Visiting card

Technology Consultancy Centre

Address:

Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC)

University of Science and Technology

University Post Office

Kumasi

Ghana

In 1971 a voluntary Group of university lecturers formed the Suame Product Development Group at the University of Science and Technology. A year later, in 1972, the UST University Council decided to form the Technology Consultancy Centre, and appointed a director from amongst lecturers who applied for the position.

From humble beginnings in consultancy, the Technology Consultancy Centre has now grown into quite a sizeable department. Initially with a budget as a department and since 1982 an autonomous centre receiving its own government subsidy, the Centre is nevertheless accountable through the University Finance Office and a Management Committee of Deans of Faculties chaired by the University's Vice-Chancellor. In addition to the government subsidy, the TCC has benefited from funds from several sources, including GTZ/ GATE.

 

Sections

1. Light Engineering Industry Units

- Intermediate Technology Transfer Units

a) Kumasi

b) Tamale

2 Development and Post-Harvest Unit

3. Rural Industrial Development Programme

a) Beekeeping (Apiculture) Promotion Unit

b) Fish Farm Project

c) Minimum Tillage Pilot Project

d) Ceramics Unit

e) Soap and Vegetable Oils Unit

f) Textiles Production Unit

4. Engineering and Consultancy Services

a) Development and Research

b) Modifications as Appropriate

5. Publications, Information and Library Services

6. Women's Affairs Unit

7. Appropriate Technology Centres and AT Clubs.

 

Working programme

Recall that the objective of setting up the Centre was to provide a university facility through which the latter could exercise its conscience towards the development needs of society; as an organ through which university research and development could be channelled to reach specified target groups. Whether they or the university made the move depended more on what the universities had to offer.

The general idea now is to house a unit, known as the Intermediate Technology Transfer Unit (ITTU) amongst the target group. Thus, in Kumasi and Tamale the university is making an impact in the informal light engineering sector through these ITTUs.

In a modest way also, the building of wooden kiosks or demonstration booths in selected neighbourhoods (e.g. in the back garden of a bungalow in Tamale) helps to bring technology within the grasp of the surrounding community. The people are invited to come and operate the tools available (under supervision) and make any items which interest them.

 

Problems

TCC has the three best-known problems (3Ms), men, money, materials and lack of means of transport.

 

Interests

As it develops, the TCC is moving away from the university campus. For instance, beekeeping is taking the Centre into the Savannah areas to the north. The same applies as regards assistance to fish farmers. While making contacts with the rural folk and using its women staff to reach women all over the country, it will be wise to maintain interest also in the cities. This is done by exhibitions.