The lecturers, selected from the mechanical and automotive departments of the Kumasi and Adako Jachie Campuses of KsTU, were trained on how to operate or use the latest equipment installed by the Chinese government under the “Future of Africa – China-Africa TVET Cooperation Programme.

For instance, they were taken through how to operate a newly installed Computer Numerical Control (CNC) for lathe machines and other equipment, CNC repairs and maintenance, hydraulic test training, etc.

It was organised by AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC INTL) of China for the Ghana-China Project on the rehabilitation and upgrading equipment in technical universities and technical institutes in the country.

With joint support from the Chinese Ministry, China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and Future of Africa-China-Africa TVET Cooperation Programme which aim at supporting African youth to improve technical and vocational skills, promoting socio economic development in Africa and enhance mutual understanding between China and Africa.

According to Mr Sean Liu, Resource Person for the China-Africa TVET Cooperation Programme, the programme had been split into three parts- applied talents joint teaching, skills training and certification and capacity building for administrators and teachers, of which about 200 teachers from technical institutes had been trained online.

He was hopeful that the training would enable the lecturers, who have had hands-on practical training on the equipment, to teach effectively to make TVET the bedrock of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.

Mr Liu was full of excitement at the installation of new equipment, saying that after going through training, the lecturers would ensure that students would be well-equipped to work on the job market.

A lecturer, Joseph Lewballah, with the Mechanical Engineering Department, Kumasi Campus of KsTU, could not hide his excitement about the training that would see lecturers equipping students with skills needed for the job market.

According to the lecturer, students would now do more practical work unlike days of mostly theories.

He mentioned the training on the hydraulic systems, saying it was very important because there were a lot of bulldozers, roofing sheet machines which were hydraulic springing up and the need for skilkfull persons to repair and maintain them.

It is recalled that on April 12, 2022, Education Minister, Dr Yaw Adutwum, on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, inaugurated a newly equipped workshop at the Adako Jachie Campus of the KsTU, under the Ghana-China project on the rehabilitation and upgrading of technical universities and institutes in the country.

The workshop is equipped with latest equipment for mechanical, automotive systems among others for students to have hands-on practical knowledge of their courses.