The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Training Center have completed a training program for twelve Electrical Engineers and twelve Technicians from selected countries in West Africa.
The training, which was aimed at improving the skills of engineers in Power and Distribution Planning, Design, System Protection and Control as well as Maintenance of Electrical Equipment was run by and at the ECG Training Center in Tema from 30th October to 15th December 2023.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the end of the successful completion of the program by the technicians and electricians, the Director of the ECG Training Center, Ing. Godfred Mensah indicated that the trainees were given practical and theoretical knowledge admist field trips to some electrical installations such as a Bulk Supply Point, adding that “the trainees have developed new Change Projects as a result of the training session, which they will actively pursue upon returning to their individual utility companies.”
Ing. Mensah stated that “we are optimistic that the trainees’ expanded specialist knowledge will help them develop in their careers.”
On his part, the Deputy Country Director, JICA Ghana, Mr. Oda Ryotaro indicated that “JICA considers the energy sector as one of the priority areas for cooperation and implemented many activities not only in Ghana but also across the West African sub-Region”, and that “JICA Ghana is supporting this regional training by working with government partners who benefited from the technical cooperation while ECG Training Center is conducting this activity in line with its vision of becoming the trianing hub of excellence in distribution system operation and maintenance in West Africa”.
The Chairman for the occasion was Ing. Owusu Afriyie Aheng, a Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Consultancy, stationed at ECG Head Office who thanked the JICA for the support, indicating that ECG Training Center of Excellence is ready to provide such competent trainings and more.
Certificates of program completion were presented to all participants while they were encouraged to ensure they share the knowledge gained with their colleagues back in their various utility companies.
The closing ceremony was held on Friday, 15th December 2023 at the ECG Training Center of Excellence.