The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission on Monday, 2nd November, welcomed the 9th batch of students to undertake an IAEA Regional post-graduate education course in Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources held in the conference room of Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS)
The five-month course to be undertaken by SNAS, University of Ghana is designed to educate its participants to efficiently add to the competent workforce of the nuclear industry.
In his address, the Chairperson for the occasion, Prof Cyril Schandorf admonished the participants to remain humble and cooperative throughout the duration of the course. “I employ the participants to put on the clock of humility, a learning and cooperative attitude throughout the course” he stated.
He further said that the knowledge the participants will acquire through the course will be a stepping stone to other carrier pathways that will include being the radiation protection officer for authorized facilities in the various countries.
Additionally, Prof. Schandorf stated that it is his expectation that the Planning Committee of the Post-Graduate Education course (PGEC) will assist in creating a network for knowledge sharing among professionals in the field of radiation protection.
Prof Augustine Faanu, the Course Coordinator, delivered a message from Edwerd Mickel, the IAEA Technical Officer on behalf of Prof Yaw Serfor-Armah, the Course Director.
He congratulated the participants on their admission for the course and said that the participants should be proud for being selected out of the numerous applications received by the IAEA. “The PGEC fellows should be aware that they were nominated as a result of a thorough process. Like in previous years, we evaluated approximately 230 applicants and based on established criteria, you were selected” he added
He encouraged them to accord the highest interest and dedication to the course so that they can build their competence and contribute effectively to the development nuclear industry.
The Director General of GAEC, Prof B.J.B. Nyarko in his address advised the students to observe all the COVID-19 protocols. He stated that a lot of factors had to be satisfied before the green light was given to undertake this training course
Prof Nyarko further advised the students to use the laid down channels to register all their grievances. “Make sure you talk to your Course Coordinators if you have any challenge, otherwise talk to the Course Director. But if the problem still persists, you can bring it to me for redress” he stated.
He officially welcomed them and wished them well in their studies.
The Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute (RAMSRI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has presented personal protective equipment to three hospitals in Accra.
The gesture was done in collaboration with the Medical Physics Department of the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (University of Ghana) and the Physics Department of the University of Liverpool with the aim to help protect frontline workers against corona virus infection.
The hospitals, Ga East Municipal Hospital, GAEC Hospital and the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), at three separate ceremonies, took delivery of protective face shields and hand sanitizers.
Presenting the items on behalf of the Director General of GAEC, the Director of RAMSRI, Prof. Mary Boadu disclosed that, calls for identification of home-grown solutions in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the action by her outfit and supporting partners to undertake a project on the production of face shields for frontline health workers.
“Through the project, 3D printers were donated by the University of Liverpool to the partner institutions in Ghana to print face visors to support in the fight against COVID -19.” She was thankful to the University of Liverpool for their collaboration and singled out the efforts of Dr. Jon Taylor who is leading the project in the United Kingdom.
Prof. Boadu added that the sanitizers and reusable face shields were carefully produced to ensure the safety and comfort of users. She explained that, the shield can protect the pathways of viral entry, reduce the potential of the wearer from touching their face and serve as a reminder to maintain social distancing.
Prof. Mary Boadu presenting donated items to Medical Superintendent of Ga East Municipal Hospital Dr. Oduro MensahProf. Mary Boadu presenting donated to items to Medical Superintendent of GAEC Hospital Dr. Anthony Quampah
Receiving the items on behalf of Ga East Municipal Hospital, the Medical Superintendent Dr. Oduro Mensah was thankful to GAEC for the gesture. According to him, although number of active cases has been reducing, the COVID-19 infection cases may resurface, asking the general public to be cautious. He advised that the safety protocols are observed to avoided the spread of the virus.
Prof. Mary Boadu presenting the items to Medical Director of University of Ghana Medical Centre, Dr. Kwame Anim Boamah
The Medical Superintendent of GAEC Hospital, Dr. Anthony Quampah expressed gratitude at the gesture. He said, GAEC has remained generous at a period all donations have ceased. He expressed worry at how most patients have refused to seek professional medical care at the hospital due to corona virus scare. He urged Ghanaians to continue to seek professional medical care to avoid being misled by quacks.
Receiving the items on behalf of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, the Medical Director, Dr. Kwame Anim Boamah thanked GAEC for the donation and urged other institutions to continue to support since the virus is still in the system. He added that UGMC’s collaboration with GAEC will continue to greater heights.
