Empowering the Next Generation: ECG Gifts Substation Panels to KNUST to Boost Practical Learning

In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to advancing technical education in Ghana, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ashanti Sub-Transmission Region, has donated two high-voltage substation panels to the Electrical Engineering Laboratory of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The donation, which includes a 33kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) panel and an 11kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) panel sourced from Accra, forms part of ECG’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and practical industry experience.

The initiative was born out of a realization by ECG that most electrical engineering students who report for industrial attachment often lack sufficient hands-on familiarity with substation operations and high-voltage systems. Speaking during the presentation, the General Manager of ECG Ashanti Sub-Transmission, Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher, explained that the gesture was inspired by the company’s desire to help shape a generation of industry-ready engineers who can confidently handle real-life operational systems.

“We realized that while students from KNUST and other institutions are very strong in theoretical knowledge, they have limited exposure to the operational environment of power systems,” Ing. Fletcher noted. “As industry players, we see it as our responsibility to help bridge that practical gap and prepare them adequately for the world of work.”

He further emphasized that ECG remains committed to supporting educational institutions in developing the technical competencies required to sustain Ghana’s growing energy sector. According to him, equipping students with practical knowledge will not only improve their employability but also enhance innovation and safety within the industry.

To ensure that the university’s laboratory staff can make full use of the equipment, Ing. Opoku Anane, a Protection and Control Supervisor and Electrical Engineer with ECG Ashanti Sub-Transmission, led a specialized hands-on training session for the department’s technical team. The session provided practical instruction on substation operations, safety protocols, system protection, and the overall functionality of both GIS and AIS panels. This capacity-building exercise will enable the university’s lecturers and technicians to replicate similar training for their students, ensuring a lasting impact.

Officials from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at KNUST expressed profound gratitude to ECG for the thoughtful and timely support. Representing the Dean, the department’s leadership commended the utility company for demonstrating a forward-looking partnership that blends industry needs with academic development. They noted that the donation would “significantly enhance students’ understanding of power systems and boost their confidence in handling complex electrical infrastructure.

“This collaboration between ECG and KNUST is a fine example of how academia and industry can work together to advance national development,” a senior lecturer remarked. “With these substation panels now available in our laboratory, our students can experience real-world engineering without leaving campus. It’s an invaluable addition to our teaching and research resources.”

The gesture by ECG reinforces the company’s long-standing dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers and fostering innovation within Ghana’s energy landscape. By integrating modern equipment into the country’s foremost engineering institution, ECG not only strengthens technical education but also supports the broader national vision of developing a skilled workforce capable of sustaining Ghana’s energy transition and infrastructural growth.

The donation marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between KNUST and ECG, and both institutions have pledged to deepen their partnership through future projects, including internships, research collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at transforming the study and practice of electrical engineering in Ghana.