In a groundbreaking step towards transforming technical education in Ghana and West Africa, J.A Plant Pool Ghana Ltd., in partnership with LiuGong Africa and China’s Liuzhou Polytechnic University (LZPU), is gearing up to establish a cutting-edge International Training Centre in Ghana. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry demands and vocational training by equipping the next generation of engineers and technicians with globally competitive skills.

Strategic Partnership with Ghana Technical University Alliance (GTUA)
On April 16, 2025, a high-level meeting was held at the J.A Plant Pool headquarters, uniting key stakeholders from J.A Plant Pool, LiuGong Africa, LZPU, and the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G). At this gathering, J.A Plant Pool-LiuGong Global formally extended an invitation to VCTU-G to serve as a core partner in this ambitious project.

The proposed International Training Centre is envisioned as a beacon of excellence in engineering and heavy machinery education, fostering cross-continental collaboration and boosting the capacity of Ghana’s technical workforce.

Roles of Key Partners:

• LiuGong Africa will provide state-of-the-art training equipment, engineering machinery, and modern teaching materials to support practical, hands-on learning.
• Liuzhou Polytechnic University (China) will work closely with stakeholders to develop the academic curriculum and co-issue internationally recognised certifications.
• J.A Plant Pool will lead the site selection, infrastructure development, and day-to-day management of the centre.
• VTUC-G, through its Vice Chancellors, will be responsible for student recruitment, faculty development, and aligning the program with Ghana’s national education and industrial objectives.

A Vision for Impact and Innovation
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Lu Bingjian, After Sales Manager of LiuGong Africa, provided an in-depth overview of the initiative, emphasizing its transformative potential.

“This initiative is designed not only to support industry growth but also to provide Ghanaian students with globally competitive skills. It represents a major step forward in education-industry collaboration,” he said.

Calls for Clarity and Strategic Planning
While the project was well received, participants also called for detailed planning and transparency. Rev. Professor John Frank Eshun, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G), who also doubles as Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, noted the importance of structured documentation before signing any agreement.

“We need copies of the plan and a broader understanding of its long-term scope before signing the MOU,” he stressed. “Comprehensive documentation and a clearer strategic outline are essential before we move forward.”

Shaping the Future of Technical Training in West Africa
If successfully implemented, the J. A Plant Pool-LiuGong-LZPU International Training Centre will become a premier destination for technical and vocational training in West Africa. It will empower students with practical knowledge, certified expertise, and a pathway into rewarding careers in the construction and heavy equipment industries.

Stay tuned as Ghana takes a bold step forward in engineering education, where innovation meets industry, and local talent is prepared for global impact.