Equipment worth about 100,000 euros were donated to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) on Tuesday to support the COVID-19 fight in the northern sector of Ghana.
This donation was done by GAEC on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the disease from animals to humans.
Chief Director for Ministry of Food and Agriculture Mr. Patrick Robert Ankobea
Receiving the items on behalf of the Minister, the Chief Director of the Ministry. Mr. Patrick Robert Ankobea was thankful to GAEC and the IAEA for this immense support to Ghana to help fight the disease and to reduce animal to human transmission.
He was also particularly grateful to GAEC for the immense technological support to the Ministry, throughout their years of collaboration helping them deliver on their mandate.
Mr. Ankobea said that most people are not aware of the major support the Veterinary Services Directorate has played in the management of COVID-19 in Ghana. “Our role has been to assist in the testing of samples taken from humans to check the infection or otherwise of the population and we have been doing so with the Noguchi Memorial Institute” he revealed.
He added that an ultramodern facility donated by the Canadian government has been in use in the testing of suspected COVID-19 cases and this equipment from GAEC is going to help boost their capacity.
“We all know that the COVID-19 has created a lot of anxiety and Ghana is fortunate and adjudged one of the countries to have managed it very well. It is because of gestures like these from you that it has been possible, and we are happy that the equipment is going all the way to Pong Tamale in the Northern part of the country, having already catered for the southern side”, he stated.
Director General of GAEC, Prof. B.J.B Nyarko
The Director General of GAEC, Prof. BJB Nyarko, in a short statement indicated that as part of the IAEA’s quest to contain the pandemic, the agency has assisted hundreds of laboratories around the globe with this nuclear driven testing technique called Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). “The method is currently the fastest and most accurate for the detection of the SARS COVID 2 virus which is causing COVID 19”, he revealed.
Prof. Nyarko indicated that the equipment is capable of analyzing over 4,600 samples in a day. “This is the second time IAEA is donating this set of RTPCR COVID 19 testing equipment, accessories, quantities of consumables and other molecular biology reagents to the Ghana government and the people of Ghana” he added.
He further indicated that the first equipment was donated to the Ministry of Health and was taken to the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho.
“It is of interest to note that the donated equipment by the IAEA through the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission is worth over 100000.00 Euros. The other one to the Ministry of Health was about 98,000.00 Euros, so the two equipment is about 200,00.00 Euros” he said.
In his closing remarks, Prof Nyarko indicated that this donation by the IAEA is part of a project known as the Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative, launched in June, 2020. He opined that the main objective of the ZODIAC project is to support IAEA member states to prevent future pandemics resulting from the spill-over of pathogens from animals to human populations. “The ZODIAC initiative will help member states to rapidly detect and respond to outbreak of such diseases”, he revealed.
The Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Prof. BJB Nyarko last Thursday inaugurated the Technical Staff Association (TSA) of the Commission as the newest worker group in a short ceremony held in the GAEC Auditorium, Accra.
Vice Chancellor of the Accra Technical University, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, Special Guest of Honour.Director General of GAEC, Prof. B.J.B Nyarko
The Technical Staff Association is a worker group that provides a common platform for the Technical Staff of GAEC to discuss personnel development and work-related issues that promote the safe application of nuclear science and technology.
The Special Guest of Honour was the Vice Chancellor of the Accra Technical University, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, who gave the key note address.
Executives of GAEC Technical Staff Association (TSA)
Representatives of Technical Staff Associations from the University of Ghana, Ghana Standards Authority and other worker groups of the Commission, such as the Research Scientists Association, Trade Union Congress, Senior Staff Association and Association of Senior Members in Administration gave solidarity messages to support the formation of the TSA.
The welcome address for the occasion was delivered by the Director of Administration, Mr. William Srekumah.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Jacob Asomaning was grateful to God and all invited guests for making the inauguration a success.
Aerial view of GAEC, BNARI research Cassava and Plantain farm
The Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI) in partnership with the Creative and Multimedia Team (CMT) of the Technology Transfer and Marketing Centre (TTMC), both of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), has initiated a project to promote research-proven practices in farming.
The move is targeted at reaching out to active and potential farmers to adopt effective, research-proven farming methods, beginning from seed handling to harvesting, including pest and disease management as well as postharvest processing of farm produce.
