- Address: Off Sunyani-Fiapre Road, Ghana
STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON PROFESSIONAL SATCOM CERTIFICATION COURSE FOR ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS, AND ENTREPRENEURS IN GHANA: A COLLABORATIVE ENDEAVOUR - EORIC
The Earth Observation Research & Innovation Centre (EORIC) of the University of Energy & Natural Resources (UENR), as part of the activities of the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) project, conducted a stakeholder workshop on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at Sheila’s Executive Hotel, Sunyani. This collaborative effort was to engage partners, industry stakeholders, and beneficiaries in developing and implementing a new Professional Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Certification Course. The project addresses the skills gap in Ghana’s satellite communication and telecommunications sectors by providing specialised training for engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
The workshop began with an opening prayer led by Ing. Dr Martin Kyereh Domfeh, PhD to set a solemn tone for the day’s proceedings. Ing. Nana Ekow Nkwa Sey, MSc (PE-GhIE), the Project Co-Lead, summarised the purpose of the gathering and the objective of the GSDF project.
Ing. Dr Prince Antwi-Agyei , Head of the Earth Observation Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC), delivered the welcome address, highlighting the crucial role of the SATCOM Certification Course in Ghana’s evolving technological landscape. He emphasised the need for specialised programs to ensure the workforce is well-prepared for the demands of the satellite communication sector, stressing its critical role in modern society.
A video documentary provided an overview of the course development process and its expected impact on the industry, showcasing collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government agencies.
During the main presentation, Mr Evans Akpene Yaw Adom, the Project Lead, provided stakeholders with an update on the progress of the GSDF Project implementation and the developed SATCOM Professional Course Curriculum. The presentation emphasised vital achievements, including developing the SATCOM Professional Course Curriculum, acquiring advanced equipment and tools, and expanding and renovating the EORIC office space to accommodate the EORIC SATCOM Training Hub, a specialised training room and laboratory. Mr Evans stressed the competency-based nature of the course, aligning it with the National TVET Qualifications Framework (NTVETQF) governed by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). Additionally, he highlighted the integration of the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) Professional Course for international recognition of the course and certification. The significance of the course in addressing the skills gap in the SATCOM Industry in Ghana and Africa was justified, particularly in meeting evolving industry dynamics, creating employment opportunities for professionally skilled and certified Engineers, Technicians, and Entrepreneurs, and boosting the industry’s economic growth.
During the questions and discussion session, stakeholders raised concerns about the course’s accessibility and affordability, especially for rural entrepreneurs and technicians. Mr Adom assured participants that the course would be competitively priced, with scholarships available for deserving candidates, and would be offered in a hybrid format to cater to participants across different regions. Ing. Sey and Mr Adom took turns answering questions from participants as they completed the post-workshop evaluation forms.
Representatives from partner organisations, such as Ghana Education Service (GSE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Services, the National Communications Authority (NCA), Bono and Ahafo MultiTV Installer Association and selected Technical Institutes, reiterated their unwavering commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its success. This commitment is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the project and the shared goal of advancing Ghana’s satellite communication sector.
Mrs. Irene Asantewaa Appia-Fei delivered a vote of thanks, followed by a closing prayer. Participants engaged in networking and potential collaboration discussions during a brief photo session.
In summary, the stakeholder workshop represented a crucial step in the rollout of the Satcom Certification Course, demonstrating a solid collaborative effort to advance Ghana’s satellite communication sector and equip the next generation with the necessary skills for driving innovation and growth in this important industry.