Skilled personnel is key to Free Zone's success

Accra, Sept. 29, GNA- Mr. Roderick A. Wellington, Acting Director, Technical and Vocational Education Division of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at the weekend said the availability of trained skilled personnel is the key to success of the Industrial Free Zone initiative.

He said the dream of making Ghana the gateway to West Africa and the success of the Industrial Free Zone initiative would "depend largely on the availability of a cadre with well-trained skilled men and women to undertake the many technical jobs for effective implementation."

Mr. Roderick who was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Anglican Vocational Technical School (ANVOTEC) at Teshie in Accra said the labour market is looking for well-trained and competent crasftmen and women as well as technicians, who would man the industries to produce goods of high quality and efficient services.

He said the availability of large pool of skilled manpower for industries and commerce was one of the major factors that attract foreign investors.

Mr. Roderick said government alone could not meet the demand for education because more especially technical education that required heavy financial investment.

"For this reason, the provision of technical and vocational education by churches, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private individuals would be much appreciated as it would go a long way to supplement the efforts of government," he said.

He said skilled manpower has been identified as one of the essential component to develop the economy, attain accelerated and sustained growth.

He said that discussions were on going with stakeholders in industry to find a way of helping students to undergo an internship programme with industries to enhance skills. Ninety-three students who graduated were presented with certificates.