The Petroleum Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has commissioned a US$2.2milion state of the art Mechanical and Welding Workshop at the Kikam Technical Institute in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The workshop, made up of mechanical equipment in oil and gas, electrical, electronics and hydraulics, were supplied in two phases by the Oil and Gas Capacity Building Project, the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the school’s premises in Kikam, the Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, expressed satisfaction at the capacity building equipment installed.
He stressed that “ the purpose for the supply of the equipment is to produce engineers and technicians with requisite knowledge and skills capable of serving in any capacity in the industry.”
Mechanical Equipment in oil and gas supplied to the Institute included Vertical and horizontal Lathe Machines, Oil and Pipe Lathe machine, Bench Drilling Machine and Precision Machine among others.
Other equipment supplied to the Welding and Fabrication departments are a Gas/Gasless MIG Welder, Wire Feeders, Welding Gun Packages, Plasma Cutters, Air Compressors, Ceiling Exhaust Extraction Fans, Welding Accessories, Jigs and Fixtures and safety and protective Wear Glasses among others.
“In addition to the equipment, a curriculum has also been developed for the teaching of mechanical, welding and fabrication courses. Trainers in these disciplines are receiving competency training in the use of the curriculum,” Mr. Buah stated.
“We have also agreed to construct a brand new building to house the equipment at an estimated cost if GH 1.3m. The contract is expected to be signed in the coming days and construction will take about four months.”
On her part, the headmistress of the Kikam Technical Institute, Madam Emma Otoo, expressed appreciation to the suppliers of the equipment and pleaded with the Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah to continue facilitating the provision of other support for the Institute, such as a Girls Dormitory Block and classrooms for effective teaching and learning.
Madam Emma Otoo pledged the commitment of the school at ensuring the effective use of the equipment.
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By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/Citifmonline.com/Ghana