The project involves extensive video production of practical demonstrations of scientific activities at the BNARI in both field and laboratory by the CMT. Accordingly, Dr. Michael Osae, Director of BNARI, has outlined and recommended some commercially viable technologies which can benefit farmers enormously and improve their livelihoods. These including protein bait, cassava cultivation and radiation processing for postharvest management technologies.
Dr. Osae has further indicated that the current BNARI–CMT initiative will draw people’s attention to the in-depth research work carried out by his outfit to ensure standard and healthy farm practices. He is of the view that most unacceptable farm practices that result in poor yields and negative impact on the environment could be corrected through this project or initiative. He has added that BNARI will organise training programmes for interested persons who would seek further knowledge.
Ms. Sheila Frimpong, Manager of TTMC who doubles as the leader of CMT, has disclosed that the initiative will be replicated for every commercially viable technology available in all GAEC institutes. This, according to her, would help market the various technologies as a means of building new revenue streams or expanding the revenue sources of GAEC to support its activities and remain competitive.
Ms. Frimpong has hinted that there is a possibility of promoting the video contents on traditional media (e.g. television) aside the provisions made to carry out extensive promotions on all social media platforms.
Deputy Director General of GAECProf. Dede Shiloh Osae left, Mrs. Sally Ofori-Yeboah National Director for CAMFED right exchanging the MoU after signing
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and CAMFED Ghana have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to train young women in technical and vocational skills.
This forms part of the Young Africa Works Strategy programme funded by the Mastercard Foundation and CAMFED Ghana with expectations to train a maximum of 3,250 young Ghanaian women.
CAMFED Ghana, a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) that was established in Ghana since 1998 has offered educational support to young girls in rural areas from basic to Tertiary school level across 12 regions of Ghana.
In a ceremony held at GAEC to seal the partnership, Mrs. Sally Ofori-Yeboah National Director for CAMFED said, the project’s primary objective is to empower deprived young women between the ages of 18 to 35 with work-readiness skills to be self-reliant. She added that, the trainees will be provided with start-up kits or seed fund to commence business after the training.
Mrs. Ofori-Yeboah explained that, modalities for selection requires research, interviews and other processes to identify the trade areas where females mostly require support. She is confident that the partnership with GAEC will yield a positive result. “After a thorough research and facility inspection, we found GEAC worthy to partner with on this project and we believe that with their high level of experience and expertise, the project will realise its objectives.
A group photograph of GAEC and CMAFED Ghana Executives and some selected young women who qualified for the TVET programme
Prof. Dede Shiloh Osae, Deputy Director General of GAEC on his part said one of GAEC’s core objective is to offer training to persons of interest in various fields. He added that GAEC has in the past years engaged in collaborations with various local and international organizations in industry and academia to solve national issues using Nuclear Techniques.
He further assured that, the GAEC/CAMFED collaboration will live to expectation. “The doors of GAEC are widely opened for any form of Public Private Partnership that aims at national development”. He concluded.
Ms. Sheila Frompong, Manager of Technology Transfer and Marketing Centre (TTMC), GAEC in an interview disclosed that the programme will run for a period of three years and will adopt market-driven approach to science and technology research at GAEC through competency-based training to improve and empower young women for socio-economic development.
She finally called on deprived young women who are passionate about acquiring a Technical and Vocational skill to take advantage of the opportunity to become self -reliant.
Obrimpong Toku Dum VIII, Chief of Assin Asamankese Traditional Area, of Assin Apemanim Paramountcy.
The Chief of Assin Asamankese Traditional Area, of Assin Apemanim Paramountcy, Obrimpong Toku Dum VIII, was out doored to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) this morning in a short ceremony held in the office of the Director General, GAEC.
Mr. Eric Aggrey, a Research Scientist and Manager of Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics Center of the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), who is now the Chief of the Assin Asamankese Traditional Area was introduced by Prof. Dickson Adomako, Director of GSSTI.
Speaking at the programme, Prof. Adomako, indicated that it was essential to present the newly crowned Chief to the Director General and GAEC as a whole. “We have already been to the Minister and it is now time to present our Chief to the Director General”, he added.
