Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has championed modern composite boatbuilding as a key driver for local manufacturing, enhanced maritime safety, and youth employment in Ghana.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a Training of Trainers programme at ProZero Ghana Ltd., located within the Sekondi Fishing Harbour in Takoradi, Dr Apaak emphasised that the nation’s maritime sector required a specialised, skilled workforce to unlock its dormant potential.
“Ghana’s maritime sector holds enormous, untapped potential. Fisheries, marine transport, inland waterways and our coastal economies support millions of livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Dr Apaak said.
“But none of that potential becomes reality without a workforce skilled enough to build, maintain and engineer modern vessels.”
The initiative—designed to bridge the gap between technical education and industrial needs—was developed via a partnership involving ProZero Ghana Ltd., the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), backed by the Government of Denmark.
Instructors from technical institutions across Tema and Takoradi participated in the programme, acquiring both theoretical and practical expertise to train future cohorts of students. Dr Apaak noted that investing in educators creates a sustainable, ripple effect for the country’s technical pipeline.
“This Ministry welcomes any initiative that links technical education directly to industry, with a visible path from training into a job,” he said.
Addressing the newly certified trainers, he urged them to uphold stringent benchmarks of technical excellence and innovation, reminding them of their pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.
“You now carry the standard for innovation and technical quality in this field, and much of what Ghana’s boatbuilding industry becomes will reflect what you choose to pass on to your students,” Dr Apaak stated.
Expressing gratitude to the Danish government and project partners for their collaborative support, the Deputy Minister revealed plans to scale up the training initiative. The government intends to work alongside private sector stakeholders and development partners to extend the programme to additional institutions nationwide where capacity and demand allow.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
