The Heavy Duty Artisan Association of Ghana (GHAART) has marked its first anniversary in collaboration with the Suame Technical Institute, celebrating a year of impactful work in the heavy-duty mechanical sector.

The association was established to create a structured system for artisans in the heavy-duty industry and to encourage more individuals, especially the youth, to join the sector.

The National President of GHAART, Suleman Abdul-Raman, highlighted the association’s efforts to introduce policies aimed at regulating the informal sector, which currently lacks proper direction.

“We are developing policies to help the government regulate the informal sector. The lack of regulation makes it difficult for artisans to operate effectively,” he said.

He also added that GHAART collaborates with several well-known companies to offer practical training opportunities to students.

“Popular companies in the country partner with us to train students and equip them with hands-on experience,” he asserted.

Mr. Abdul-Raman appealed to the government to pay attention to the local manufacturing sector, especially the “Made in Ghana” goods and the Kantanka brand, to help expand and support local innovation.

Chairman of the event and a lecturer at the Heavy Duty Department at Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), Charles Osei, emphasized the relevance of skills learnt in school in the world of work.

He stressed that the association aims to work hand-in-hand with mechanics at the Suame Magazine area to help the students gain practical skills.

“The association wants to align closely with what is being taught in technical institutions. We send our students for attachments at local workshops in the Magazine area so they can gain practical skills,” he said. “We collaborate with artisans to train our students. They teach them the dos and don’ts and offer real industry experience.”

Ashanti Regional Manager of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Jerry Aflabo, who was the guest speaker, emphasized the role of vehicle safety in national development, especially regarding mechanical maintenance.

“What you do is critical to the country’s development. Ensure repairs are done correctly to avoid accidents. Mechanics must tighten bolts and nuts properly, especially for towed vehicles,” he said.

He also discussed standards for imported buses and urged artisans to consult the DVLA for correct measurements of seat space in vehicles.
“Some buses have incorrect seat spacing. Come to us for the accurate measurements to ensure easy registration,” he added.

A female mechanic, Ernestina Owusu, also shared her story and experience with wanting to be a mechanic. “My family discouraged me, but I was determined. Today, I can repair bulldozers and other heavy machines, which I believe other women can do too,” she said.

A lubricant engineer, George Cooper Cofie, stressed the environmental and health risks of used oils, and cautioned against their use of such harmful chemicals.

He observed that when these oils are poured on the ground, rainwater carries them into rivers and streams, leading to adverse health issues.

He advised mechanics to collect used oils properly and sell them to industries that can recycle them, such as iron rod manufacturers. He also urged drivers to use the correct grade of oil for their cars.

“Many modern vehicles need synthetic oils, but most drivers still use mineral oils,” he noted.

The association aims to grow the sector and encourages members of the heavy-duty industry to support the development of the country.