A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Kia Corporation-Republic of Korea, and Rana Motors.
The MoU aims to advance technical expertise in the West Africa Vehicle Academy (WAVA) and nurture a skilled workforce for the future.
This agreement marks a significant milestone for the automotive industry in Ghana. Under this MoU, Kia Corporation has pledged to provide essential technical training tools and vehicles to Rana Motors. This commitment demonstrates Kia’s dedication to ensuring top-tier services for their customers in Ghana.
This facility has provided the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the automotive industry, and also contribute to the development of Ghanaian society through an industry-academic cooperation programme with government and public education institutions.
As a symbol of this partnership, Kia Corporation will donate several items to WAVA – including the EV6, a crossover utility electric vehicle that offers advanced features and a unique design. They are also donating the Sorento HEV, a mid-size SUV that will assist in various activities and provide efficient space utilisation.
Additionally, Kia will give WAVA its Smart Stream Diesel Engine – the third generation of their diesel engine featuring new technologies; and the E-GMP Drive System, which integrates the motor and reducer. They are also providing three types of transmission – 7-speed DCT, 8-speed DCT, and IVT – as well as basic tools for EV training and two units of Oculus Quest2 for EV preparation. These items will not only benefit EV technicians at Rana Motors, but also be used by the Ghana government and public education institutions.
Speaking during the ceremony, Head of Ownership Enhancement-Kia Corporation, Kwangbyong Lee, mentioned that the MoU is not just about Kia Corporation and Rana Motors but about the people of Ghana, the future workforce and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
On his part, Chief Operating Officer for Rana Motors, Kassem Odaymat said: “We are honoured and privileged that Kia Corporation has chosen to support our existing academy with automobile technical training, to help improve the required skills and capabilities of technicians who will have an opportunity to undergo training at the WAVA facility situated here at Rana Motors”.
He explained that the idea of WAVA started 5 years ago with the support of GIZ and Bosch. The objective was to offer technical training programmes on the use of state-of-the-art diagnostics equipment and software; and training technicians across different vehicle manufactures to use them professionally.
WAVA continues to offer an extensive range of technical training modules (Basic & Advanced) to ensure trainees and businesses have a competitive edge in the car service sector. It is important to mention that WAVA is well-positioned to handle the tools, equipment and training materials to be provided by Kia.
This MoU marks a new chapter in the auto industry in Ghana, with a strong focus on technical expertise and sustainable development. It is a testament to the commitment of both Kia Corporation and Rana Motors toward building a brighter future for Ghana and its people.
