.
He said “When we share strategies, sand together in advocacy, support each other in times of challenge, our collective voices become stronger and formidable. Let us therefore commit to regular dialogue, join platforms, and united action. In unity, our strength is multiplied.”
He paid glowing tribute to the Prof Tetteh, the outgoing President for his steadfast commitment to advancing the cause of tertiary education unions has been a beacon of hope and strength.
Mr Bunu pledged CETAG’s unflinching support and commitment to the incoming administration of TUTAG led by Prof Deodat Emilson Adenutsi saying “We stand shoulder to shoulder with you, for progress, deepened collaboration and chart a brighter path for educators.”
The incoming national leadership are Prof Deodat Emilson Adenutsi – President Elect, Dr Frank Kulor – Vice President; Dr Francis Nutusgah – General Secretary; Mr. Daniel Komla Tsorhe – Treasurer; Mr. Francois Mahama – National Organizer and Ms Patience Aku Dedume – as the first Gender Officer of TUTAG.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade