Local jewellery manufacturers have opportunity for resource assistance from a modern centre at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The Jewellery Resource Centre at KNUST which is due to begin operations later this year will make available equipment and expertise to industry players.

The Skill Development Fund in collaboration with an American company are helping to set it up following successful introduction of a certificate course in computer-aided jewellery production at the university – Jewellery Design and Technology Centre ( KJDTC).
With state-of-the-art equipment, the course is affording local jewellery manufacturers the opportunity to improve their skills.

Over hundred students, made up of local blacksmiths and dealers have so far benefitted from the course.

The Resource Centre will therefore afford artisanal jewellers the opportunity, after completion of training, to access the service centre at a small fee to work.

Principal of the Centre, Joseph Kojo Arthur, at the first graduation ceremony said the initiative will improve Ghana’s jewellery industry to meet international standards. 113 local jewelers who underwent training received certificates as 140 fresh ones begin the programme.

 Though he will not disclose the cost involved in the Jewellery Resource Centre, Mr Arthur said plans are far advanced for its establishment.

 “In Ghana, I will not name any of the stores but you will have to spend between 2-3 million old Ghana cedis before you can get a small ring unlike in a country like USA, a high school graduate can spend $35 and have a ring; why because things are made light,” Mr. Arthur explained.

He is hopeful the introduction of computer-aided jewellery design will help transform the industry and position it to compete on the world market.

“This is what we are bringing onto the Ghanaian market, moving from the bulky nugget form into a precise manufacturing,” Mr. Arthur added.

The Jewellery Design and Technology Centre hopes to train over 600 manufacturers and unemployed youth free of charge over the next two years.
The programme, is a partnership of Ghana Government, World Bank, Danish International Development Agency, African Development Bank, Japan International Co-operation Agency and German Technical Co-operation

Mr. Arthur wants government and other funding agencies to help expand the project to benefit more people.

“The students are coming everyday and because of the size of our workshop, we are not able to accommodate them. We need to expand,” Mr. Arthur noted.