Ghana’s Strategy to Export Skilled Electrical Installation Talent
On 22 April 2026, Professor John Gatsi, Chairman of the Energy Commission, handed a certificate to a newly certified cabling professional at the 24th Electrical Wiring Certification and Awards Ceremony. The event, held under the theme “Training the Youth of Today, Certifying the Electrical Experts of Tomorrow,” highlighted a broader national effort to raise the employability of Ghanaian electricians and position them for overseas markets.
Integrating Language Skills into the Certification Process
The Ministry of Youth Development and Employment, led by Hon. George Opare Addo, announced that language proficiency will become a core component of the Electrical Lines Certification Examination. According to the minister, a dedicated fund within the ministry will finance language‑training programmes for aspiring installers, enabling them to meet the communication standards required by employers in Europe and other regions.
Opare Addo explained that this added qualification will allow Ghana to export skilled workers who can not only perform safe installations but also operate effectively in multilingual work environments. He urged young people to seize the opportunity, noting that the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors all demand trained professionals to guarantee efficiency, safety and professionalism.
Addressing Gender Imbalance in the Trade
Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, raised concerns about the low participation of women in the field. Citing data from the previous year’s examination, she pointed out that out of 1,179 candidates, only 36 women succeeded—representing just 3 % of successful examinees.
Bondzie pledged to seek financial backing from industry players, the Ministry of Youth Development and Employment, and other stakeholders to support women candidates through scholarships, mentorship schemes, and targeted outreach programmes. She called on families and communities to encourage more girls to consider electrical installation as a viable career path.
Upholding Professional Standards Through Regulation and Training
Professor Gatsi stressed that professionalism in electrical work is non‑negotiable. He referenced Ghana’s Electrical Wiring Regulations 2011 (LI 2008), which were enacted to strengthen implementation and oversight of the practice nationwide. To reinforce these standards, the Energy Commission has continuously produced updated training manuals and organized workshops for practicing electricians.
These resources aim to ensure that every certified professional adheres to safety codes, delivers quality workmanship, and maintains the credibility needed to compete internationally.
Recognizing Excellence and Encouraging Continued Growth
The ceremony also featured an interview with Daniel Odom, the overall top candidate of the 2025 examination. Odom expressed his gratitude for the recognition and announced his intention to mentor peers to pursue certification. As part of the award, he received GH₵5,000, a prize intended to motivate other aspiring wiring professionals to aim for excellence.
Exam statistics revealed that 1,386 individuals sat for the test, with 1,179 achieving a passing score—an overall pass rate of 85 %. This figure underscores the growing competence of the candidate pool while also highlighting the room for further improvement, particularly in language training and gender diversity.
Looking Ahead
By embedding language skills into the certification framework, supporting women’s entry into the trade, and maintaining rigorous technical standards, Ghana aims to build a workforce capable of meeting both local demand and international opportunities. The collaborative approach between the Ministry of Youth Development and Employment and the Energy Commission reflects a commitment to holistic skill development that could serve as a model for other sectors seeking global competitiveness.
