A highly successful network of Intermediate Technology Transfer Units has been established within Ghana, serving to foster and develop small-scale, informal industry. Since the founding of the first ITTU in 1980 the idea has flourished with such units being set up throughout Ghana. This handbook provides detailed guidelines on the workings of the unit. Whilst its primary purpose is to serve as a training manual for those involved in the operation of ITTUs, it also aims to introduce the idea to a wider audience, perhaps inspiring others to reproduce the practice elsewhere.

Preface to First Edition vii
Preface to Second Edition viii
Historical background 1
Intermediate Technology Transfer Unit 5
Informal sector focus 7
Free-of-charge services 8
Self-financing 8
No ab-initio training 8
Training for self-employment 8
Material assistance 9
Services of the ITTU 10
Purpose of the ITTU 10
Demonstration 11
Retail store 12
Information and advice 12
Training 13
Hire of manufacturing facilities 14
Sale of manufacturing facilities 14
Machine tool installation and repair 15
Sub-contracting production orders 16
Sale of small tools 16
Other technical services 17
Letting of workshop accommodation 18
Supply of raw materials 18
Financial aid 19
Summary of services of the ITTU 20
Staffing of the ITTU 22
Purpose of the ITTU 22
Staff grades in the ITTU 22
Production and training 23
Visiting apprentices 24
ITTU apprentices 25
Employment generation 25
Duties of principal officers 27
The ITTU manager 28
Assistant manager 30
The workshop supervisor (chief technician) 30
The training officer 32
Section leaders 34
Rural and womens' industries extension officer 35
Accounting officer 36
Stores officer 36
Security officer 37
Other subordinate staff 38
Client selection and development 39
The client 39
Needs of clients 40
Process of selection 41
Regional advisory/management boards 43
The future 46
Appendix 51
Technologies and products introduced by the TCC/ITTUs
1972-93 51
Technologies introduced and transferred by TCC/Suame ITTU
1972-86 51
Products manufactured by ITTUs and clients 1980-93 52
A Produced by metal machining 52
B Produced by hand forging 52
C Produced by casting 53
D Produced by welding and steel fabrication 53
E Produced by carpentry 54

John Powell
After teaching at the University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Ghana, John Powell was appointed Director of the Technology Consultancy Centre and in 1987, he was appointed the first Director of the GRATIS Project.