The air crackled with the hum of welding torches and the clang of metal as Ghana recently celebrated the culmination of its maiden National Welding Competition. The event, a vibrant showcase of skill and dedication, not only crowned the nation’s top welders but also paved the way for their representation on the international stage. Hosted jointly by Gyason Technoengineering Limited and Koforidua Technical University, the competition underscored the critical role of welding in Ghana’s economic future. Now, the spotlight turns to these talented individuals, the **Ghanaian welders** who will carry the nation’s flag in upcoming global competitions.
The competition, more than just a contest, served as a platform to highlight the importance of welding education, rigorous training, and industry-recognized certification. It emphasized the theme: “Joining Ghana’s Prosperous Future through Welding,” a sentiment echoed throughout the event.
The National Welding Competition, a collaborative effort between Gyason Technoengineering Limited, Koforidua Technical University, the Ghanaian Institute of Welding (GIW), and other key partners, drew approximately 13 participants from Technical Universities and TVET institutions across the country. As a prelude to the practical assessments, Dr. Emmanuel Afrane Gyasi, CEO of Gyason Technoengineering Limited, conducted a webinar, illuminating the latest advancements in modern welding technologies. His message was clear: continuous learning and adaptation are essential for **Ghanaian welders** to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
“We can join Ghana’s prosperous future through welding if we keep abreast with modern welding technologies through education, training, qualification, and certification,” Dr. Gyasi asserted, emphasizing the importance of skilled professionals in nation-building.
From a pool of talented contenders, four outstanding **Ghanaian welders** emerged victorious, securing their places to represent Ghana in prestigious international welding competitions in China and Germany. The competition rigorously tested their abilities in a range of welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding (OFW).
Ing. Dr. Adu Gyamfi, an instrumental figure in the competition’s organization, noted the stringent selection process. “We have welders from different technical universities who came and were screened and a few were qualified because of some criteria that were given…” he explained, highlighting the high standards expected of the participants.
Michael Eshun of Sunyani Technical University was crowned the overall champion. Alongside him, Timothy Avorseh, Justice Kwesi Boadu, Gideon Ofori Ntiri, and Agnes Anakwara distinguished themselves as top performers, earning the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the event served as a crucial platform for identifying talent, nurturing skills, and building a comprehensive database of qualified **Ghanaian welders**. The emphasis on welding education, training, qualification, and certification underscored its importance as an attractive and lucrative career path. Stakeholders emphasized the need for reskilling and upskilling initiatives to meet the demands of Ghana’s growing economy.
Nana Kwabena Boadu of NABS group, emphasized the financial rewards of a welding career, remarking, “…welding is one of the lucrative industry in terms of salary…it is one of the well-paid jobs currently in the world…” This reinforces the message that welding offers not just a job, but a pathway to economic stability and prosperity.
The competition also shone a light on the underrepresentation of women in the welding industry and served as a call to action for greater inclusion. Ing. Gladys Pepertaul Awudi urged industry players to actively engage female welders, addressing the existing disparities in opportunities.
“Unfortunately for us in Ghana, we don’t have a lot of industries and the main industry players also do not want to engage women for full-time…” Ing. Awudi explained, highlighting the challenges faced by women seeking to establish themselves in welding careers.
Despite the enthusiasm and talent on display, lecturers voiced concerns regarding the scarcity of essential tools, equipment, and training materials. The lack of adequate resources hampers practical sessions and ultimately affects the quality of welding education in Ghana.
The National Welding Competition successfully highlighted the exceptional skills of **Ghanaian welders** while reinforcing the critical need for sustained investment in welding education and training. The success of these individuals serves as a testament to their dedication and a source of inspiration for aspiring welders across the nation. As they prepare to compete on the international stage, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of Ghana’s welding industry, promising to bring recognition and opportunities back home.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
