Genser Energy, a leading energy company in Ghana, has donated a gas turbine package to Takoradi Technical University in the Western Region to enhance hands-on learning and research for students and teaching staff of the institution.
The 5.2megawatt gas turbine comprises gas turbines, ancillary generator, reduction gear-box, air-inlet filter system/duct/ventilator, fuel-conditioning system, lube oil cooler system and hurst boiler that will help students to understand the processes of generating power on site. The donation is premised on Genser’s dedication to supporting technical education in Ghana.
At a brief ceremony to hand the turbine over to the university on Tuesday (25 September), Daniel Ayi – Vice-President-Operations, Genser Energy Ghana Ltd., said the independent power producer’s gesture is aimed at building the students’ technical capacity.
“This gas turbine package is not only a piece of machinery; it is a powerful tool for hands-on learning,” said Ayi. “It will provide students with practical knowledge and skills which prepare them for real-world challenges.
“This kind of experiential learning is invaluable – it bridges the gap between theory and practice, creating a holistic educational environment reflecting Genser Energy’s dedication to nurturing technical knowledge and fostering talent,” Ayi added.
According to him, the donation is part of Genser’s determination to propel Ghana into embarkimg on a journey that will empower the next generation of engineers and innovators.
For his part, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor – Takoradi Technical University (TTU), expressed his profound gratitude to Genser for its invaluable support to the university.
Rev. Prof. Eshun said in this digital age of rapid technological advancement, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever before; and it is imperative that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge and attitude to thrive in this evolving landscape.
“However, that task cannot be achieved by this institution alone. It requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, especially industry, to help bridge the gap between the classroom and world of work – and that is exactly what Genser Energy Ltd. has done today,” Rev. Prof. Eshun stated.
He said the equipment will undoubtedly enhance the quality of education and research in the university. “It will further empower the Faculty of Engineering to provide hands-on training and practical experiences to our students… and I’m confident that our students will rise to the occasion and use this equipment to push the boundaries of innovation and knowledge,” Rev. Prof. Eshun noted.
The gas turbine package, he stated, has come at a critical stage of the technical university; it having recently been accredited to start a new Masters’ programme in power production systems. He promised that TTU will make good use of the gas turbine machines to advance the use of technology in shaping and driving Ghana’s development.
“I would like to thank Genser Energy Ghana Ltd. for this kind gesture. Looking at the value of the equipment, we have to ensure that we put it to good use,” Prof. Eshun added.
Speaking to media after the event, Daniella Akowuah, Supply Chain Manager-Genser Energy, said building Ghanaian youths’ capacity is one of the energy firm’d cardinal goals. “At Genser Energy, we have a culture of giving lots of opportunities for young ones in the industry to acquire hands-on skills. We believe this donation will go a long way to boost technical education in Ghana,” she said.
Students of TTU were also grateful to Genser Energy for its kind support, saying the equipment is a game-changer and will go a long way to broaden their technical knowledge for the job market. “It will go a long way to enhance teaching and learning methods since we are much focused on competence-based training,” said Ebenezer Mensah, a second-year student reading Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at TTU.
Over 80 percent of Genser Energy’s staff is Ghanaian, as it strives to give more opportunities for locals to work in providing energy solutions to the industrial and mining sectors of Ghana and other parts of Africa. Earlier this year, the company completed 110kms of natural gas pipeline construction in Ghana – and the team’s average age was 32.