From left, Deputy Director General of GAEC, Prof. Shiloh Osae, Chief of Assin Asamankese Traditional Area, Obrimpong Toku Dum VIII, Director General of GAEC, Prof. B.J.B Nyarko, and Director of GSSTI, Prof. Dickson Adomako
The Research Scientists Association (RSA) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has ended its three day celebrations with a call on government and major stakeholders to employ nuclear technology in pursuing reliable electricity supply and production as well as ensuring an agenda to apply nuclear technology to health care, particularly in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, malnutrition and a number of others.
Dr. Francis Hasford
The calls by Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe, Manager of Localization and Stakeholder Support Center of the Nuclear Power Institute and Dr. Francis Hasford, Head of Medical Physics of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission respectively formed part of a public lecture at the British Council in Accra on Thursday as part of the Research Scientists Association’s maiden weeklong celebrations.
The RSA with membership at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority organized the public lecture as part of the RSA week celebration 2019 themed: “Ghana beyond aid: the role of nuclear technology.’
The aim of the lecture was to educate the general public on the peaceful application of nuclear in medicine and for the generation in electricity for the country.
To ensure dependable electricity supply, Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe called for the pursue of nuclear technology which he said was a proven means of ensuring sustainable electricity which is the key energy component that supports and sustains national growth.
Cross-section of the public
To ensure the dependence on electricity as a key energy component that supports and sustains national growth, Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe said nuclear technology was the way to go as it remained a proven means of ensuring dependable electricity supply.
Speaking on the topic, “Sustainable Power Generation, the Nuclear Position,” the Manager Of Localization And Stakeholder Support Center of the Nuclear Power Institute argued that Ghana stood a good chance of creating wealth for its citizens and growing its economy if it could deliver affordable and dependable electricity power to its citizens, adding that most countries grew their economies and became prosperous with the provision of cheap and reliable electric power to their citizens.
He urged the Research Scientists’ Association to engage the public on the benefits of Ghana going nuclear especially with nuclear opportunities providing the needed energy for development and job creation.
Dr. Agbodemegbe described nuclear technology as presenting a comprehensive resolution to ensuring the effectiveness of Ghana’s economy, especially as key sectors that facilitated economic growth relied on electricity.
Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe
Dr. Francis Hasford who spoke on the theme, “Ghana Beyond Aid: Nuclear Technology for Better Health” recounted Ghana’s history of its agenda to resort to the use of nuclear technology in treating various health conditions including cancer.
According to him, there was the need for the full coverage of cancer care in the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the full implementation of the National Cancer Control Program.
With the active working age group usually affected with cancer, Dr. Francis Hasford said the technology was an effective option in detecting and curing the disease.
He called for adequate education on and screening to detect cancer in its early stages to back efforts at achieving the Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda in the health sector, adding that there should be satisfactory numbers of medical imaging and radiotherapy centers, as well as trained professionals.
Chairman for the occasion and a Board Member of GAEC, Professor Alexander Kwadwo while acknowledging the RSA’s proximity to the Agriculture, Energy, Education and Health Ministries noted that the association’s work was critical to the development of the nation.
He described the theme as very apt as it underscored the peaceful use of nuclear technology as its works had the potential of pushing the country’s economic development.
Representing the Director General Of The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Director Of The Radiological And Medical Sciences Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Prof Mary Boadu said the RSA’s weeklong celebration was in response to the need for research scientists to make the findings of their work known to the public and clearly reveal their role in the development of Ghana.
According to her, research output should no longer be on the shelves of libraries nor in the laboratories.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Ing. Seth Manu who underscored the vital role energy played in every economy said one cannot talk about the economy without first talking about energy. “Energy we say is the economy and the economy is energy,” he said, adding that the development was the reason the Ministry of Energy saw the importance of nuclear and other sustainable energy.
He said the Ministry of Energy through its affiliated institution and agencies, was progressively making the required efforts at improving Ghana’s energy situation as it was closely working with all stakeholders to achieve an efficient energy mix that will power the development of our dear nation Ghana, arguing that the need for sustainable, reliable, resilient and renewable energy as base-load is critical for the country’s development.
While acknowledging that the role of nuclear energy cannot be over emphasized, the Chief Director said what Ghana needed was adequate education of the public in this regard with the assurance that the Ministry of Energy as the parent ministry driving the nuclear energy development agenda, would continue to play a leadership role by contributing to the efforts of the RSA towards achieving the necessary education and awareness through strategically planning and mobilizing resources for the attainment of the country’s collective goal.
