Accra: The German Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Robert Bosch Ghana, and Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, has officially launched the Professionalisation of Artisans (ProfArts) mobile application in Accra. The mobile application is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for local artisans in Ghana's building and construction industry by securely connecting them with customers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ProfArts mobile application offers features such as secure profiles for artisans and clients, a search function by location and type of service, and real-time messaging for service discussions. It also includes booking tools with calendar synchronisation, integrated payment options, and a rating system for artisans and customers to enhance trust and service quality across the sector.
Ms. Chantel Kristin Lahmer, representing the German Ambassador to Ghana, noted that the ProfArts project began five years ago under the Special Initiative Decent Work for a Just Transition, part of the Invest for Jobs brand by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in close cooperation with GhIE, Robert Bosch Ghana, Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, UVEX Safety Germany, and other supporting partners.
Ms. Lahmer emphasized that the ProfArts application builds on existing achievements by securing fairer working conditions for artisans, expanding their customer base, and ensuring professional services that meet industry standards. The commitment to using digital tools to strengthen local economies and promote sustainable development in Ghana remains strong.
Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, stated that the Government acknowledges the potential in the construction sector and supports initiatives like ProfArts that formalize the informal sector. He highlighted that the ProfArts app could increase the sector's attractiveness to the youth by providing dignified employment opportunities.
Mr. Opare Addo further explained that the ProfArts project is set to transform Ghana's construction industry by dispelling the misconception that construction work lacks professional dignity, while also creating new opportunities for the skilled youth. He encouraged artisans and consumers to utilize the app for its benefits and to promote decent jobs for all.
Mr. Samuel Magnus Asiedu, Executive Director of GhIE, reaffirmed the institution's dedication to enhancing skills, trust, and market access for artisans. He acknowledged the role of the ProfArts project in onboarding craftsmen onto the GhIE register, in compliance with legal requirements. The next phase with GIZ will focus on capacity building, licensing, and onboarding new artisans onto the app.