The Chinese government has allocated a US$130 million dollar facility to the Ghanaian government for the upgrade of five technical universities as well as 10 technical institutes across the country.
The institutions will see an upgrade in the construction of state of the art training workshops for mechanical engineering, automobile engineering, civil engineering, welding engineering among others.
Dr. Bawumia was speaking in Tema when he launched the Ghana-China project aimed at upgrading the country’s Polytechnics, Technical and Vocational Training Centres to improve Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).
He said the 15 technical institutions will each receive GHS 50 million under the project.
“Many of our Technical Training Institutes have obsolete equipment which is very difficult to compare with the state of the art facilities in institutions in other parts of the world. Here in Ghana, the machinery are obsolete and the institutions are poorly equipped. Each of these 15 institutes will get an average of GHS 50 million these investments will cover the following institutions. The technical Universities and polytechnics in Bolga, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Sunyani and Tamale.”
The Ghana China project is a joint project between the two countries to enhance technical and vocational training in the country.
It is supported by the Export-Import Bank of China through the Chinese government concession agreement.
It is aimed in growing talent for the industries through the establishment of advanced training and examination centres of technical institutions across the country.
Beneficiary technical institutes
Tema, Ashaiman, Komboni, Cape Coast and St. Paul Techincal Institutes will benefit from the grant.
The rest include the Takoradi, Kumasi, Bawku, St. Joseph’s and Sunyani Methodist Technical Institutes.
Sinohydro deal funds for TVET
Dr. Bawumia had on Monday during the visit of the Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the visit reaffirmed the desire of the Government and people of Ghana to work hand in hand with China to ensure mutual benefit and growth, emphasising that Ghana is determined to learn from China.
Vice President Bawumia expressed Government’s appreciation for the financial support China has offered to Ghana, made up of a 300 million Yuan (approximately Ghs 236.18/$42.79m) grant and a debt write off of 250 million Yuan (approximately Ghs 196.82m/$35.66m).
“We are also very grateful for your support in the vocational and technical institutes that you are helping us to put together which you are helping us to launch today. It is important because Ghana wants to learn from China, and we know that in China, the development of the skill of the people is very important. This is why the technical and vocational training is very important and why your support is most appreciated.”
