Artisans to be trained in auto electronic diagnostics

Some 1500 artisans have been selected to undergo 10 days capacity building on modern techniques in detecting faults on vehicles by the Takoradi Polytechnic.

The training is a COTVET sponsored initiative under the Skills Development Fund provided by the World Bank and DANIDA, aimed at providing demand-driven response to some of the challenges faced by productive sector of the economy.

A total of GH¢830,530 from the Skills Development Fund had been ear-marked for the “Auto Electronic Diagnostic Testing” course.

Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, Wife of the Vice President, who launched the project, entreated the artisans to be serious with the training in order to acquire new skills that would enhance their operations.

Mr Kwesi Anwuboh, Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), said the training would ensure that artisans took full control of repairs and maintenance of vehicles as proper diagnostics.

He said the Association had acquired two acres of land for a training school where youths and the under-privileged could learn apprenticeship.

In all, 10 zones had been selected from the 22 districts namely; Aowin Suaman, Sekondi, Nzemaman, Tarkwa, Sefwi-Wiawso, Agona Ahanta, Sefwi-Juaboso, Takoradi, Wassa Amenfi and Bia to take part in the training.

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said such employable skills had the tendency to reduce the employment situation in the country and, therefore, encouraged the artisans to take their training seriously in order to derive the maximum benefit.

The Minister entreated them to share and transfer the knowledge that would be acquired to members who would not have direct opportunity to be trained by the polytechnic.

Mr Alhaji S. M. Dakpo, National Chairman of GNAG, charged the polytechnic to develop a training manual for the GNAG to help in organising refresher courses for their members.

Professor Daniel Nyarko, Rector of the Takoradi Polytechnic, whose speech was read on his behalf, said the polytechnic had positioned itself as a leader in technical and vocational training.

He said the polytechnic had a well-equipped auto-electronic laboratory to enable it to deliver efficiently on its mandate.