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Research

Scholarship and Creative Inquiry

Research & Publications

Faculty scholarship spans graphic design education, print production, packaging, typography, photography, bookbinding, publishing, visual culture, curriculum development, internships, and community-facing design.

OverviewResearch culture and themes InterestsStaff research areas PublicationsBooks, journals, papers PracticeApplied design outcomes

Research Overview

A practice-led research culture shaped by design education, production technology, and public communication.

The Department’s scholarship connects studio practice with technical production and community need. Across the supplied records, staff research repeatedly returns to employability, print quality, visual documentation, media use, heritage preservation, curriculum improvement, design entrepreneurship, and applied public design.

1997-2024Publication and creative-output records represented across books, papers, reports, exhibitions, and journal articles.
Core ThemesGraphic design education, printing, typography, packaging, photography, bookbinding, advertising, culture, and visual communication.
Practice LinkResearch records include manuals, handbooks, exhibitions, teaching materials, student research guides, and industry-facing studies.
Community LensWork includes signage, heritage documentation, public health communication, school art documentation, and visual culture studies.

Research Themes

Four lanes make the Department’s research record easier to scan.

The records are broad, so this page groups them by recurring research problems rather than presenting the publications as a single long list only.

01

Design Education and Employability

Curriculum studies, student research quality, graduate outcomes, internships, work-ready training, social emotional learning, and theory-practice links in technical university education.

02

Printing, Publishing and Book Production

Lithographic printing faults, bookbinding, print production flaws, prepress, screen printing, publishing practice, layout, typography, and printing technology training.

03

Visual Culture, Heritage and Communication

Graphic symbolism, fort documentation, visual art preservation, African art and culture, advertising communication, smartphone photography, and public visual literacy.

04

Applied Practice and Community Service

Campus and community signage, health-centre communication, exhibition work, photographic projects, brand applications, public information systems, and consultancy outputs.

Staff Research Interests

Declared interests and professional development recorded in the supplied staff documents.

These interest areas show the Department’s practical range: from digital photography and graphic design pedagogy to publishing, bookbinding, lettering, typography, printing safety, and industry expectation in technical education.

Dr. Dzidefo Letsa

  • Digital photography and computer image manipulation.
  • Graphic design education and visual arts teaching quality.
  • African art and culture.
  • Preventive maintenance of lab and studio equipment.

Kwadwo Essuman Amissah (PhD)

  • Graphic design, printing, publishing, and bookbinding.
  • Communication and media, cultural studies, and advertising communication.
  • Artist and practice-based research.
  • CBT delivery, test item moderation, database training, safety signage, and administrative development workshops.

Dr. Josephine Sarpong-Nyantakyi

  • Industrial expectations in HND graphic design curriculum.
  • Social emotional learning in higher technical education.
  • Labour-market destinations and work-ready commercial art training.

Collins Fordjour

  • Printing technology and book production authorship.
  • Development, publishing, art, and culture education.
  • CBT delivery, CTVET test item delivery, and professional conference participation.

Mrs. Blessed Afua Ofor

  • Lettering and typography.
  • Printing technology.
  • Health and safety of the printing process.

Collaborative Research Areas

  • Bookbinding manuals and printing guides.
  • Startup barriers among graphic design graduates.
  • Student research writing, industrial training, and graduate entrepreneurship.

Research Outputs

Outputs move between scholarship, teaching resources, technical manuals, and creative practice.

The record is not limited to journal articles. It includes books, handbooks, exhibition catalogues, technical guides, curriculum work, magazine articles, registered creative works, and conference papers.

Books and Manuals

Graphic design guides, bookbinding manuals, printing process handbooks, packaging idea books, typography and layout guides, and interior design resources.

Journal Articles

Peer-reviewed studies on design education, typography, packaging habits, photography, internships, image fading, sports betting, and heritage documentation.

Exhibitions and Creative Works

Photographic exhibitions, logo registrations, poster art, visual documentation projects, and practice-based studio outputs.

Reports and Conference Papers

School and faculty conference papers, technical reports, student project writing guides, curriculum documents, and teaching-learning studies.

Publication Record

Books, journal articles, papers, exhibitions, and technical reports.

Grouped by staff member for easier scanning. Repeated entries in the supplied documents are consolidated where they describe the same publication.

