RMU graduates 43 heavy-duty equipment operators
The National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators, Ghana (NAHEOG), in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), has graduated its ninth batch of trained mobile crane and forklift operators.
The 11-week training programme equipped 43 young men and women with the technical competence and safety skills required to operate forklifts and mobile cranes in line with industry best practices.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the RMU campus at Nungua in the Greater Accra Region, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the RMU, Professor Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, expressed pride in the programme’s achievements, indicating that it had grown from modest beginnings into a flagship short course with continental relevance.
The event was held on the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Economy with an Improved Logistics Industry.
Prof. Brooks Jnr described logistics as the lifeblood of trade, industrialisation and regional integration, and encouraged the graduates to see themselves as vital contributors to Africa’s economic transformation.
Support
The President of NAHEOG, Dominic Eyiah, praised the RMU for its strong support and collaboration.
He announced plans to introduce new training programmes in excavator operations, accident investigation, rigging technology, and heavy-duty mechanics to further build the capacity of operators.
Mr Eyiah stressed the importance of logistics to economic growth, describing operators as “the backbone of Africa’s economic future”.
He emphasised that efficient logistics reduced costs, improved productivity, and attracted investment, and urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, safety and discipline at all times.
Safety
Speaking on behalf of the Crane Owners Association of Ghana, Alhaji Mohammed Awal Gariba called for stronger protection of indigenous operators, strict adherence to safety standards, and the enforcement of laws regulating foreign participation in the heavy-lifting industry.
He also bemoaned what he described as persistent police harassment of operators on major highways.
“Most of the equipment is truck-mounted and certified to ply the roads, which is why we annually renew our roadworthy certificates. Yet, we are harassed frequently by some police personnel. Issues often raised include escort demands and threats of court action. This must stop,” he said.
Alhaji Gariba pledged the association’s commitment to job creation and partnerships that would support national development.
He called on the graduates to serve as ambassadors of professionalism, safety and excellence in the logistics and heavy equipment sector.
Impact
The Head of Marine Engineering at RMU and a Coordinator of the programme, Dr Isaac Animah, disclosed that since the programme’s inception two years ago, more than 400 students had graduated as part of RMU’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s and Africa’s logistics and industrial workforce.
Dr Animah described the journey as rewarding though challenging, and highlighted a significant increase in female participation, helping to break the stereotyping of heavy-duty operations as a male-dominated field.
He said this aligned with the RMU’s vision to promote gender inclusivity across its academic and professional programmes.
He further revealed that his outfit had signed a memorandum of understanding with an international recruitment agency to facilitate overseas employment opportunities for graduates, enabling them to earn foreign income and contribute to national development.
The highlight of the ceremony was the award of Best Mobile Crane Operator to Rebecca Ahafianyo, a 25-year-old trainee, whose exceptional performance earned her an instant job offer from the management of Rahamabros Enterprise.
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