Tuesday, April 12, 2011

African Engineers: Kofi Asiamah

In engineering circles in Ghana, Kofi Assiamah is famous for two achievements. Metal spinning lathes built first in the country and as such it is an industry was born a few years more than one hundred five thousand workers employed in small enterprises was. Secondly, the first trainees recruited and trained craftsmen and women the same opportunities their peers to actively encourage the establishment of the rule was the owner. These and many other ways to Kofi Asiamah savior Tema machinery and equipment manufacturing in the last two decades of the twentieth century kokompes pioneered a technical and social revolution.

S & (KNUST) Technology, Kumasi Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) in Kumasi in 1980, the first intermediate technology transfer unit in Suame Magazine (ITTU) and Tamale in the Northern Territory in the second ITTU opened in 1986. In 1987, ITTU program Industry, Science and Technology (mist), ministry ITTU free project was taken over by the third theme in the Greater Accra region was opened in1988. From the outset, a theme ITTU was the most enthusiastic and active customers Kofi Asiamah.

Kofi Asiamah when he first came into contact with ITTU already a small machine shop and welding equipment had some power. His main activities at that time were built and bench saws for local carpenters to repair and build schools metal frames, tables and chairs for restaurants and institutions stacking. He is also a small non-ferrous metal casting furnace which his nephew used the same complex was built.

When TEMA ITTU wanted to promote the participation of women in engineering skills that can not be the savior workshop for training in the acquisition is Kofi Asiamah took senior female intern. This type of apprenticeship training is a collaborative organization that began several years continue. Kofi ITTU has become a frequent visitor and every new activity that emerged was to survive. When Sosthenes and Robert made his Swiss ITTU Buatsi the lathe turning metal brought a coffee before their potential was identified.

Aluworks aluminum sheet plant in Tema was available Buatsi brothers spun aluminum dishes were a roaring trade. Kofi Asiamah felt that the demand for these products, far greater than can be supplied by an imported lathe and produce a local copy of the resolution was made. After a few months of use there has emerged a successful product to buy machines and proven ability to engage in an enterprise there was no shortage of eager entrepreneurs. Kofi soon their product was struggling to keep up with demand.

Each product has a metal mold is spun on the lathe rotates formed as needed. Molds mostly brass or bronze created by melting down scrap metal became appropriate. Kofi kiln site using molds casting his nephew's work is set. Over a new machining center supplied free by the project was completed on lathes. Dhaarniyt every size and household utensils, bowl or pan size was produced, up to and including large water vendors and other market traders were at the head of the bowls. The big brass molds for these products requires many workers to lift them in and out of shaping the final lathe.

Kofi Asiamah now training under the increasing flow of young men and women with a successful and rapidly expanding business ran. He gained Tema ITTU claimed to help, but always ready to give back in return. New events, exhibitions, open days and training as he was for many ITTU ITTU as participate in programs was for him. Adjorlolo like Solomon in Kumasi, Kofi ITTU customer association, a copy of my colleagues and a role model and mentor for engineering the next generation of entrepreneurs become a leading figure.