JICA-ECG begins phase two of Electrical Engineers Training for African countries

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has begun the second phase of a specialized Electrical Engineers Training Program for African countries, organized by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Training Centre. This phase of the program, scheduled to run from October 7 to November 22, 2024, will train participants from nine African countries on strengthening electricity transmission and distribution networks, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing energy efficiency.

At the launch event, Mr. Oda Ryotaro, Senior Representative of JICA Ghana, highlighted the program’s focus on enhancing the technical skills of engineers. “The aim is to improve the maintenance of electrical equipment, and provide advanced training in areas like distribution planning, design, system protection, and control,” he said.

Mr. Ryotaro also announced JICA’s upcoming plans, including the construction of a new substation in Tamale, Ghana, set for 2025, as part of JICA’s broader energy infrastructure projects across Africa, with similar initiatives in Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Ing. Godfred Mensah, Director of ECG’s Training Centre, expressed gratitude to JICA for its support, emphasizing the importance of mastering electrical engineering fundamentals and integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence into local power systems. He urged participants to explore these innovations and apply them to address energy challenges in their home countries.