The Ashanti Regional Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Services has entered into a strategic partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Building and Road Research Institute (CSIR-BRRI) to enhance practical skills training in sustainable construction among students.
At the official signing ceremony, Dr. Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi, Director of CSIR-BRRI, said the MoU would focus on building the technical competencies of TVET students, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and hands-on skills required to construct healthy, durable, and environmentally sustainable buildings.
“This collaboration will enable students to use locally available and abandoned materials in construction, reducing Ghana’s dependency on imported building materials that drain foreign exchange and drive up housing costs,” Dr. Asenso-Gyambibi explained. “We also want to nurture students into becoming professional architects and skilled builders who can contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development and address graduate unemployment.”
The agreement was unveiled during a breakfast meeting organized under the theme, “Fostering TVET Research Collaboration on Modern Green Building Trends for a Sustainable Future.” The event took place at the National Artisan Training Centre on the BRRI campus at Fumesua in Kumasi.
Engineer Dr. Richard Addo Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director of TVET Services, described the MoU as a major step forward in technical education. He emphasized that the partnership would enhance the curriculum by offering students practical exposure in areas like block-laying, modern architectural design, and sustainable building technologies.
“We want our students not only to excel academically but also to be industry-ready,” Dr. Addo Gyamfi said. “The collaboration with CSIR-BRRI will ensure our facilitators are well-trained, and in turn, they will impart relevant and up-to-date knowledge to students, preparing them for employment opportunities after graduation.”
Architect Dr. Joseph Adjei Danquah, Coordinator at the National Artisan Training Centre, also highlighted the environmental significance of the initiative. He said promoting the use of local materials would help combat climate change and make construction more affordable.
“Our goal is to equip students with deep knowledge and practical skills to become key players in the building industry. By using local materials and adopting green building practices, we not only protect the environment but also create sustainable jobs for the youth,” Dr. Danquah stressed.
The partnership between Ashanti TVET Services and CSIR-BRRI signals a new era of collaboration aimed at advancing technical education, promoting green construction, and preparing a future workforce ready to support Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
