The National Association for Heavy-duty Equipment Operators, Ghana (NAHEOG), in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU), has graduated its seventh batch of trained mobile crane and forklift operators.
The eight-week training programme saw 63 young men and women, including six females, equipped with the requisite skills to remain relevant and up-to-date on the job market.
The graduates underwent rigorous training programmes that covered the safe operation of forklifts and mobile cranes, with emphasis on safety protocols and industry best practices.
The graduation was held on the theme: "Skilled labour for accelerated industrialisation”, and the graduates were presented with certificates.
Importance
Speaking at the graduation ceremony recently, the President of NAHEOG, Dominic Kofi Eyiah, stressed the importance of skilled operators in Ghana's industrial future and called on stakeholders to invest in skill development through funding, partnerships and continuous training programmes.
He urged the graduates to stay ahead of technological changes, commit to lifelong learning and be ambassadors for their profession, highlighting their crucial role in building Ghana's economy.
“As Ghana accelerates its industrial agenda, the need for technical skillsets, especially in equipment operations, grows rapidly. This is where institutions must step in to invest in the youth to acquire skills that would prepare them for the job market,” Mr Eyiah said.
Skilled labour
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Professor Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, stressed the university's commitment to practical, industry-aligned training, citing successful collaborations with organisations such as NAHEOG and the National Youth Authority in charting a path towards accelerated industrialisation.
He disclosed that the university had introduced three new technical programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of industry.
Prof. Brooks Jnr said the programmes were heavy-duty mechanic tailored to trained individuals in the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty machinery, accident investigation to equip students with knowledge and techniques on how to conduct thorough investigations into workplace accidents and rigging technician courses to ensure safety and efficiency in the lifting and moving of heavy loads.
Partnership
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority in charge of Operations and Programmes, Inusah Mahama, expressed enthusiasm about a potential partnership between the authority and RMU.
He said the partnership was aimed at equipping the youth with hands-on skills through the National Apprenticeship Programme, focusing on areas like maritime operations.
The CEO of RABOTEC Ghana, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, who served as the guest of honour, underscored the importance of skilled labour in the mining industry and commended the RMU and NAHEOG for the initiative to develop skills in this area.
He said one of the highest commodities on demand globally was skilled labour, and expressed his readiness to collaborate with the university to support its programmes by offering employment opportunities to the youth.
