A total of 340 master craftsmen in the Volta Region are undergoing a competency-based training in selected trade courses under the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP) with funding from the Ghanaian-German Financial Cooperation.

The project is co-financed by BMZ through KFW with support from PLANCO, an international consulting firm.

A total of 1,700 workers from the informal sector are being trained in garment, cosmetology, consumer electronics, welding and automotive engineering in four regions; Volta, Northern, Greater Accra, and Ashanti, after a pilot project which graduated 1,500 earlier this year.

Dr Elke Ludemann, Project Manager, during a tour of the project at the Ho Technical University where 160 beneficiaries were being trained, expressed satisfaction with the progress, and said stakeholders would consider its expansion.

She said the project with a 10 million Euro funding had a target of 8,000 beneficiaries and more trade areas would be added to equip a broad spectrum of craftsmen.

Dr Ludemann entreated the participants to endeavour to complete the course, and promised to extend the necessary support to enable them make the most out of the training.

Professor Emmanuel Sakyi, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor, Ho Technical University, said the project complemented the University’s apprentice training programme, and was in line with its mandate of providing industry standard skills to help grow the economy.

He said the project was helping the University migrate from a theoretical to a practical-based institution, and had built the enthusiasm of lecturers in practical activities.

Prof Sakyi appealed to stakeholders to expedite the release of funds towards the successful implementation of the programme.

Eligible beneficiaries must belong to an association, pay a registration fee of GH¢200.00 and would be awarded a National Proficiency Certificate following an external assessment at the end of the four month programme.