Recent Studies2023-2024 records include heritage documentation, reading comprehension, internships, teaching and learning, digital prints, and printing misconceptions.
Technical GuidesBookbinding, lithographic printing, screen printing, layout, typography, packaging, handmade books, and print-production flaws.
Design CultureVisual arts documentation, cultural symbolism, rites of passage, smartphone photography, art appreciation, and African visual culture.
Prof. George Brako-Hiapa
  • George Brako-Hiapa, Eric Kwadwo Amissah & David Nana Amoah Mensah (2024). “Enhancing Reading Comprehension: Visual Documentation Approaches for Children with Reading Difficulties and Disabilities.” International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 13, Issue 3, 18-39.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa & B. J. Sebbeh (2019). Understanding and Assigning Value to Works of Art. Takoradi: University Press.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa (2019). Growing a Successful Graphic Design Business. Takoradi: University Press.
  • S. Sadia, B. J. Sebbeh & G. Brako-Hiapa (2018). Graphic Designers Guide to Print Production Flaws. Takoradi Technical University Press.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa & B. J. Sebbeh (2018). Illustrative Handbook on Packaging Ideas for the Graphic Designer. Takoradi Technical University Press.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa (2017). Art and Design Studio Practice-Based Research. Kdua: Paa Wills.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa (2013). Graphic Design in Easy Steps, revised edition. China: Print in China Limited.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa (2009). Graphic Design in Easy Steps. Nkawkaw: ERC Printing Press.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa & J. Adu-Agyem (2012). Aesthetic Appreciation: Documentation of Selected Students’ Art Works in Ghana. Nkawkaw: ERC Printing Press.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Nkrumah, T. N. (2020). Effective Use of Typography in Print Media Advertising, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 9 Issue 5, pp. 160-172.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Danso, G. (2020). The Usage of Smartphone Photography and its Impact on Professional Photography in Ghana. International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, Vol. 8 Issue 2, pp. 261-271.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Sebbeh, B. J. (2019). Assessment of Quality Challenges of Practice-Based Reports: Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 8 Issue 9, pp. 172-178.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Sebbeh, B. J. (2018). Preference Factors for HND Graphic Design and the Rate of Attrition at the Department of Graphic Design Technology, Takoradi Technical University.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Keren-Happuch Zoe (2018). Essential Ideas on Advertising for the Graphic Designer. Kdua: Paa Wills. ISBN: 978-9988-54-912-1.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Adu-Agyem, J. (2012). Providing Adequate Care, Storage and Preservation Measures for Art Works in Senior High Schools in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 1 Issue 8, pp. 414-427.
  • Brako-Hiapa, G. & Adu-Agyem, J. (2012). School Based Visual Arts: Documentation of Selected Students’ Art Works in Ghana as a Potential Resource Material for Teaching and Learning of Aesthetics. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 1 Issue 6, pp. 1-23.
  • Enti, M., Brako-Hiapa, G., Adu-Agyem, J., Osei-Poku & Steiner R. (2010). Diorama Art: A Potential Medium for Museum Education. Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 76-85.
Dr. Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh
  • Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh & George Brako-Hiapa (2020). Food Packaging Reading Habits of Consumers in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area. International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, Vol. 8 Issue 6, ISSN 2321-9203.
  • Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh (2020). The Rites of Passage as a Social Obligation for Sustainable Cultural Development. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 9 Issue 8, ISSN 2278-0211.
  • Dr. George Brako-Hiapa & Dr. B. J. Sebbeh (2019). Assessment of Quality Challenges of Practice-Based Research Reports: Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 8 Issue 9, ISSN 2278-0211.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa & B. J. Sebbeh (2018). An Illustrated Guide to Handmade Books for Beginners. Takoradi Technical University Press.
  • S. O. Apori, Joseph Essuman and Bartholomew J. Sebbeh (2008). Bachelor of Technology Syllabus for Printing for Takoradi Polytechnic.
  • Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh (2017). The Significance of Introducing Computer Graphics into the Senior High School Visual Arts Programme in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research Development, Vol. 6 Issue 7.
  • Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh (2017). Psychological Perceptions and Values in Some Selected Beliefs and Taboos of the Denkyira Ethnic Group in Ghana. Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion, Vol. 29 Issue 6.
  • Bartholomew Johnson Sebbeh (2017). Introduction to Interior Designing and Decoration. Kumasi: Bjgrafix. ISBN: 978-9988-2-6179-5.
  • G. Brako-Hiapa & Bartholomew J. Sebbeh (2017). Preference factors for HND Graphic Design and attrition at the Department of Graphic Design Technology, 1st Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology Conference.
Eric Kwadwo Amissah / Kwadwo Essuman Amissah (PhD)
  • Amissah, E. K., Gyimah, J. K. & Kwofie, D. B. (2024). “Visual Documentation on Fort Metal Cross in the Western Region of Ghana: The Role of the Graphic Artists in Heritage Preservation.” International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, Vol. 13, Issue 2, 91-104.
  • Amissah, E. K. (2023). Factors Affecting Teaching, Learning and Academic Performance in the Department of Graphic Design Technology, Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science, ISSN: 2582-0745, Vol. 6, Issue 2, pp. 73-92.
  • Amissah, E. K., Frank B. K. Twenefour, Nduro, K. & Asare Ayim, E. (2023). Situational Analysis of the Willingness to Accept Interns, Benefits and Challenges of Academic Internship Programmes to Host Organisations. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, Vol. 19, Issue 2, pp. 7-18.
  • Essuman, J., Amissah, E. K. & Gyimah, J. K. (2023). Graphical Symbolism of Adaekesee Festival: Independent Visual Communication Tool of Verbal Language. International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences, Vol. 6, Issue 2, pp. 264-280.
  • Amissah, E. K. & Gyimah, J. K. (2023). Printing Press Operator and Publisher: The Misconception of Graphic Design Students in Technical Universities in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 11-15.
  • Amissah, E. K. & Gyimah, J. K. (2023). Bookbinding and Photographic Screen Printing: A Factor to Mitigate Unemployment among Graphic Design Graduates in Ghana. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 10, Issue 1, pp. 123-138.
  • Agyarkoh, E. & Amissah, E. K. (2022). Development of Graphic Design Practice and Education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Culture Studies, ISSN 2573-0401 / 2573-041X, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 71-92.
  • Amissah, E. K. (2023). A Handbook on Lithographic Printing Processes, second edition. ISBN: 978-9988-3-5697-2. Ayensua Publications, Takoradi, Ghana.
  • Essuman, J. & Amissah, E. K. (2022). A Complete Guide to BookBinding. ISBN: 978-9988-3-3851-0. Black Mask Limited, Winneba, Ghana.
  • Amissah, E. K. (2017). The Representation of Ruling and Opposition Parties in State-owned Newspapers in Contemporary Ghana. ISBN: 978-3-96067-133-6; PDF eBook ISBN: 978-3-96067-633-1. Anchor Academic Publishing, Hamburg, Germany.
  • Amissah, E. K. & Gyimah, J. K. (2016). A Manual on Bookbinding. ISBN: 978-9988-2-3707. Piro Copy & Print Limited, Takoradi.
  • Nduro, K., Amissah, E. K. & Gyimah, J. K. (2015). A Guide to Screen Printing, Faults and Safety Guidelines. ISBN: 978-9988-2-2266-6. Piro Copy & Print Limited, Takoradi.
  • Amissah, E. K. (2014). A Handbook on Lithographic Printing Process. ISBN: 978-9988-1-0715-5. Piro Copy & Print Limited, Takoradi.
  • Amissah, E. K. (2014). A Handbook on Lithographic Printing Faults, Causes and Possible Solutions. Piro Copy & Print Limited, Takoradi.
  • Amissah, E. K. (1997). Alcohol: How Does It Affect the Body. Impulse Magazine of the Art Society, College of Art and Social Studies, KNUST, Kumasi.
Dr. Dzidefo Letsa
  • Letsa, D. (2017). The Takoradi After Flood Project photographs for joint exhibition in Fusion 3, Faculty of Applied Arts & Technology Exhibition Catalogue.
  • Letsa, D. (2016). Beautiful Rubbish: Building Photographic Backdrops with Selected Solid Waste Materials. Sterling Brains Publications, Ghana. ISBN: 978-9988-2-2985-6.
  • Tsey, D. and Letsa, D. (2016). Assessing the Takoradi Polytechnic Teacher on Research and Promotion. Takoradi Polytechnic Journal, Volume 4, Number 1, April 2016.
  • Letsa, D. (2015). Towards Employable Graduates Production: The Student’s Role. Oil City in Focus Magazine, June 2015, NMC/CI39/15/1964, ISSN: 2467-9003.
  • Letsa, D. (2015). 110 Evils of the Tongue poster art and photographs in Fusion 2, School of Applied Arts Exhibition Catalogue.
  • Letsa, D. (2014). Oil City University, Oil City at Night, and other photographs in Fusion 1, School of Applied Arts Exhibition Catalogue. ISBN: 978-9988-1-9585-4.
