A hundred construction and Civil Engineering students of Takoradi Technical University have completed training in using STEIN for pavement. STEIN, which means rock, a soil hardener for pavement construction, is a Japanese technology for pavement, and it is expected to change the phase of road infrastructure construction in Ghana in the near future.

The 10-day STEIN training was made possible through TTU’s collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, Ghana, to drive sustainable development in Ghana’s construction sector.

The beneficiary trainees who are expected to be ambassadors and experts of the new Pavement technology in Ghana were trained with skills in soil characterisation and the use of the STEIN technology in pavement construction.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun commended UNIDO and SPEC Company Limited for their invaluable partnership and support in making the training initiative a reality.

Prof. Eshun highlighted the significant benefits the university has gained from its partnership with UNIDO, emphasizing the transformative impact of the collaboration.

“This achievement is a testament to the success of the TTU-UNIDO Partnership Programme, which aims to promote sustainable construction technologies in Ghana. Through this collaboration, we have not only introduced an innovative Japanese soil-hardening technology but have also equipped our students and professionals with the skills needed to revolutionize Ghana’s infrastructure landscape,” he stated.

Giving the breakdown of the STEIN product, Prof. Matthew Kwaw Somiah of TTU, who is a UNIDO-accredited STEIN trainer explained that STEIN is available in three Varieties- STEIN R- for Roads, STEIN M- for Mortar for masonry works and STEIN EC- for concrete works.

He noted that the students were taken through the characteristics, applications, and implementation of STEIN R as a soil hardener, particularly its use in road construction.

Prof. Somiah Kwaw also emphasized that Assanko Mines has been designated as a demonstration centre for STEIN application, and students will be taken there to gain hands-on experience with its use.

Eric Gyenin, Officer in Charge of UNIDO Ghana Field Office, expressed gratitude to TTU for allowing a successful partnership.

He emphasized UNIDO’s key policy in partnering with technical universities like TTU to support industrial skill development.

Mr. Gyenin added that UNIDO looks for the best practices around the globe and try to support industrial transitions, for example, promoting the use of STEIN products from Japan to improve road infrastructure and reduce government spending in Ghana.

General Manager of SPEC company limited of Japan, Shiyo Kamibayashi, who are the agent for the STEIN product underscored that the Stein product was developed in Japan in 1975 as a construction material.

She highlighted several benefits of the Stein product, including its ability to harden any type of soil by adjusting the mixture ratio. Thus, helps reduce costs by utilizing on-site soil, and suitable for constructing canals, water ponds, feeder roads and farm roads-facilitating smoother transportation to markets and ports, thereby helping to reduce food loss.

Western Regional Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Baba Ayine Akatili, commended the Vice Chancellor for initiating such a valuable collaboration with UNIDO, which he encouraged its sustainability.

Whiles commending UNIDO for making such initiatives a reality, he emphasised that the Stein technology transfer from Japan to Ghana into the Civil and construction Engineering sector is a good example of international technology transfer into the country.

He also urged the students to ensure good utilization of the knowledge and skills gained to impact positively in the construction sector of our economy.

All 100 students who completed the training programme were presented with their certificates of completion, while the Vice Chancellor on behalf of TTU also received a certificate of appreciation for its collaboration.