German govt hands over training centre to Ghana Armed Forces

The German government through the German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group (GAFTAG) has handed over an equipped Mechatronic Training Centre to the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Technical Training School (EMETTS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Mechatronics is a multi-disciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. It deals with robotics, control systems and electro-mechanical systems.

The facility, which was handed over to the school on December 7 at the Burma Camp, was to equip the military technicians with the requisite knowledge in modern day vehicle mechanics, automotive electronics, refrigeration and air condition, among a few trade courses offered in the school. 

The centre

The centre was named after the Acting Head of Mission of the GAFTAG, Warrant Officer Class II Thomas Muller, in recognition of his outstanding efforts and commitment towards the project.

Already, a training course has been organised for 30 instructors of the school and other selected potential instructors within the EME Corps to ensure that the full potentials of the facility is realised within the shortest possible time.

Warrant Officer Class II Muller, who spoke on behalf of the GAFTAG, said the project started as an idea in 2018 to build a modern mechatronic training centre for the GAF.

He expressed excitement that after years of so many challenges, the idea had materialised.

“Today, we are not only here to hand over the centre but also a training and a long lasting equipment,” he said.

Commendation

The Commanding Officer of the EMETTS, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Essilfie Odoom, thanked the German government and GAFTAG for their continued support to the school over the years.

He said the establishment of the training centre was timely as it would bridge the training gap in equipping our technicians with the requisite knowledge in the repair of modern equipment in the face of global technological advancement.

Lt Col. Odoom said efforts were under way to develop a curricula in line with that of the competence-based training from the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

He said some of the courses would be opened to children and dependents of personnel of the GAF in line with the school’s and GAF’s policy.

“With the long standing dream of the school in establishing a mechatronics centre realised with today’s handing over ceremony, it behoves the school to ensure a high standard of maintenance and best practice at the facility. This I will ensure,” Lt Col. Odoom stated.

GAF, GAFTAG partnership

The Deputy Chief of Staff Officer in charge of Logistics at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kenneth Kwaku Kumi, noted that the partnership between the GAF and GAFTAG over the years had accrued substantial benefits to many units within the force, including the EMETTS.

He said the GAFTAG had over the years carried out massive infrastructural projects in the school such as the classroom office complex, as well as an ongoing 160-bed accommodation unit.  

In addition to that ,he said GAFTAG continued to equip the school with tools and equipment required for training.

“The Military High Command is once again grateful to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany represented by the GAFTAG for funding all the projects including the new Mechatronics Training Centre project that is being handed over. 

I must say that GAFTAG continues to remain a formidable partner and a solid pillar behind the school,” Brig. Gen. Kumi said.

He said the centre was a game-changer as it would offer trainees the requisite skills to be able to diagnose and repair modern equipment.