Wa Technical Institute in Ghana's Upper West Region has commissioned a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Training Centre to equip about 100 electrical trainees with practical renewable energy skills within a year. The facility was established under the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills Integrated Action on Green Jobs and Skills. The initiative aims to improve practical training in solar installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The project is supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in collaboration with the Ghana TVET Service and other partners. The centre's success will be measured by the quality of training and opportunities created for graduates. Dr. Hassan Rashid Pelpuo, Member of Parliament for Wa Central, emphasized the importance of integrating equipment into regular practical lessons.
Dr. Pelpuo urged the institute and its partners to ensure instructors receive support to deliver effective training and called for sustained monitoring to assess students' practical competencies. Team leader, Governance and Security at the European Union Delegation to Ghana, Gisela Spreitzhofer, said the project is part of broader EU-Ghana cooperation to strengthen technical and vocational education and training.
Spreitzhofer emphasized that equipping students with practical skills is critical to meeting employers' expectations. She added that green and digital skills are becoming increasingly important as the global economy shifts towards cleaner energy and technology-driven industries. The initiative will help prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities while contributing to Ghana's green transition.
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Mop, Country Director for the International Labour Organisation (ILO), said the project combines modern solar PV training facilities with instructor development, curriculum support, and practical installation exercises. She stressed that the green transition must create opportunities for both men and women and called for greater participation of women in renewable energy and technical occupations.
The Acting Regional Director of the Ghana TVET Service and Principal of Wa Technical Institute, Saaka Adams, said the new facility addresses longstanding limitations in practical training for electrical and electronic students. Instructors had previously relied heavily on textbooks and outdated equipment. The institute plans to train approximately 100 electrical trainees within the year.
Despite the milestone, Mr. Adams appealed to the EU and ILO to support the extension of solar power to the entire training building and renovate the girls' dormitory. The commissioning ceremony included symbolic tree planting, reflecting the institute's commitment to environmental sustainability and green practices. The partners aim to produce competent technicians who can support renewable energy development and contribute to Ghana's green transition.
Key points
- The Wa Technical Institute has launched a Solar Photovoltaic Training Centre to equip 100 electrical trainees with renewable energy skills.
- The project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organisation.
- The centre aims to improve practical training in solar installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
