The Art Tech Institute was launched in Accra, Ghana — marking a major milestone in the jewelry industry in Ghana. Founded by Sue Kumah Boateng, the Institute is the educational arm of Sue Shimmers Jewelry, a renowned fine jewelry manufacturing company established in 2012 in Accra, Ghana.
The launch event was graced by dignitaries from various industries, signaling the widespread support and recognition for the initiative.
The primary objective of the Institute of Art Technology is to standardize and strengthen training programs in the jewelry industry, with an emphasis on skill development and job creation. Over the years, Sue Shimmers has been instrumental in training many individuals, including students, newcomers and industry professionals. Notable among these efforts was the six-day Skill Upgrading Training Program organized for 40 members of the Ghana Jewelers Association, generously funded by the Ghana Skills Development Fund.
Strategic partnerships form the backbone of the Art Tech Institute’s operations, as evidenced by its partnership with the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR). Located at the CSIR-IIR campus in East Legon, this partnership provides the Institute with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including advanced 3D technology. Dr. Agyenim, Director of CSIR-IIR, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, highlighting its potential to promote innovation and industrial development in Ghana.
Dr. Fred Asamoah Kyei, Director General of the Council for Tertiary and Vocational Education (CCVET), stressed the imperative of adding value to Ghana’s natural resources. He highlighted the need for collaboration between industry, academia and government to develop local capacity and reduce dependence on imported goods. Keynote speaker Mr. Phillipe Ayivor, retired Coca-Cola executive and Master Card Foundation Advisory Board member, echoed this sentiment, urging stakeholders to explore opportunities across the entire value chain of the precious jewelry market.
The event also featured input from Ms. Margaret Boateng Sekyere, President of Societe Generale Bank, who highlighted the importance of synergy between academia, industry and research for wealth creation. Dunwell, Fund Manager of the Ghana Skills Development Fund. Mr. Jonathan Ababio, President, Jewelers Association of Ghana. Executives from the American, British and Danish Chambers of Commerce, industry professionals and other distinguished guests further enriched the occasion with their perspectives and support.
In her speech, Sue Kumah Boateng shared her long-held dream of establishing the Art Tech Institute, driven by the desire to share her extensive experience in the industry and empower future generations of jewellers. He emphasized the importance of internships and hands-on training to nurture talent and promote entrepreneurship. Sue reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to promoting women’s inclusion and fostering collaboration for skills and job creation.
The launch of the Art Tech Institute, which took place on November 9, 2023, heralds a new era of innovation and excellence in the Ghanaian jewelery industry. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on skill development, the institute aims to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs, capable of driving economic growth and reducing unemployment. As stakeholders rally behind this visionary initiative, the outlook for Ghana’s jewelery sector shines brighter than ever.