Bussiness
GROHE bridges shortage of skilled plumbers’ gap in Ghanaian industry
GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has established a state-of-the-art training facility in Accra, to equip young persons with the requisite skill set and knowledge in plumbing works.
The facility, stationed at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), is part of the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) programme, aimed to train young people in the sanitary industry.
The step, has become necessary as a result of the shortage of skilled installers in the industry, hence, the installation of modern training facilities and provision of learning materials and experienced technical trainers to give students hands-on practice.
Mr Christopher Penney, Leader, GIVE Programme, said the shortage of many skilled installers which was increasingly becoming a source of worry for many industry players challenged the company to come up with GIVE as an innovative strategy to remedy the situation.
“As part of GIVE, we collaborate with technical & vocational training institutions who offer programmes relevant to our industry to train young talents. In addition, the institutions are supported to set up fully functioning training environments where students can benefit from the brand’s vast expertise” he added.
The relevance of adequate technical and vocational training in the sanitary industry, he said, could never be downplayed as it prepared students to compete fiercely on the job market by virtue of their in-depth knowledge in the latest technologies and sanitary innovations.
Mr Penney said GROHE would set up the same facilities in Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast, adding that the global programme was also ongoing in Russia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, UK, Poland, and Croatia.
Once the students had completed their training, they would sit GROHE’s written examination and receive internationally recognised certificates, he said.
“We will also enroll them in our certified installer programme and there may even be an opportunity for work experience or even employment with some of GROHE’S key customers. We will also provide the students with a small tool kit to help them get started,” he said.
Mr Antoine Kaissar, Leader, GROHE NWA, and LIXIL, said the GIVE programme would unite all its professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving their quality of life and that of their families.
“We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at GROHE,” he added.
Mr Arko Dometey, the Principal, ATTC, said ATTC was conceived as an institution to train skilled manpower for Ghana’s Industrial requirements.
The Institute runs 17 courses currently including Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Architectural Drafting, and Welding Technology.
Every building fabric needed building services such as plumbing and good plumbers, he said, adding that it was, therefore, the Vision of ATTC to develop a World Class TVET institution and system.
“This can only be achieved when there is a stronger bond between ATTC, Government and Industry and this is what is encouraging industries like GROHE to participate in improving the Plumbing Department.
Mr Dometey said it was unfortunate how plumbing and gas fitting (water works) seemed to be an almost “forgotten programme” even though an essential trade for every building fabric including offices, domestic buildings, and churches among others.
The GROHE’s capacity building of students was the only way to make the students catch up with modern trends and techniques in waterworks or plumbing and gas fitting, he added.
The ATTC had to align itself with good brands like both locally and internationally like GROHE, for the need TVET infrastructure and well-trained human resources to become a school of excellence, the Principal said. -GNA
Bussiness
Finance Minister tranfers funds to DACF, NHIS and GETFUND
The Minister for Finance Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed that a sum of nine hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Five thousand and Seventy-Three Ghana Cedis (GHS987,965,073.00) from the Consolidated Fund into the District Assembly Common Fund Account, being the first quarter amount due to the DACF.
Furthermore, the Finance Minister informed the House that a total amount of Two Billion, Thirty- Three Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Seven Ghana Cedis (GHS2,033,469,607) has been disbursed to the National Health Insurance Fund.
While the Ghana Education Trust Fund has also received a total of Two Billion, Seven and Ten Million, Two Hundred and Twenty-Seven Ghana Cedis (GHS2,710,227,947.00) for the months January, February, March and April,2025.
The Finance Minister disclosed this in his statement to Parliament on the payments to statutory funds on the floor of the House.
In addition, he cautioned that the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund is required to ensure that 80% of this amount is transferred directly to the Assemblies without fail and expenditure returns submitted to the Ministry of Finance before subsequent releases will be made.
He added that Members are encouraged to monitor the utilization of these amounts sent to their respective Assemblies in line with the approved guidelines by Cabinet.
In his closing remark, Ato Forson said he’s going to take the concerns of the House seriously.
For his part, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga made known the President’s prioritization of women in the country stating that President Mahama is “Pro-women”.
This is due to the fact that women are going to be the core beneficiaries from the expenditures going to be made by the MMDA’s, he added.
The Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the Finance Minister why road contractors have not been paid for more than five months. He said the Minister must not be applauded for since the allocation of these funds were long overdue.
Bussiness
Charterhouse announces the Business Elevate Series with launch of ‘The Gastro Feastival’
Charterhouse, Ghana’s leading event management and audiovisual production company, is marking its 25th anniversary of delivering top-tier events with the introduction of an exciting new initiative: The Business Elevate Series.
This innovative series is designed to shine a spotlight on key economic sectors through a series of dynamic B2B and B2C events, including industry conferences, seminars, and exhibitions.
Kicking off the series is The Gastro Feastival, a groundbreaking annual food industry festival that will showcase Ghana’s rich and diverse food ecosystem and agribusinesses from production to consumption.
The launch event will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Grand Arena (Accra International Conference Centre).
This landmark event will bring together food industry stakeholders, enthusiasts, experts, and organizations to highlight the food industry’s critical role in Ghana’s socio-economic development and culture.
It will also promote food security, digital innovation, women’s empowerment, youth employment in agribusiness, and sustainable practices.
The Business Elevate Series is a game-changing initiative designed to foster growth and transformation across multiple sectors. With Charterhouse’s deep expertise in organizing impactful meetings, the series aims to unlock investment opportunities, drive innovation, and catalyze social and economic change.
The Gastro Feastival will address six major pillars that drive industry transformation: Investment Opportunities; Job Creation; Innovation, Technology, and Digitization; Youth Involvement (entrepreneurship and career opportunities); Women’s Involvement; Environmental and Social Governance (ESG); Export Opportunities
The event will also establish a Resource Bank, spotlighting key growth opportunities and ensuring the effective allocation of resources to transform Ghana’s food industry.
The Gastro Feastival is a Charterhouse initiative, with Kosmos Innovation Centre as the technical partner.
