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EORIC-UENR TRAINS FIRST COHORT OF SATCOM PROFESSIONALS
In a significant milestone for Ghana’s technology and skills development sector, the Earth Observation Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has completed the first-ever cohort training of the Professional Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Certification Programme. The training, held from March 17 to 21, 2025, followed the official commissioning of the newly established EORIC-UENR SATCOM Training Hub in Sunyani.
The five-day intensive training programme brought together 25 participants from across the country for a blended learning experience. Participants were taken through theoretical modules based on the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) curriculum, followed by simulation exercises and practical hands-on sessions at the SATCOM Demonstration Site on UENR’s campus.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Evans Yaw Akpene Adom, Project Lead and Lead Facilitator, and Ing. Nana Ekow Nkwa Sey, Project Co-Lead, both experts in satellite communications and experienced trainers with EORIC.
The selection process for participants was carried out in three distinct phases to ensure quality and suitability. First, a public advertisement invited applications from interested individuals, with the initial screening focused on applicants’ motivation statements and relevant industry experience. In the second phase, shortlisted candidates were asked to submit supporting documents to verify their qualifications and professional backgrounds. The final phase involved a video interview, during which candidates were evaluated by a selection committee based on pre-established criteria. This rigorous process resulted in the selection of 25 qualified participants for the training out of approximately 180 applicants.
The initiative addresses a critical skills gap in Ghana’s satellite communication sector, which has historically relied on expatriate expertise and on-the-job training due to limited access to professional certification programmes. With the satellite communication industry in Africa projected to exceed USD 22 billion by 2026, capacity development has become essential to ensure Ghana can fully participate and benefit from this growth.
“This training marks a turning point for Ghana’s SATCOM sector. We are not only building individual capacity but also creating a sustainable pipeline of local professionals with globally recognised skills, hence integration of the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) course in the training curriculum” said Mr. Evans Yaw Akpene Adom, Project Lead and Lead Facilitator of the programme. “The objective of the centre is to provide excellence in satellite communication training, research, and innovation. Through this, we aim to foster technological advancement and support Ghana’s sustainable development goals.”
The training hub was established to deliver excellence in satellite communication training, research, and innovation, contributing to technological advancement and sustainable development in Ghana. The curriculum, developed in consultation with key industry players, is aligned with both local and international market demands. Trainees received instruction from a certified GVF Examiner and session-experienced satellite ground stations installers. They completed several exams and skills tests through the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) platform, administered by SATProf.
Developed with support from the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF), the curriculum was created in partnership with the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Oasis Networks, Mawal Technologies, and other key stakeholders.
Graduates are now qualified to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot VSAT systems, positioning them to make significant contributions to enhanced Internet access, satellite TV distribution, and enterprise connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
Ing. Dr. Prince Antwi-Agyei, Head of EORIC, emphasised that the curriculum was developed in partnership with industry players to align with market demands. “Participants were trained by certified satellite installers and received certification through SATProf via the Global VSAT Forum Training,” he said. “We are building not just skills, but a national resource. The SATCOM hub will support public agencies, private companies, and academic institutions to access reliable, certified training.” He expressed appreciation to the GSDF and acknowledged the valuable contributions from all collaborating stakeholders.
Trainees praised the course for its practical focus and real-world applications. Priscilla Osafo from the Ghana Police Service described the practical sessions as intensive and eye-opening, especially the satellite pointing exercises and configuration modules. Caleb Kuphe, a business owner, noted that the training successfully bridged the gap between theory and hands-on work, boosting his confidence to take on professional roles in satellite internet installations.
Other participants expressed their excitement about participating in the training. They highlighted how the programme helped them distinguish between VSAT and multi-TV dish installations, use inclinometers to set polarisers accurately, and align dishes with a clear line of sight to acquire signals. All participants praised the practical orientation of the course and expressed a strong desire for an extended duration—suggesting one to six months—to facilitate more intensive learning. They expressed pride in being part of the 2025 EORIC SATCOM training cohort and looked forward to future opportunities for further education.
The training culminated in a closing ceremony on the final day, which was attended by distinguished guests, including Professor John Kworwu (Dean of the School of Agriculture & Technology at UENR), representing the Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Dr. Prince Antwi-Agyei (Head of EORIC), and Professor Amos T. Kabo-Bah (Dean of International Relations at UENR). Each of them delivered remarks commending the participants for their dedication and encouraging them to apply their skills in advancing Ghana’s digital infrastructure. In attendance was Dr. Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, a distinguished US-based Ghanaian speaker, who shared inspiring insights on the initiative and its remarkable potential to transform UENR into the MIT of Africa. The dignitaries also took turns presenting certificates to the graduates, formally recognising their successful programme completion.
The EORIC-UENR SATCOM Training Hub is designed to become a national and regional centre of excellence. Plans are underway to enrol final-year students from engineering and TVET institutions, develop strategic partnerships with security and telecom agencies, and attract trainees from other West African countries.
The SATCOM Certification Programme is expected to boost employment, support Ghana’s digitalisation agenda, and reduce dependency on foreign contractors. Course graduates will also be added to a national database of certified professionals, which will facilitate job placement and mentoring opportunities.
We welcome interested stakeholders worldwide to collaborate with us on capacity building, research, and innovation in the SATCOM sector.
