History, Vision & Mission
The Department combines three decades of graphic design education with a clear commitment to industry-focused creative training, research, and public service.
Our History
The Department of Graphic Design Technology at Takoradi Technical University traces its roots to 1992, when HND Commercial Arts programmes began under Ghana’s polytechnic reforms. This foundation created a pathway for tertiary creative and technical training in visual communication, commercial art, printing, and applied design. Over time, the programme became an important training ground for students who wanted to combine artistic ability with practical industry skills.
In 2008, the Department of Graphic Design was formally established out of the former Fine Art Department. This marked a major step in giving graphic design its own academic identity, structure, and direction within the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology. The Department focused on preparing students for work in graphic design, advertising, packaging, publishing, photography, animation, printing, and related creative industries.
As the Department developed, its programmes expanded beyond the original HND Commercial Arts route. Bachelor of Technology and other specialised pathways strengthened the Department’s role in studio practice, digital media, print production, research, entrepreneurship, and professional design training. These developments helped align the Department with changing industry needs and the growing importance of technology in visual communication.
Today, the Department celebrates more than three decades of contribution to design education, creative practice, and public service. From its Commercial Arts foundation to its current identity as Graphic Design Technology, the Department continues to train skilled graduates who can think creatively, work technically, serve industry, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s creative economy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide quality tertiary education in Graphic Design Technology through applied arts, studio practice, research, innovation, and industry-focused training. We are committed to equipping students with strong creative, technical, entrepreneurial, and professional skills that enable them to excel in visual communication, printing, packaging, advertising, animation, photography, publishing, and related creative industries, while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become a world-class centre for Graphic Design Technology education and creative excellence, producing highly skilled professionals who can provide innovative art and design solutions for industry and society. The Department seeks to support human resource development in Ghana and beyond by nurturing designers who are creative thinkers, technical problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and responsible contributors to the growth of the creative economy.