ATU introduces paramedical trichology programme, first of its kind in Africa

Report by Ben LARYEA
Accra Technical University (ATU) has launched its Higher National Diploma
(HND)programme in Paramedical Technology to scale up professional training in
hair and scalp conditions in Ghana and beyond.
The three-year programme, the first of its kind in Africa is in partnership with the
Abrantie College and is geared towards creating another opportunity for young
people and practitioners to enhance their skills at the tertiary level.
The course will further create the needed platform for students to be adequately
train to access and manage hair loss, scalp disorders and other related conditions
which requires the attention of medical professional.
Speaking at the media launch, the Vice Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi
said the HND Paramedical Trichology Programme plays a key role in the beauty
and wellness space and help address challenges associated with hair and scalp
conditions.
The Vice Chancellor urged students to explore merging trends in beauty and
wellness to enable them be abreast with the changing needs of humanity and the
society at large, adding that practitioners for the past years had informal training,
short courses as well as knowledge acquired through experience.
According to him, the programme will give students the practical competencies to
have an in-depth knowledge about hair, scalp disorders and provide also the
appropriate medical interventions by referral to qualified medical professionals.
He however called for the establishment of a professional body to regulate the
sector as part of the effort to maintain competence, ethics and professionalism
within the industry.
Dr. Clement Appak, the Deputy Minister of Education in a speech read on his
behalf said the HND in Paramedical Trichology is accredited at level 5 of Ghana’s
eight- level National TVET Qualifications Framework to address and identify
skills gap in the beauty and wellness industry.
TVET, he said is a powerful pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship, skill
development for national transformation and urged students to take advantage of
the programme and compete in the World of Works (WOWs).
In an address, the Head of Abrantie College, Mr. Brain Obempong, said that the
sector is growing rapidly and have generated a lot of employment opportunities for
young people and used the occasion to thanked the ATU for the fruitful
partnership.