74 trained in Forklift and Mobile Crane operation

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has reaffirmed government’s commitment to equipping young people with practical and industry-relevant skills, describing skills development as a key pillar of Ghana’s economic transformation and sustainable growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister at the 10th Cohort Graduation Ceremony of Forklift and Mobile Crane Operators, Deputy Director General for Administration, Reine Adzo Agbo, said countries that achieve rapid economic progress do so by investing in the skills and talents of their youth.

Addressing graduates, industry stakeholders and development partners, she stressed that Ghana’s development agenda cannot be achieved through academic qualifications alone, but requires a workforce with strong technical and vocational competencies aligned with industry needs.

“Practical and technical skills are essential for reducing unemployment, increasing productivity, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable livelihoods,” she said, noting that sectors such as construction, mining, maritime services, logistics, manufacturing, transportation and infrastructure development rely heavily on skilled operators and technicians.

She commended the graduating forklift and mobile crane operators for acquiring competencies that position them to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s industrialisation drive and national development.

The Ministry also highlighted key government interventions aimed at empowering young people, including the Adwumawura Programme, which supports youth entrepreneurship through training, mentorship, business incubation and market access, as well as the National Apprenticeship Programme, which provides practical training and pathways to employment and self employment for thousands of young Ghanaians.

The ceremony, jointly organised by the National Association of Heavy Duty Equipment Operators Ghana (NAHDEOG) and the Regional Maritime University (RMU), saw the graduation of 74 trainees made up of 32 forklift operators, 35 mobile crane operators and 7 excavator operators.

The Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Professor Jethro W. Brooks, described the achievement as a significant investment in the future of the graduates, stressing that national development depends on a skilled workforce capable of making immediate contributions to key sectors.

Speaking on the theme “Skilled Youth for Accelerated Development,” Prof. Brooks noted that Africa’s growing infrastructure demands require competent equipment operators to support construction, logistics, ports, oil and gas, mining and industrial operations.

He said economic growth is driven by skills and productivity, urging graduates to see their certificates as a starting point for continuous professional development.

He further encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, adapt to emerging technologies and uphold high standards of safety, integrity and professionalism.

The President of NAHDEOG, Dominic Kofi Eyiah, also highlighted the importance of technical and vocational training in national development, commending government for the National Apprenticeship Programme.

He appealed for heavy duty equipment operation training to be included in future phases of the initiative, noting that many sectors continue to face shortages of trained operators despite rising demand.

Mr Eyiah said integrating such training into national skills programmes would help create jobs, close critical skills gaps, improve workplace safety and accelerate industrial growth.

He also expressed the Association’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies, training institutions and industry partners in curriculum development, certification, practical training and mentorship.

Earlier, Acting Head of the Marine Engineering Department at RMU, Dr Vindex Domeh, said the programme was designed to provide participants with hands on, industry relevant skills to enhance employability and professional performance.

He cited a success story of a former trainee who demonstrated strong competence during an employment assessment, describing it as evidence of the quality of the training.

Dr Domeh expressed appreciation to NAHDEOG instructors for their dedication and acknowledged Mr Prince Boyd of RMU’s Transport Unit for facilitating the partnership between the Association and the University.

The ceremony ended with a call for stronger collaboration between government, academia and industry to expand skills development opportunities for young people and build a highly skilled workforce to drive national development and economic competitiveness.

Source: PR UNIT NAHDEOG