Sunyani: The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani has launched the first Satellite Communication (SATCOM) training center in West Africa, starting with an inaugural cohort of 25 trainees from different academic backgrounds.

According to Ghana News Agency, the SATCOM facility is part of the University’s Earth Observation Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC) and is set to offer both national and international certifications. The center provides short and professional courses tailored for industry professionals and individuals looking to enhance their skills in satellite communication.

Professor John Kuwornu, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Technology, highlighted the university’s dedication to imparting practical and industry-relevant skills to its graduates during the inaugural Cohort Training in Sunyani. The training center aims to accommodate diverse learning styles through a hybrid model that includes both in-person and online sessions. Prof. Kuwornu emphasized the center’s role in advancing workforce skills in SATCOM, positioning the nation as a regional leader in this field.

The training center is designed to not only prepare trainees for employment but also to empower them to become entrepreneurs, thereby fostering job creation and reducing unemployment. Dr. Prince Antwi-Agyei, Head of EORIC, stated that the curriculum was developed in collaboration with industry players to meet market needs, ensuring that participants are trained by a certified satellite installer and receive global certification from Oasis Network.

Dr. Antwi-Agyei also expressed gratitude to the Ghana Skills Development Fund for investing GHS2 million into the center and acknowledged the support from other stakeholders. Mr. Evans Akpene Yaw Adom, the Project Lead, outlined the center’s objective to excel in satellite communication training, research, and innovation, aiming to drive technological advancement and sustainable development.