The Skills Bridge Ghana Foundation (SBGF), formerly the STEM Parrot Foundation, has partnered with the Applied Technology Institute in East Legon to train 50 industry professionals in solar energy technology. The programme was launched at the institute, drawing together industry stakeholders, technical experts and energy sector professionals.
Founder and Executive Director Charles Agyemang Prempeh opened the ceremony, stressing that Ghana’s expanding energy needs must be matched with investments in technical skills. He warned that while power demand grows, the country still faces shortages in solar engineering, system maintenance and advanced photovoltaic integration.
Prempeh noted that advanced economies in Europe and North America aggressively finance comprehensive green workforce transitions, whereas developing nations risk importing expensive hardware without the local human capital to maintain it. He urged that investments in physical infrastructure must be paired with efforts to develop the people capable of installing, operating and maintaining such systems.
The foundation is also working with government institutions on capacity‑building initiatives in solar energy and waste management. SBGF is collaborating with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Development and the National Youth Authority to train young people in these areas. Partnerships with Accra Technical University and Germany’s RELEVATE gUG further align technical training with industry needs.
Prempeh praised Applied Technology Institute Principal Ing. Emmanuel Kotey Ashie for supporting the programme, saying, “Partnering with your esteemed institution is both a privilege and a powerful testament to what we can achieve together.” He added that the specialised training will equip technicians with skills needed to meet national standards, reduce technical failures and support Ghana’s transition toward renewable energy.
The foundation also thanked Leyden Education UK for logistical support. Addressing engineers and technicians, Prempeh urged continuous skill upgrading and formal certification as solar technology evolves, declaring, “To industry stakeholders and government leaders: the time to invest heavily in solar training is now. Solar technology is no longer an alternative—it is the core driver of our emerging energy economy.” He said SBGF would continue to expand its training initiatives to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting Ghana’s energy transition.
