Ghana National Gas Company, to ensure equal opportunity and empower students with disabilities, has partnered with the Centre for Gender and Advocacy of Takoradi Technical University to hand over a Reading Room as well as other essential support systems for students with disabilities at the University.
The handing over of the dedicated Reading Room with special purpose technology for students with disabilities also located within the University’s main library marked a significant step in the University’s effort to create an academic environment where every student, irrespective of having disabilities or not, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
In addition to the Reading Room were assistive tools and learning materials, including voice recorders, aimed at enhancing the educational experience of students with disabilities.
Speaking at the handing-over event, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, TTU, Prof. Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah, thanked Ghana Gas for their continued support of students with disabilities and the broader contributions to the University.
“Ghana Gas has been of tremendous support to the University in this direction, and we are hoping that this will not be the end of it, that there will be more to come, not only for students with disabilities but for all of us to benefit. We will also let Ghana Gas know that, indeed, whatever support they gave us has been put to good use,” he said.
The Disability Liaison Officer at Ghana Gas, Isaac Ansah, on his part, said the support is a result of its deep commitment to ensuring inclusive education and support for students with special needs.
“The importance of empowering individuals with disabilities cannot be overstated. Ghana Gas believes that empowerment is not just about providing resources but also fostering self-determination. We are committed to enabling persons with disabilities to take control of their destinies, advocate for their rights, and play a central role in the national discourse. By doing so, we ensure that their voices are not only heard but also respected and valued in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives. This approach aligns with our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education and Goal 10 on reduced inequalities,” he said.
He also urged the students to make good use of the opportunity.
“I urge you to make the most of these opportunities. You have the talent, intellect, and determination to achieve greatness. These resources provided are not just anything else; they are windows to a world of knowledge, innovation, and possibilities. Use them to dream bigger, think creatively, and lead boldly,” he urged.
TTU’s Scholarships Coordinator, Olivia Agyemang, who facilitated the Ghana Gas support to the University, while giving a breakdown of the support mentioned that the modern furnishing in the Reading Room and voice recorders for students to record lectures for easy interpretation, printers for the Disability Support Unit office and other school supplies will go a long way to to realise TTU’s vision of ensuring equal opportunities for all.
She noted that, as part of the project, management will organise two training programmes: one for the staff of the Disability Support Unit and another for students on how to use AI to improve their studies.
The Scholarships Coordinator also noted that Ghana Gas has pledged to provide ten computers to be used in the Reading Room to facilitate learning.
The Acting Librarian of TTU, Papa Kwamena Fynn, while expressing gratitude to Ghana Gas, also appealed to them to help create collaborative spaces within the library by redesigning the entire floor to enhance group studies among students.
One student with a disability, Miss Agnes Obeng, a brilliant but needy student offering Technology of Fashion Design from the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology, was a notable beneficiary of the support. She received a modern wheelchair, school supplies, and full payment of her tuition for the remainder of her academic years, courtesy of the University management.
The handing-over event concluded with a Career Fair, where students received guidance on time management.