Ghana’s nuclear journey which began in the 1960s with the construction of the nuclear reactor was designed for experimental work in the field of nuclear and atomic physics. In addition to provision of nuclear power, it was to serve as a focal point for research works involving nuclear techniques in biology, agriculture, medicine, physics and chemistry.
In health, non-communicable diseases like cancers can be managed using the nuclear technology for both diagnosis (using CT, mammography, x-rays) for treatment.
There is currently a Cancer Control Strategy which comprises prevention, early detection (diagnosis and screening) treatment and palliative care. Currently, Ghana needs to increase the number of cancer treatment centers in Ghana.
The nuclear deal is the real green deal which would provide the needed energy for industrialization, job creation which would provide the needed energy for industrialization, job creation and dealing with the climate change.
The way forward therefore is for the research scientists association to also engage the public on the benefits of Ghana going nuclear.
The Research Scientists Association (RSA) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has ended its three day celebrations with a call on government and major stakeholders to employ nuclear technology in pursuing reliable electricity supply and production as well as ensuring an agenda to apply nuclear technology to health care, particularly in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, malnutrition and a number of others.
The calls by Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe, Manager of Localization and Stakeholder Support Center of the Nuclear Power Institute and Dr. Francis Hasford, Head of Medical Physics of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission respectively formed part of a public lecture at the British Council in Accra on Thursday as part of the Research Scientists Association’s maiden weeklong celebrations.
The RSA with membership at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority organized the public lecture as part of the RSA week celebration 2019 themed: “Ghana beyond aid: the role of nuclear technology.’
The aim of the lecture was to educate the general public on the peaceful application of nuclear in medicine and for the generation in electricity for the country.
To ensure dependable electricity supply, Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe called for the pursue of nuclear technology which he said was a proven means of ensuring sustainable electricity which is the key energy component that supports and sustains national growth.
To ensure the dependence on electricity as a key energy component that supports and sustains national growth, Dr. Vincent Agbodemegbe said nuclear technology was the way to go as it remained a proven means of ensuring dependable electricity supply.
Speaking on the topic, “Sustainable Power Generation, the Nuclear Position,” the Manager Of Localization And Stakeholder Support Center of the Nuclear Power Institute argued that Ghana stood a good chance of creating wealth for its citizens and growing its economy if it could deliver affordable and dependable electricity power to its citizens, adding that most countries grew their economies and became prosperous with the provision of cheap and reliable electric power to their citizens.
He urged the Research Scientists’ Association to engage the public on the benefits of Ghana going nuclear especially with nuclear opportunities providing the needed energy for development and job creation.
Dr. Agbodemegbe described nuclear technology as presenting a comprehensive resolution to ensuring the effectiveness of Ghana’s economy, especially as key sectors that facilitated economic growth relied on electricity.
Dr. Francis Hasford who spoke on the theme, “Ghana Beyond Aid: Nuclear Technology for Better Health” recounted Ghana’s history of its agenda to resort to the use of nuclear technology in treating various health conditions including cancer.
According to him, there was the need for the full coverage of cancer care in the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the full implementation of the National Cancer Control Program.
With the active working age group usually affected with cancer, Dr. Francis Hasford said the technology was an effective option in detecting and curing the disease.
He called for adequate education on and screening to detect cancer in its early stages to back efforts at achieving the Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda in the health sector, adding that there should be satisfactory numbers of medical imaging and radiotherapy centers, as well as trained professionals.
Chairman for the occasion and a Board Member of GAEC, Professor Alexander Kwadwo while acknowledging the RSA’s proximity to the Agriculture, Energy, Education and Health Ministries noted that the association’s work was critical to the development of the nation.
He described the theme as very apt as it underscored the peaceful use of nuclear technology as its works had the potential of pushing the country’s economic development.
Representing the Director General Of The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Director Of The Radiological And Medical Sciences Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Prof Mary Boadu said the RSA’s weeklong celebration was in response to the need for research scientists to make the findings of their work known to the public and clearly reveal their role in the development of Ghana.
According to her, research output should no longer be on the shelves of libraries nor in the laboratories.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Ing. Seth Manu who underscored the vital role energy played in every economy said one cannot talk about the economy without first talking about energy. “Energy we say is the economy and the economy is energy,” he said, adding that the development was the reason the Ministry of Energy saw the importance of nuclear and other sustainable energy.
