On Friday, 30th May 2025, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Liuzhou Polytechnic University in Guangxi Province, China, marking a new era in technical and vocational education for Ghana and the wider West African region. The agreement formalizes a joint commitment of J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd, the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana, Liuzhou Polytechnic University, and Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd to establish the LiuGong-LZPU-ATU-JAPP International Craftsmen Training Centre in Ghana.
This new centre aims to become a cutting-edge hub for technical capacity building, focused on enhancing customer service and support through specialized training in heavy-duty and earth-moving machinery. Located within the facilities provided by J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd, the centre will be fully equipped and resourced to train staff and students from Ghana’s Technical Universities, technical personnel from J.A. Plant Pool, as well as current and prospective dealers of LiuGong machinery.
The signing ceremony brought together a distinguished delegation from Ghana, including Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme; Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University and Chairman of the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana; Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University; Mr. Frederick Obeng Adom, Deputy Minister for Transport; and Ms. Adwoa Frimpomaa Boateng, Board Member of J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd. They were joined by senior executives from Liuzhou Polytechnic University and Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd.
The centre will be a training facility for specialised technical skills, a hub for industry attachments and internships, and a place where scholarships will be offered to deserving students and technicians seeking further advanced training in China. The collaboration will also foster academic-industry partnerships to encourage applied research and innovation, along with joint efforts to secure funding for technical training and research activities that address common challenges faced by all parties.
Students selected for the programme will undergo a comprehensive six-month course at the Ghana-based centre, learning practical skills in machinery operation, repair, and maintenance. Upon successful completion with excellent performance, students will have the opportunity to continue their training with LiuGong or its dealer companies for an additional three months in Liuzhou, China. This two-phase approach ensures trainees gain both local relevance and international exposure, equipping them to become global craftsmen in their field.
Guangxi LiuGong Machinery Co., Ltd will provide the necessary training equipment, textbooks, and technical support for the courses. They will also coordinate internships and employment placements through their West Africa branch distributors, offering graduates meaningful pathways into the workforce. Additionally, LiuGong will grant scholarships to outstanding students for further studies at Liuzhou Polytechnic University and retain rights to intellectual property developed during the training programs.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Eshun highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that it represents more than just the creation of a training centre, it is a bridge connecting academic institutions, industry, and global opportunities. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will empower Ghanaian and West African youth to become skilled technicians and innovators ready to meet the demands of modern industry.
This partnership is set to position Ghana as a regional leader in technical and vocational education and training by combining high-quality infrastructure, innovative curricula, and strong industry linkages. It signals a bold step forward in delivering hands-on, competency-based training aligned with real-world employment needs, creating a sustainable model for technical education that can be replicated across the continent.