President of the Ghana Technology University College (GTUC), Dr. Osei Kofi Darkwa has observed that the problem of urban and rural poverty facing the nation could only be overturned if country's university students worked hard to develop to talents to exploit the available natural resources.
Dr. Darkwa made the observation during GTUC’s 12th matriculation ceremony in Accra to formally usher into the college 451 junior members comprising 367 males and 84 females.
He said students were expected to apply the knowledge that would be acquired to make a difference in the lives of people in the country and beyond.
He said urban and rural poverty in Ghana was still widespread which no one could escape. "You are here to add something important and valuable to your life, to become engineer, an ICT guru, a business administrator, a professional, deserving respect".
The President added that it was incumbent upon the students to develop their talents to contribute in a meaningful way to the development of Ghana and Africa.
Dr. Darkwa said those nations that had achieved a new level of economic success have built their prosperity on certain foundations such as the green revolution and the information revolution.
He explained that the green revolution led to sustained food surpluses and eliminated the threat of starvation, especially in Asia. "It raised farmers' incomes and contributed to the decline in poverty,".
"The revolution made is possible for people to have access to better nutrition and more balanced diet and created greater employment opportunities for rural areas", he said.
He noted that today's world was a global knowledge economy where knowledge, learning communities, and information and communications technologies were the engines for social and economic development.
Dr. Darkwa said the future of the continent depended upon willingness of the people to work hard to harness the new information and communication technologies to advance development.
Professor Patrick Otoo Bobbie, Registrar of GTUC, who administered the matriculation oath, said the ceremony was a unique opportunity for the students to define their lives, redefine it and shape it to start their careers.
Professor Bobbie advised the matriculants to abide by the rules and regulations of the College and contribute their quota for the attainment of its mission, adding that they were going to enjoy seemingly unlimited freedom but urged them to use it wisely to become productive.