  • Letsa, D. and Nduro, K. (2014). Project Report Writing Guide for HND Graphic Design Students. Takoradi Polytechnic, Precise Print, Takoradi. ISBN: 978-9988-2-1274-2.
  • Letsa, D. (2014). Fusion Thoughts: Poem for Fusion 1, School of Applied Arts Exhibition Catalogue. ISBN: 978-9988-1-9585-4.
  • Letsa, D. (2015). Takoradi Polytechnic 60th Anniversary Logo, registered with Copyright Office, 2 April 2015, Certificate Number 00/138/2015.
  • Letsa, D. and Faniyan, B. (2014). Generating Photographic Backgrounds from Selected Waste Materials. Takoradi Polytechnic, School of Applied Arts Research Conference Paper.
  • Letsa, D. and Wor, J. K. (2014). Graphic Design Products Quality Compromise in Ghana: An Investigation of the Causes. School of Applied Arts Research Conference Paper.
  • Letsa, D. (2014). Dzidefo’s Mother. Poem in Mother: Anthology of Writing on Mothers, MJP Books. ISBN: 978-9988-1-2046-7.
  • Letsa, D. (2008). The Graphic Design Industry in Ghana at Fifty Years. PhD thesis, KNUST.
Dr. Ebenezer Enninful and Abraham Boakye-Amponsah
  • Enninful, E. K., Boakye-Amponsah A. & Vanderpuye, P. (2023). Technology-Induced Image Fading in Digital Prints among Photography Students. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, Volume 17 No. 2, pp. 53-81.
  • Enninful, E. (2023). Technological Unemployment Galore in Ghana: The Spotlight on the Digital Photography Industry. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, Volume 11 No. 4, pp. 9-44.
  • Enninful, E. K., Boakye-Amponsah A. & Lamptey, B. (2023). Digital Sports Betting Cravings among Female Graphic Design Students. Journal of Education and Practice, Volume 14 No. 8, pp. 25-44.
  • Boakye-Amponsah A., Enninful E. K. & Fordjour C. K. (2023). Strengthening Theory and Practice Link in Higher Education: Lithography Printing Faults. British Journal of Education, Volume 11 No. 1, pp. 54-77.
  • Enninful, E., Amponsah, A. B. and Nduro, K. (2016). Analysis of Barriers to Start-Up Business among Graphic Design Graduates of Takoradi Polytechnic. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Vol. 6 No. 6, pp. 76-93.
  • Boakye-Amponsah, A. & Enninful, E. K. (2015). Achieving Quality Education in Ghana: The Spotlight on Primary Education within the Kumasi Metropolis. Journal of Education and Practice, Vol. 6 No. 17.
  • Enninful, E. K. & Boakye-Amponsah, A. (2015). Employee Motivation on the Organisational Growth of Printing Industry in the Kumasi Metropolis. Journal of Education and Practice, Vol. 6 No. 33.
  • Enninful, E. K. & Boakye-Amponsah, A. (2016). Motivating Employees for Effective Organizational Advancement: Managers of Printing Industry in the Kumasi Metropolis. British Journal of Education, Vol. 4 No. 5, pp. 72-86.
Other staff publications and technical reports
  • James Kwasi Gyimah: Manual on Bookbinding; Guide to Screen Printing, Faults and Safety Guidelines; Dynamics Affecting Students’ Research Work with Amissah and Nduro.
  • Dr. Mrs. Betty Faniyan: The Beautiful Nonsense series, Goethe Institute and Museum of Science and Technology, Accra; Compilations of Graphics File Format and their Effect and Usage; Unconventional Fashion Innovations; My Mother’s Kitchen; Non-popular Indigenous Ghanaian Dishes.
  • Johnson Kwame Wor: Billboard advertising quality in Sekondi-Takoradi; Stop Galamsey, Save the Future; Blue Series Logos; Contemporary Graphic Design for Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities; Graphic Design Products Quality Compromise in Ghana.
  • Kwabena Nduro: examination malpractice, industrial training, entrepreneurial knowledge, student research quality, maize supply chain, public procurement innovation, green supply chain, startup barriers among graphic design graduates, research writing, and bookbinding publications with collaborators.
  • Dr. Mrs. Josephine Sarpong-Nyantakyi: fashion among female tertiary students; destinations of HND graphic design graduates in the Ghanaian labour market; producing work-ready commercial art graduates; social emotional learning and industrial expectations in technical education.
  • Prosper Dzukey (2019). Integration of camera into Smartphone: a social tool for Visual Communication. 1st International Design Education Conference, UEW Winneba, Ghana.
  • Collins Fordjour: A Guide to Basic Layout Design and Typography in Printing; The Skill Gap Between Printing Education and Printing Industry in Ghana.

Practice-Based Scholarship

Research work stays close to design practice, public service, and technical production.

The Department’s records show a consistent interest in making research usable: improving print outcomes, supporting student project writing, documenting visual heritage, strengthening internships, guiding book production, and applying design to public communication problems.

Design Education Printing Bookbinding Photography Heritage
Academic design research review for signage and public communication.