Germany and Ghana have deepened their cooperation in education and sustainable energy with the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies at the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI).
The event, which took place on the second day of the German President’s three-day state visit to Ghana, was jointly performed by His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Ghana’s Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu.
The €5.6 million Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies marks a major step toward Ghana’s ambition to build a modern, sustainable, and skills-driven economy.
The project is expected to serve as a regional hub for education, innovation, and research in renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies. It will train students in cutting-edge fields such as air-conditioning, mechanics and plumbing, industrial garments, and electronics, with a strong focus on renewable and efficient energy systems.
Speaking after the ceremony, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the initiative as a landmark step in Ghana’s journey toward a sustainable future driven by technology and practical skills.
“This landmark centre is a huge step in Ghana’s commitment to a sustainable, skills-driven economy. It will equip our youth with future-proof green skills in areas like mechanics and plumbing, air-conditioning, electronics, and industrial garments.”
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
Hon. Iddrisu emphasized that the establishment of the Centre aligns with the government’s ongoing reform of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which seeks to reposition Ghana’s workforce for the demands of the 21st-century green economy.
“By focusing on renewable technologies, we are empowering the next generation to lead Ghana’s green transformation. My sincere gratitude to our German partners for their collaboration in advancing TVET. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, smarter future for all.”
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister’s remarks echoed the broader goal of Ghana’s new education policy framework, which places a premium on skills development, environmental responsibility, and industrial relevance.
Under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, the TVET sector has seen renewed investment aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who also joined the ceremony, commended both leaders for their commitment to deepening Ghana–Germany relations through practical cooperation.
“Together with the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, I had the honour of joining His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, to inspect a range of innovative student-led technologies at the Kumasi Technical Institute”.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
He explained that the new centre would become a transformative learning hub that promotes innovation and research in green energy technology.
“We also jointly performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the Centre of Excellence in Green Energy Technology, a transformative €5.6 million project supported by the Government of Germany to advance education, research, and sustainable energy innovation in Ghana”.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Dr. Amoakohene described the collaboration as a testament to the growing strength of Ghana–Germany relations and their shared vision for sustainable development and industrial progress.
He further expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the transparent and accountable leadership that, in his view, continues to attract meaningful international partnerships.
Dr. Amoakohene also acknowledged the German President and his government for their long-standing support and partnership in Ghana’s development agenda. “Our gratitude also goes to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Government of Germany for their unwavering support and friendship,” he added.
The partnership with Germany reflects Ghana’s growing international credibility as a destination for development cooperation and technological innovation. Over the years, Germany has played a leading role in supporting Ghana’s renewable energy agenda, technical education, and industrial modernization through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and other bilateral initiatives.
The Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies will be a model institution aimed at bridging the skills gap in renewable energy and sustainable industrial systems. It is expected to provide hands-on training and research opportunities that will help position Ghana as a leader in green innovation in West Africa.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Ghana forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Germany’s partnerships across Africa in the fields of green energy, education, and economic cooperation.
His engagements have included high-level discussions with President John Dramani Mahama on climate action, sustainable industrialization, and opportunities for mutual growth in renewable technology transfer.
The establishment of the Green Technology Centre comes at a time when Ghana is intensifying its drive to integrate sustainability into education and industry. The government’s emphasis on practical skills and technological competence aligns with global trends calling for green economies that prioritize clean energy, low emissions, and responsible production.
For students and educators at the Kumasi Technical Institute, the new centre represents not only an infrastructural upgrade but also an opportunity to learn, innovate, and lead in emerging green industries. It reinforces Ghana’s commitment to empowering youth through relevant technical education that meets both local and global demands.
President Steinmeier’s launch of this project stands as a symbol of what effective international partnership can achieve — a collaboration built not just on diplomacy, but on shared values of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