He said the Ministry of Energy through its affiliated institution and agencies, was progressively making the required efforts at improving Ghana’s energy situation as it was closely working with all stakeholders to achieve an efficient energy mix that will power the development of our dear nation Ghana, arguing that the need for sustainable, reliable, resilient and renewable energy as base-load is critical for the country’s development.
While acknowledging that the role of nuclear energy cannot be over emphasized, the Chief Director said what Ghana needed was adequate education of the public in this regard with the assurance that the Ministry of Energy as the parent ministry driving the nuclear energy development agenda, would continue to play a leadership role by contributing to the efforts of the RSA towards achieving the necessary education and awareness through strategically planning and mobilizing resources for the attainment of the country’s collective goal.
Ghana’s nuclear journey which began in the 1960s with the construction of the nuclear reactor was designed for experimental work in the field of nuclear and atomic physics. In addition to provision of nuclear power, it was to serve as a focal point for research works involving nuclear techniques in biology, agriculture, medicine, physics and chemistry.
In health, non-communicable diseases like cancers can be managed using the nuclear technology for both diagnosis (using CT, mammography, x-rays) for treatment.
There is currently a Cancer Control Strategy which comprises prevention, early detection (diagnosis and screening) treatment and palliative care. Currently, Ghana needs to increase the number of cancer treatment centers in Ghana.
The nuclear deal is the real green deal which would provide the needed energy for industrialization, job creation which would provide the needed energy for industrialization, job creation and dealing with the climate change.
The way forward therefore is for the research scientists association to also engage the public on the benefits of Ghana going nuclear.
Deputy Minister for Environment Science Technology and Innovations, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called on the Ghana Electronic Servicing Technicians Association (GESTA) to increase the participation of female Electronic Technicians in the Competency Based Training Programme (CBT).
She made the call at the first graduation ceremony of Master Craft Persons in Electronics, who were trained under an initiative of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), dubbed CBT.
The initiative, sponsored by the German and Ghana Governments saw the graduation of 90 leaners after six months of intensive training in Proficiency one (P1) course in electronics. Four Institutions namely; Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and Tema Technical Institute trained the graduands.
Aside from Electronics, the graduands were taken through generic courses like English, Mathematics, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering at a ceremony held at GAEC, Accra, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei advised the graduands to put the skills acquired to good use for their economic empowerment.
She advised that females should be included in this great opportunity of competency training for the informal sector.
The Executive Director of COTVET, Mr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, in charge of Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, noted that the TVET programme is one of President Akuffo Addo’s means to improve Ghana’s informal sector.
He added that the President is keen on making Ghana the Centre of Excellence for TVET programmes. “This requires the standardization of most of the training done at the informal sector to meet industry demands”, he added. He commended GESTA for the efforts put in to make the programme successful.
Mr. Kyei Asamoah who doubled as the chairman for the occasion revealed that COTVET is working with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Private Enterprises Foundation, various government Ministries and Departments, development partners and other relevant bodies to set up a permanent body to generate standards for the CBT.
“The five year strategic plan approved by cabinet in 2017, focuses on areas such as Agriculture, Industry, Tourism and Hospitality, Strategic Manufacturing, Electricity, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)”, he added.
The President for GESTA, Mr. Andrew Gyan, expressed gratitude to the German and Ghana governments for sponsoring the training programme through COTVET.
He said that the association’s vision is to ensure that modern technicians are offering quality service delivery. He expressed joy at some of their finished products including amplifiers, power inverters, automatic traffic lights, among others.
He encouraged other electronic technicians across the country to register with GESTA in order to tap into the vast opportunities available to members. “The competencies that we have acquired are what we will use to develop this country Ghana”, he concluded.
By: Thykingdom Kudesey, Office of Corporate and Public Affairs (OCPA) – GAEC
The Director General of GAEC, Prof B.J.B. Nyarko in his address advised the students to observe all the COVID-19 protocols. He stated that a lot of factors had to be satisfied before the green light was given to undertake this training course
In his closing remarks, Prof Nyarko indicated that this donation by the IAEA is part of a project known as the Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative, launched in June, 2020. He opined that the main objective of the ZODIAC project is to support IAEA member states to prevent future pandemics resulting from the spill-over of pathogens from animals to human populations. “The ZODIAC initiative will help member states to rapidly detect and respond to outbreak of such diseases”, he revealed.
