German Cooperation, GhIE launch Mobile Application for artisans
The German Cooperation, in collaboration with the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), has unveiled a Professionalisation of Artisans (ProfArts) Mobile Application to improve the employment prospects of Ghanaian artisans.
The ProfArts Mobile App, developed with two other partners — Robert Bosch Ghana (BOSCH) and Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited (CBG) — focuses on capacity building, certification, licensing and facilitation of market linkages.
Opportunities
Speaking at the pre-launch event in Accra last Monday, the Head of Component Invest for Jobs of GIZ Ghana, Eunice Agyepong, said the project marked a significant step towards enhancing employment opportunities for artisans in Ghana’s construction industry.
Mrs Agyepong, who represented the Team Leader of Invest for Jobs, John Duti, mentioned that 1,023 artisans had already joined the ProfArts platform, with more set to be onboarded in the coming weeks.
She said through this innovative digital platform, artisans would gain access to a larger customer network and will be able to offer their services more efficiently and under fairer conditions.
"Partners, through this project, have built the capacity of 2,228 artisans and provided assessment and certification for 730 artisans who did not have national certification. The project has also supported the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GHIE) to license 1,322 artisans,” Mrs Agyepong said.
She further emphasised the significance of utilising technology to enhance professional opportunities for artisans, and reaffirmed the project’s commitment to developing a skilled and recognised workforce in the construction sector.
The Professionalisation of Artisan Project and the ProfArts Mobile App is implemented by GIZ, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), within the framework of the Special Initiative Decent Work for a Just Transition, which also operates under the brand Invest for Jobs, he said.
Ensuring integrity
Speaking at the event, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Kobina Bempong, urged artisans to sign up for the app and make the most of the opportunities it offers.
He also stressed the importance of using the platform with integrity, ensuring that it benefits both the artisans and their customers.
"Integrity is key. Do not engage in shoddy work. This initiative has generated a lot of questions—why don’t we have this? Why has it taken so long? Now that it’s here in Ghana, we must value it and ensure its success," he stated.
He also expressed gratitude to the German Cooperation and their partners for their timely support in launching this innovative project, adding, "We are truly thankful that you came on board at the right moment, as we have been facing challenges for some time."
ProfArts Mobile App
The ProfArts Mobile application, developed by Cloud Port Limited, an internet services provider led by the CEO, Fiifi Baidoo, connects trained and licensed artisans directly with customers in need of their services, ensuring a more efficient and transparent marketplace.
The mobile application, available on both android and iOS (an operating system used for mobile devices manufactured by Apple Inc.), features a comprehensive set of tools designed to streamline interactions between artisans and customers.
Key features include secure accounts and profiles for artisans and customers, search function by geographical area and type of work, chat functionality for service negotiations, booking with calendar synchronization, secure payment options and a rating system for both artisans and customers.
About the GIZ
GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, and peace and security.
It works with businesses, civil society actors, and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is its main commissioning party. Currently, GIZ promotes sustainable development in the country via about 50 programmes and projects.
Its activities currently cover three priority areas: Energy and Climate, with a concentration on renewable energy and energy efficiency; training and sustainable growth for decent jobs, and peaceful and inclusive societies, which looks at good governance.
