The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has commissioned Africa’s first American Welding Society (AWS)-Certified Welder Training and Testing Centre in Accra, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s drive toward industrial excellence and skills development.

The ultra-modern facility, equipped with 40 welding booths and three digital simulators, is designed to offer world-class training and certification under the American Welding Society’s SENSE programme.

The initiative aims to equip hundreds of Ghanaian welders with globally recognized skills to meet the needs of the industrial and energy sectors.

Founder and President of DTI, Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, said the project forms part of DTI’s broader vision to build a competent, confident, and globally competitive workforce.

“This centre represents a new chapter for technical and vocational education in Ghana. We are not just training welders; we are shaping a generation of professionals who can compete on the global stage,” she stated.

The Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, Dr. Archibold Buah-Kwofie, commended DTI for the initiative, noting that such partnerships are essential for Ghana’s industrial transformation.

“Facilities like this are critical as Ghana moves towards expanding its industrial and energy capabilities. Having AWS-certified welders will ensure that we maintain international standards and safety across major infrastructure projects,” he emphasized.

The DTI Welder Training and Testing Centre is the first of its kind in Africa, setting a new benchmark for technical education and industrial skills development. It is expected to provide Ghanaian youth with access to in-demand technical skills that align with both local and international labour market needs.

The commissioning of the centre underscores DTI’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in Ghana’s manufacturing and energy sectors while empowering young people with practical, employable expertise for the future.