Ghana: Energy Commission certifies 31 electrical engineers from Gold Fields

Thirty-one (31) electrical engineers from Gold Fields Ghana have earned Energy Commission certification. This achievement follows their completion of wireman licensing training and successful passage of the electrical wiring certificate examination.

Six individuals received certification as electrical wiring inspectors, while twenty-five were certified as electrical wiring professionals, specializing in either the industrial or commercial category.

At a special graduation ceremony held at the Tarkwa mine in the Western Region, the individuals were presented with their certificates. They received their certificates after reciting the certified electrical wiring professional’s pledge.

The electrical engineers received praise for being recognized as the top candidates nationwide across the inspectors, industrial, and commercial categories.

Furthermore, four of these individuals were honored with five special awards, including recognition for the overall best candidate, overall best female candidate, best industrial candidate, best commercial candidate, and the first runner-up in the electrical wiring examination.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr Anthony Bleboo, the Director of Electricity and Natural Gas at the Energy Commission said, “Through a rigorous examination process, we strive to certify competent electricians who play a pivotal role in the advancing of our energy infrastructure and enhancing public safety.”

According to him, a total of 938 practitioners nationwide registered for the certification exams in November and December 2023. Out of this number, 752 individuals successfully passed the exams, resulting in a pass rate of 80.1%.

To become certified by the Energy Commission under the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), electrical wiring practitioners are required to undergo wireman licensing training and successfully pass the necessary written, oral, and practical examinations.

Mr. Bleboo mentioned that since 2013, the Commission has certified a total of 15,545 electrical wiring professionals and inspectors.

The Engineering Manager for Gold Fields Ghana, Elliot Twum, commended the electrical engineers for excelling in the exams and reminded them that they are expected to uphold the highest standards.

He said, “The most important thing is to use the knowledge you have acquired to enhance what you do here [Gold Fields]. It’s always useless if you have knowledge and you don’t use it. So, the reason we sent you to go through training and get certification is to raise the standard of our wiring here on site.”

Described as a star student by her trainers, Emmanuella Essuon, who won the overall best female candidate award, assured that they were up to the task.

“As an apprentice with Gold Fields, continuous learning and technical training have contributed to this great achievement. I believe this award is a stepping stone for me to explore more in the field of engineering to deliver excellent results.

“I encourage females to take up engineering programmes. I believe with determination, we can build a strong network in the field of engineering,” she added.