Ghana Air Force gets ultra modern workshop

Accra, Nov. 14, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence on Friday inaugurated a 10-million Euro refurbished mechanical workshop for the Ghana Air Force in Accra.

The refurbishment of the workshop undertaken by Dornier International Logistics of Germany would enhance technical education of personnel of the School of Trade Training of Ghana Air Force.

The workshop has welding machines, laboratory with hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, an engine room and a composite room for the fabrication of fibreglass material.

Five classrooms of the school were also refurbished.

Dr Addo Kufuor, who also unveiled a plaque, commended the Dornier International Logistics of Germany for assisting the Ghana Air Force to provide excellent tuition to its officers and men.

He noted that with technological advancement in the aviation industry, "there has been the need to upgrade the technical curriculum.

"The collaboration with the German company has not only enhanced the technical capacity of the Ghana Air Force but has also benefited Ghana Airways, United Aviation Service, Ashanti Aviation and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority."

He said German Embassy was ready to support the workshop "by helping to maintain the state of the art the equipment installed in the training school."

He pleaded for vigorous pursuit of the culture of maintenance with respect to the equipment, in order that the maximum benefit could be derived from them.

Wing Commander Joseph O. Lamptey (rtd), Coordinator of the School of Trade Training, said since the establishment of the School in 1960, it aspired to train and maintain skilled manpower and commended Dornier for its assistance.

He said with the refurbishment of the workshop, the school was now offering courses in Air Traffic Control, General Engineering and Instructor Techniques among other courses.

He said the modern laboratory has also been equipped with versatile Navigation, Radar and a communication simulator that would replicate faults for instruction purposes and include flight line and general electronics test equipment.

"From the forgoing we can confidently project into the future and say by the end of the decade, we can get close to the Aircraft Maintenance Licence Awarding status and provide aviation training services in the Sub-Region," he declared.

He thanked both governments for their support and stated that the Ghana Air Force on its part would endeavour to deliver.